EBRD invests in AikGroup to support growth and wider banking sector development in south-eastern Europe

• EBRD invests up to €64 million in AikGroup for 5 per cent equity stake
• Investment will support regional expansion, digital transformation and stronger governance
• AikGroup commits to climate transition planning and enhanced cybersecurity standards

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is investing up to €64 million in AikGroup, one of the fastest-growing banking groups in south-eastern Europe, through the purchase of newly issued shares representing a 5 per cent stake in the company.

The investment will support AikGroup’s strategy of expanding across the Adriatic region through acquisitions and organic growth, helping to strengthen the group’s position as a regional banking platform. The EBRD will also appoint a nominee director to AikGroup’s board, reinforcing corporate governance and supporting strategic decision-making as the group pursues further international expansion.

Headquartered in Cyprus and supervised by the European Central Bank, AikGroup owns banking subsidiaries in Serbia (Aik Banka), Slovenia (Gorenjska Banka) and Montenegro (Hipotekarna Banka). The group has grown rapidly in recent years through a series of acquisitions and now manages total assets of more than €10 billion. Its medium-term ambition is to increase total assets to €17 billion in the next three to five years, supported by acquisitions and continued organic growth across the region.

Francis Malige, the EBRD’s Managing Director for Financial Institutions, said: “Strong, transparent regional banking groups play an important role in advancing good governance in their respective banking sectors, as well as supporting private-sector growth and economic integration. Through this investment, the EBRD is backing AikGroup’s vision of building a leading regional banking platform, while helping to strengthen governance standards, enhance digital capabilities and advance climate and cybersecurity resilience. We look forward to working closely with AikGroup as it continues to expand across the region and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals.”

Razvan Munteanu, AikGroup CEO, said: “We are thrilled to be joined by EBRD as our new shareholder. Having EBRD as a strategic partner is a strong endorsement of our strategy and our ambition to build a leading financial group in the Adria region, creating lasting value in the markets in which we operate. This development confirms the progress as well registered by the group in implementing the best standards for a robust business model and corporate governance. By combining AikGroup’s regional presence and expertise with EBRD’s global experience, we are well positioned to accelerate the region’s economic transition, while the EBRD’s investment will support further market expansion and operational efficiencies.”

The EBRD’s investment is expected to help boost the competitiveness of the regional banking sector by supporting further market expansion, operational efficiencies and digital innovation. AikGroup plans to roll out new digital solutions across its subsidiaries, including enhancements to mobile banking applications and online lending platforms that will enable automated loan approvals, broader customer reach and more efficient banking services.

The project will also promote higher standards of corporate governance and resilience. Through this investment, AikGroup will benefit from technical cooperation support that aims to strengthen cybersecurity and data governance across the group, in line with the EU Digital Operational Resilience Act. In addition, EBRD’s appointment of a nominee director will provide additional independent and international experience to support the group’s further growth and international expansion.

In addition, AikGroup has committed to developing and implementing a climate transition plan aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The plan will support the integration of climate considerations into governance, strategy, risk management and disclosure practices across the group and its subsidiaries.

The transaction is consistent with the EBRD’s Financial Sector Strategy and the Bank’s approach to accelerating the digital transition, while supporting the development of a competitive, well-governed and resilient banking sector across the Western Balkans and broader Adriatic region.