EBRD ups annual investment volume

The EBRD is raising the level of its investments to €8bn this year, in response to the continuing effects of the global financial crisis and increased demand for financing. The bank’s board of directors has agreed to increase the annual investment volume by a further €1bn, bringing the target for 2009 to 52% more than the bank had invested in 2008.

Reflecting an increased demand for financing from the countries of operations, the bank’s annual business volume reached €5.8bn by the end of August 2009, 95% above the volume reached at the same time last year.

The additional funds will allow the bank to continue to respond to the increased needs of its clients by supporting the banking sectors and ensuring that financing flows continue, in particular to small and medium-sized enterprises.

EBRD president Thomas Mirow says: “The economic environment continues to be pose a challenge for many in our region, but the EBRD is well-equipped and ready to continue to provide support where it is most needed. Our investments so far this year underscore that commitment.”

The EBRD plans for increased spending follow the September 5 appeal by the G-20 to international financial institutions to make full use of their capacity in response to the current crisis.

The envisaged increase of the EBRD’s funding in 2009 will be financed from the bank’s reserves. Additionally, and consistent with the appeal from the G-20, the shareholders of the bank are reviewing the long-term capital requirements of the EBRD to ensure that it has adequate funding for the years to come.

Since the global crisis has started spreading to the bank’s region, the EBRD has intensified its engagement with its existing clients. It is working closely together with governments and other international financial institutions countries where it invests to address key vulnerabilities revealed by the crisis.