ArmInfo. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Ameriabank have signed a $100 million loan agreement to expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Armenia, including women-led businesses, and to scale up green investment, Ameriabank announced.
The project includes a loan of up to $100 million, with up to 75% allocated for MSME lending and at least 25% for green finance, including renewable energy and energy efficiency. At least 10% of the financing will support women-owned MSMEs. ADB will also provide technical assistance of up to $125,000 to strengthen Ameriabank's capacity, including support for financial integrity systems and the establishment of a sustainability competence center.
The financing will support MSMEs across the country, helping businesses invest in growth, improve competitiveness, and adopt more sustainable practices. This project represents ADB's largest private sector transaction in Armenia to date.
"This project will expand access to finance for MSMEs — especially women-owned enterprises — while advancing green investments in Armenia," said ADB Armenia Country Director Lyaziza Sabyrova. "By providing longer-term financing, we are supporting businesses to grow, create jobs, and contribute to a more inclusive and climate-resilient economy."
Hovhannes Toroyan, Chief Financial Officer at Ameriabank, commented: "We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with the ADB in supporting MSMEs across Armenia through greater access to affordable financing. As Armenia's largest lender, with a strong focus on green and sustainable finance, we remain committed to driving inclusive growth and supporting the country's long-term economic development."
MSMEs are central to Armenia's economy, accounting for nearly 70% of employment and over 65% of gross domestic product, yet the need for financing among them remains high. The project supports Armenia's efforts to promote private sector development, expand access to finance, and advance climate- resilient growth.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Working with its member countries and partners to jointly address complex challenges, ADB uses innovative financial instruments and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and preserve our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 countries, 50 of which are from the region.
Ameriabank is a leading financial technology institution in Armenia and plays a vital role in the country's economy. As part of its digital transformation strategy, the Bank introduces and continuously improves unique products, services, and innovative platforms designed to meet the financial and non-financial needs of its clients. As a dynamically developing fintech environment, Ameriabank offers seamless solutions to improve quality of life.
According to the Financial Rating of Armenian Banks as of December 31, 2025, prepared by ArmInfo Investment Company, Ameriabank is the leader in corporate lending volume - 1.1 trillion drams ($2.8 billion), providing a 2.2-fold growth over the past three years and a 29.1% annual growth. Ameriabank ranks 2nd in SME lending - 335.2 billion drams ($879 million), with a 2-fold growth over the past three years and a 24% annual growth. SME lending accounts for 19% of the bank's loan portfolio, and Ameriabank's share of the total volume of such loans in the market exceeds 18%. Loans to SMEs account for over 31% of Ameriabank's corporate loan portfolio. Ameriabank is the most active lender to priority sectors of the economy—industry, agriculture, construction, and trade—with a total of 852 billion drams ($2.2 billion) invested in these sectors. This represents over 79% of the bank's corporate loans, and their share in the bank's overall loan portfolio reaches 48%.
