Cistran Finance Exploring the Spirit of Capitalism's New Frontier

Thursday, March 28, 2024

EBRD to help Bai Tushum Bank expand loan offerings

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Bai Tushum Bank (BTB) said on Thursday that they have signed an agreement that will let BTB offer longer terms and larger loans to its clients.

BTB, one of the largest financial institutions in the Kyrgyz Republic, started out as a micro-financing institution that focused on small loans in the nation's rural areas. It later became a bank and began to increase and diversify its client base.

With this agreement, BTB will become a partner bank with the EBRD, which will take on half of the risks associated with these larger loans.

“We have worked closely with the EBRD since Bai Tushum was a micro-finance institution," Gulnara Shamshieva, BTB's general manager, said. "Bai Tushum Bank highly appreciates this partnership. The financing and technical assistance provided by the EBRD have been key for our growth and institutional development. Our new cooperation under the risk-sharing facility will enable BTB to develop its portfolio of medium-size firms. The EBRD support will also expand economic possibilities for entrepreneurs.”