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Ameriabank has signed a $200 million long-term loan agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support climate finance initiatives, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and women-owned MSMEs in Armenia. The agreement, the largest ever signed between IFC and a financial institution in Armenia, represents a significant milestone in advancing Armenia’s green transition, enhancing climate resilience, and aligning with both national and global climate goals. Half of the funding will be allocated to climate finance projects, a quarter to MSMEs, and another quarter to women-led MSMEs.

This partnership and transaction reflects Ameriabank's commitment to promoting sustainable development and driving transformative change, reinforced by its leading position as the financial institution with the largest loan portfolio in Armenia and its impressive green finance achievements.

Over the coming years, the investment is expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 40,000 tons of CO2 equivalent.

Artak Hanesyan, CEO of Ameriabank, said: “This long-term loan agreement stands out as the largest of its kind ever signed between IFC and a financial institution in Armenia. Beyond its scale, the agreement is significant for its purpose: supporting business initiatives and services that address climate change challenges, empower women entrepreneurs, and contribute to a sustainable future for Armenia.”

He added: “We deeply appreciate IFC’s decade-long partnership and our shared commitment to creating opportunities for businesses and people in Armenia.”

In Armenia, IFC aims to close infrastructure gaps and reduce carbon footprints through investments in renewables and climate adaptation. Additionally, IFC works to improve access to finance for MSMEs and supports the growth of a greener economy in partnership with financial institutions.

“This partnership is part of IFC’s strategy to boost private investment in sustainable development,” said Marcelo Castellanos, IFC’s Senior Regional Manager for the Financial Institutions Group in Europe. “Ameriabank, a leader in climate financing, is a strategic partner in advancing these goals. By providing long-term funding, we aim to demonstrate the viability of climate finance products and inspire replication and scaling across Armenia’s financial sector.”

As the largest lender to Armenia’s economy, Ameriabank boasts a total gross loan portfolio of AMD 1,1 trillion, including an SME gross portfolio of AMD 252 billion as of September 2024. The latter reflects an impressive 25% growth from the previous year and a three-year CAGR of 21.6%. Over the past three years, the number of SME clients has increased by 45%, now representing a 25% share of the market.

Since 2009, the bank has financed energy efficiency and renewable energy projects worth over USD 250 million with the support of international financial institutions and impact investors. To date, Ameriabank has secured USD 1.4 billion in financing from various international financial institutions, directing these funds toward Armenia's vital economic sectors.