EBRD €30 million facility to support Serbian businesses under Trade Facilitation Programme

• EBRD extends €30 million revolving factoring facility to AikBank under the Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP)
• Transaction marks the first local-currency operation under the TFP in Serbia
• Facility strengthens access to working capital for Serbian SMEs and supports the growth of domestic supply chains with innovative factoring solutions

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has extended a €30 million revolving factoring credit facility to AikBank under its Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP), marking several key milestones for both institutions and the development of Serbia's trade finance market.

The facility will enhance access to working capital finance for Serbian companies. AikBank has already allocated the full €30 million to financing domestic factoring transactions in response to strong market demand for local-currency trade finance solutions.

While the facility is structured on a €30 million equivalent basis, the funds are being disbursed in Serbian dinars (RSD), making it the first local-currency transaction ever supported under the TFP in Serbia. It demonstrates the EBRD's commitment to developing local-currency financing solutions that better meet the needs of domestic businesses and financial institutions.

The facility is expected to play an important role in supporting Serbian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by improving access to working capital and strengthening liquidity throughout domestic supply chains. Factoring enables companies to convert outstanding invoices into immediate cash, allowing them to finance growth, pay suppliers and manage day-to-day operations without having to wait for customer payments to fall due.

The availability of funding in RSD provides an additional benefit by eliminating foreign-exchange risk for businesses whose revenues and expenses are primarily denominated in local currency. This gives companies greater certainty and predictability, helping them to manage their finances more effectively while supporting the continued development of Serbia's domestic economy.

The financing will be delivered through AikBank's recently launched digital factoring platform, which enables businesses to access funding more quickly and transparently and further expands the availability of modern working capital solutions across Serbia.

The transaction demonstrates how the longstanding partnership between the EBRD and AikBank continues to evolve through innovative financing solutions that respond to the needs of Serbian businesses. By combining local-currency funding, digital delivery channels and increased access to factoring finance, the facility is expected to contribute to the growth, competitiveness and resilience of the country's private sector.