Project Description
The proposed project consists of a US$ 5 million syndicated loan to an Azeri private bank, Unibank.
The project will provide Unibank with access to international markets to raise medium term financing for on-lending to local private enterprises.
Transition Impact
The project will play a significant role in mobilisation of new sources of funds by bringing foreign capital and new international financiers to the Azerbaijani financial sector. This will be the first syndicated loan arranged by EBRD to an Azerbaijani bank, as private banks in Azerbaijan have very limited access to such types of funding. At present, IFIs are the only potential foreign providers of medium and long term financing and the local capital market remains non-existent.
It is also expected that the project will have an impact on strengthening SMEs development in Azerbaijan by promoting financial intermediation.
The Client
Unibank Commercial Bank, an open joint-stock company, is one of the leading private banking institutions in Azerbaijan, that was incorporated in 2002 as a result of a merger between M-Bank and Promtechbank. EBRD is a 20% shareholder in Unibank.
EBRD Finance
The project is a syndicated loan structured in two portions. EBRD will finance an A-portion (up to 3 years maturity) of the loan for up to US$ 1.5 million, while a B-portion (up to 2 years maturity) of the loan of up to US$ 3.5 million is expected to be financed by the participating banks.
Project Cost
US$ 5 million.
Environmental Impact
Unibank will be required to carry out its operations in accordance with EBRD's Environmental Procedures for Local Banks. In implementing these procedures, the bank will require its borrowers to comply, at a minimum, with national and/or local health, safety, environmental and public consultantion requirements.
Technical Cooperation
Unibank has been benefiting from two projects on the technical assistance:
(i) assistance of consultants helping Unibank to establish proper credit approval procedures and processes
(ii) assistance of consultants focusing on the issues of institutional building.
Company Contact
Mr. Faig Huseynov, Chairman of the Management Board
Tel: +994 12 98 22 44/45
Business opportunities
For business opportunities or procurement, contact the client company.
For state-sector projects, visit EBRD Procurement: Tel: +44 20 7338 6794
Email: procurement@ebrd.com
General enquiries
EBRD project enquiries not related to procurement:
Tel: +44 20 7338 7168
Email: projectenquiries@ebrd.com
Public Information Policy (PIP)
The PIP sets out how the EBRD discloses information and consults with its stakeholders so as to promote better awareness and understanding of its strategies, policies and operations. Please visit the Public Information Policy page below to find out how to request a Public Sector Board Report.
Text of the PIP
Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM)
The Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM) is the EBRD's accountability mechanism. It provides an opportunity for an independent review of complaints from individuals and organisations concerning EBRD-financed projects which are alleged to have caused, or are likely to cause, environmental and/or social harm.
Please visit the Project Complaint Mechanism page to find information about how to submit a complaint. The PCM Officer (pcm@ebrd.com) is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the submission of a complaint and criteria for registration and eligibility, in accordance with the PCM Rules of Procedure.
