UniCredit Leasing Serbia (UCL) is set to receive a senior loan of up to €40 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) under the WB Green Outcomes-Linked Debt Financing Framework (GOLD).
The loan, fully guaranteed by UniCredit Bank Serbia, was approved on 29 January 2025 and is currently in the exploratory stage.
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The funding aims to support UCL in providing leases to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized businesses (Midcaps) in Serbia, facilitating their business growth and transition to green economy practices. At least 30% of the loan will target investments aligned with the Green Economy Transition (GET) initiative, promoting low-carbon and climate-resilient technologies.
The project aligns with the EBRD’s GOLD objectives by increasing access to financing for SMEs, fostering innovation, and scaling up green investments. It also introduces outcome-based incentives to drive sustainable lending practices across Serbia’s financial sector.
UniCredit Leasing Serbia, with €193 million in total assets and an 11.6% market share as of Q3 2024, is a long-standing EBRD partner known for efficiently deploying funds to priority economic segments.
Environmental and social safeguards are integral to the project, with UCL required to maintain robust systems to manage risks and adhere to EBRD performance standards. The initiative will also be supported by donor-funded technical assistance and up to €490,000 in results-based compensation to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of green investments.
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By GlobalDataThis innovative financing mechanism is expected to set a benchmark for sustainable lending in Serbia, enhancing SME competitiveness and contributing to the country’s green transition.
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