Maib and EBRD expand their partnership to support SMEs in Moldova

The leader of Moldova’s banking sector is strengthening its role as a strategic partner for local companies by expanding the risk-sharing facility developed together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The facility’s ceiling has been increased from EUR 20 million to EUR 35 million, enabling maib to provide up to EUR 70 million in new financing to companies across the Republic of Moldova.  

The agreement was signed by Giorgi Shagidze, CEO of maib, and Arvid Tuerkner, EBRD Managing Director for Ukraine and Moldova, in the presence of Giuseppe Grimaldi, the newly appointed Head of the EBRD Office in Moldova, and Catarina Bjorlin Hansen, who will be taking on a new role in Iraq. 

The facility allows maib to share its exposures to local companies through an unfunded risk participation mechanism, thereby strengthening the bank’s capacity to expand financing for local businesses — particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).   

Arvid Tuerkner, EBRD Managing Director for Ukraine and Moldova, stated: 

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with maib and, through this facility, to help expand access to finance for SMEs, which represent the backbone of the country’s economy.” 

Giorgi Shagidze, CEO of maib, emphasized: 

“As the leader of Moldova’s banking sector, we are committed to supporting SMEs. We believe they are the true engines of the economy – creating jobs, improving products and services, and driving innovation. That is why we focus on expanding access to finance, helping entrepreneurs discover new opportunities and build a stronger, more sustainable Moldova. We are grateful to the EBRD for its support in making this vision a reality.” 

Maib, the largest bank in the Republic of Moldova with a market share of over 30%, has been a long-standing partner of the EBRD, collaborating since 1995. In 2025, maib was named “Best Bank in Moldova” for the fourth consecutive year by Global Finance magazine.  

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About EBRD

EBRD is a multilateral bank that supports private sector growth and entrepreneurial initiative across 42 economies spanning three continents. The Bank is owned by 77 countries, together with the EU and the EIB. The EBRD’s investments aim to build competitive, inclusive, well-governed, green, resilient, and integrated economies across its regions of operation.

About maib

Maib is the largest bank in the Republic of Moldova, serving nearly one-third of the country’s population. Since 2018, its largest minority shareholder has been a consortium that includes the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Invalda INVL, an asset management group from the Baltic states, and Horizon Capital, a private equity fund focused on emerging markets.