BSRDB and Ameriabank signed second $15 million contract for SME loaning

ArmInfo. The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) and Ameriabank signed the second loan agreement for $ 15 million for a period of 5 years to provide financial support to Armenia's small and medium-sized businesses. Ameriabank press service told ArmInfo.  "SME development is a common goal and a key priority for the two banks. Thanks to these funds, Ameriabank will be able to provide long-term financing to small and medium-sized enterprises in Armenia, which is so necessary for growth, increasing the competitiveness of SMEs and creating new jobs," the Bank said in its official message.

Director General of Ameriabank Artak Anesyan noted that the loan will help Ameriabank to strengthen its positions in the SME lending market and expand the opportunities for support aimed at developing the country's economy. "We are honored to continue partnership with the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank," he said.

The vice president of BSTDB on banking Igor Leshukov stressed that within the framework of today's agreement, a loan on SMEs is the second provided to Ameriabank. "We are glad to continue cooperation with the leader of the banking sector and implement our strategic plans for Armenia, giving the bank an opportunity to contribute to the development of the country's economy in general and the SME sector in particular," he concluded.

According to the Financial Rating of Armenian Banks as of December 31, 2012, prepared by IC ArmInfo, Ameriabank continues to lead in terms of key financial indicators. The bank's assets amounted to 677.7 billion drams ($ 1.4 billion, the first position), credit investments - 487.4 billion drams (over $ 1 billion, 1st position). In the loan portfolio of the Bank, the share of SME loans accounts for over 18% or 84.7 billion drams ($ 175 million, the 2nd position on the market). In the total lending to SMEs on the banking market, Ameriabank's share reaches 13%. In 2017, the Bank completed with a net profit of 7.7 billion drams ($ 16 million, 1st position), with growth of 24%.

CJSC Ameriabank is a universal bank that provides investment, corporate and retail banking services in the form of a comprehensive package of banking solutions. The bank has been operating in the Armenian market since October 31, 1996. The branch network of Ameriabank includes 14 divisions, out of which 9 are metropolitan and 5 are regional ones. With the entry of a new shareholder in Ameriabank's capital, the equity participation was distributed as follows: Ameria Group CY Ltd. - 56.6%, EBRD - 17.8%, Asian Development Bank - 13.9% and ESPS Holding Limited - 11.7%. Distinctive awards: from Euromoney (2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011), from Global Finance (2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012), from The Banker / FT (2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010), from Commerzbank has been awarded the "STP-Award" award since 2008.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial organization founded by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. The headquarters of BSTDB is located in Thessaloniki (Greece). BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, capital and guarantees for projects and trade finance to public and private sector companies in participating countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is 3.45 billion euros. BSTDB received a long-term rating "A-" from the agency Standard and Poor's and "A2" - from Moody's.