Signature(s)
Summary sheet
- Credit lines - Credit lines
The project concerns a guarantee for an existing portfolio of loans and leases to small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-caps by the EIB Group to support Allianz Bank Bulgaria's lending expansion in the small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-caps sector including focus on projects supporting green objectives.
The aim is to increase availability of finance for projects carried out by small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-caps operating in the industry, agriculture and services sector. The project contributes to the EIB's SMEs Lending priority and Climate Bank Roadmap, thereby also supporting EU policy objectives. The project has a 25% share of Climate Action and is eligible under Article 309 point (a) projects for developing less-developed regions and point (c) common interest."
The project contributes to the Bank's lending priority objectives on SMEs, as well as on climate action (transversal). Through an intermediated approach, the Bank will reach SMEs and MidCaps financing small and mid-size projects, which could otherwise not be reached. In addition, the operation supports the financial intermediary's sustainability strategy, increasing its lending in the sector and diversifying its funding sources. The project addresses a number of market failures: From the continuously existing and further widening financing gap stemming from higher interest rates for SMEs, the gap in long tenor financing for Climate Action projects. The EIB's contribution is notable. It offers a guarantee for a subordinated (mezzanine) tranche, increasing the Intermediary's capacity to underwrite new loans. It's a novel product for the market (only 3rd such transaction in Bulgaria) and it is expected to achieve regulatory capital relief for the Intermediary. The EIB participation has a signalling effect to the market, highlighting the viability of the structure.
Final beneficiaries will be requested to comply with applicable national and EU legislation, as appropriate.
Final beneficiaries will be requested to comply with applicable national and EU legislation, as appropriate.