BSTDB and Ameriabank Join Forces to Boost SME Financing in Armenia
Press Release | 27-Mar-2026
Fresh financing will support SME investment and strengthen Armenia’s private sector
The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) and Ameriabank, one of Armenia’s leading financial institutions, have signed an agreement for a subordinated loan of up to EUR 15 million to support private sector development and job creation in the country.
By reinforcing Ameriabank’s capital position and expanding its lending capacity, the BSTDB financing will enable the bank to increase financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), an important driver of Armenian economy.
Welcoming the agreement, Dr. Serhat Köksal, President of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, said: “We are delighted to partner yet again with Ameriabank to strengthen Armenia’s private sector and promote economic growth. The new facility reflects BSTDB’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable development across its member countries and to enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of the financial and SME sectors throughout the Black Sea region.”
Artak Hanesyan, CEO of Ameriabank stated: "We are pleased with the new agreement with the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our capital strategy and underscores our commitment to driving sustainable economic growth through targeted industrial and service-related investment. The proceeds will be deployed directly toward the creation, expansion, and diversification of our facilities across several key sectors, including industrial production, agriculture, trade, and services.”
Ameriabank is the largest lender in Armenia with 21.7% market share and top 2 by assets and one of the most profitable and digitally advanced banks in the region. Ameriabank is a member of Lion Finance Group, the larger regional financial group, which also includes Bank of Georgia (the largest bank in Georgia), while EBRD remains a strategic shareholder (10%). Lion Finance Group has joined FTSE 100, a leading benchmark for the UK equity market, as confirmed on 4 March 2026 by FTSE Russell.
The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.
Contact: Haroula Christodoulou
Find us at: LinkedIn / Facebook / Instagram / X
