Search
Search
- EBRD to provide a risk-sharing facility to DeFacto’s suppliers, with a particular focus on SMEs
- Facility to support a supply-chain finance programme together with Akbank
- Project aims to strengthen supply-chain resilience and accelerate ESG transformation
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a risk-sharing facility for the benefit of DeFacto Perakende Ticaret under Akbank’s Supply Chain Finance Programme.
The facility will enable timely access to finance at discounted rates for DeFacto’s suppliers in Türkiye, strengthening the company’s supply chain. A total of 57 suppliers – mostly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – will be supported in achieving environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, in line with the company’s sustainability strategy.
DeFacto, founded in 2005, operates in more than 100 countries, serving over 100 million customers through more than 500 stores and a robust online platform. The company employs more than 13,000 people.
Supply-chain resilience remains crucial for Türkiye to support export-driven industries, secure the flow of essential goods and foster stable growth. Resilient supply chains ensure continuity of trade, enhancing Türkiye’s competitiveness as a regional logistics hub.
To ensure successful implementation, the project will include incentives from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) II Fund to encourage suppliers to achieve ESG targets, as well as funding for baseline analysis, roadmap preparation and target definition. IPA II, provided by the European Union, helps build the capacity of beneficiary countries, resulting in progressive, positive developments in the region.
Greg Guyett, EBRD First Vice President, said: “I am very pleased to have met with DeFacto during my visit to Türkiye, and even more so to be signing a transaction that will strengthen the competitiveness of Turkish suppliers. This partnership not only supports the growth and innovation of a leading company but also helps to enhance Türkiye’s position in global value chains.”
Şebnem Muratoğlu, Akbank Executive Vice President of Treasury and Financial Institutions, said: “Supply-chain finance is fundamental to the strength and stability of the economy. By enabling businesses to optimise liquidity, sustain operations and maintain the continuous flow of goods and services, it ensures the resilience and efficiency of entire value chains. It benefits both buyers and suppliers alike, creating a balanced ecosystem where growth can thrive. At Akbank, we are proud to support this transaction through our Supply Chain Finance Programme, contributing to the continuity and sustainability of the supply network.”
Hamdi Burgaçoğlu, Chief Financial Officer of DeFacto, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with the EBRD and Akbank to enhance the financial resilience and sustainability performance of our supply chain. This partnership not only provides our suppliers with access to more affordable financing, but also supports them in advancing their environmental and social transformation efforts alongside us.
“At DeFacto, we believe that truly sustainable growth is possible only through the collective progress of our entire ecosystem. This initiative represents a significant milestone in our journey towards building a more inclusive, resilient and low-carbon supply chain for the future.”
The EBRD is one of Türkiye’s key investors, committing more than €23 billion to over 500 projects since 2009, largely in the private sector.