EFSE partners with AIK Banka to support financing of MSMEs in Serbia
The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) established a partnership with AIK Banka Serbia, to boost financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country, with high focus on rural regions.
As part of this cooperation, EFSE is providing a EUR 30 million loan that meets the minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL). This financing will provide AIK Banka with the ability to offer MSMEs financial solutions tailored to their needs, enabling them to invest in growth, create jobs and contribute to local economic development. A special focus will be on rural areas, where access to finance is often more difficult for companies.
“This investment marks an important step in our efforts to support Serbia’s MSMEs.” said Jasminka Begert, Fund Director of EFSE at Finance in Motion. “By establishing a partnership with AIK Banka, EFSE strengthens its commitment to channeling financing where it can have the most impact—enhancing the financial sector's capacity in these regions to drive long-term sustainable development.”
Petar Jovanović, CEO of AIK Banka, said: “We strongly believe that a market as a whole is as successful as all its constituents. This is the idea which fuels our growing commitment to supporting micro, small and medium enterprises in growing their businesses. Through this partnership with EFSE, we will further fuel economic empowerment of businesses which constitute the majority of Serbian economy and so, support long-term development of the entire market.”
About EFSE
An impact investment fund established in 2005, the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) aims to foster economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the European Eastern Neighbourhood Region. EFSE was initiated by KfW Development Bank with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Commission. As the first public-private partnership of its kind, EFSE draws its capital from donor agencies, international financial institutions, and private institutional investors. Finance in Motion and Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services S.A., Luxembourg, co-manage the fund.
For more information on the European Fund for Southeast Europe, please visit: www.efse.lu
About Finance in Motion
Finance in Motion structures, manages, and advises almost €4 billion across 9 funds, all classified as Article 9. These private market funds drive impact for people and planet through regional financial intermediaries, direct investments, advisory and capacity building. Founded in Germany, with local expertise from Latin America to CEE, it has been investing in emerging markets for over 15 years.
www.finance-in-motion.com
About AIK Banka A.D.
AIK Banka, a member of the regional Agri Europe Cyprus Group, is one of the fastest-growing banks in Serbia, offering a comprehensive range of services to individuals, businesses, and the public sector through a universal approach.
As a bank that is continuously evolving and expanding, we are committed to providing digital services, fostering constant innovation, and supporting our clients by delivering services and benefits synonymous with modern banking. Our goal is to be the first choice for all clients, anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, we actively support local communities, contributing to the improvement of living and working conditions across all areas.
AIK Banka's business network includes 62 branches across 37 cities in Serbia, one of the largest ATM networks in the country with over 400 locations, and more than 1,000 employees within the Bank's system.