ASIATODAY.ID, TBILISI — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a GEL 270 million (around US$100 million) financing package for JSC TBC Bank, signaling a major push to expand affordable credit for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)—the backbone of Georgia’s economy.
Under the partnership, up to 70% of the loan will be channeled directly to MSMEs, with at least 20% earmarked for women-owned and women-led enterprises and no less than 30% dedicated to green investments aligned with the National Bank of Georgia’s green taxonomy.
The move positions MSMEs at the heart of Georgia’s green and inclusive growth agenda.
“Strengthening the private sector is a core priority for ADB,” said Lesley Bearman Lahm, ADB Country Director for Georgia on January 26, 2026.
“MSMEs are the engine of economic growth in Georgia, and this partnership with TBC Bank will help unlock long-term, affordable financing to support business expansion, job creation, and sustainability.”
Longer Loans, Greener Growth
The financing will enable MSMEs to access stable, longer-tenor loans—a critical gap in Georgia’s credit market—while accelerating the adoption of low-carbon and climate-resilient business practices.
The project is expected to support Georgia’s national target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 35% from 1990 levels by 2030, while strengthening the role of MSMEs in the national economy.
ADB will also provide US$250,000 in technical assistance to help TBC Bank build in-house green finance expertise, including tools to better estimate and report borrowers’ greenhouse gas impacts.
Banking on Inclusion
TBC Bank CEO Vakhtang Butskhrikidze welcomed the expanded cooperation, calling it a strategic boost for inclusive growth.
“This financing will further strengthen TBC Bank’s ability to support MSMEs across Georgia by expanding access to long-term funding,” he said.
“Our focus on MSMEs, women-led businesses, and green investments is fully aligned with our long-term strategy and Georgia’s development priorities.”
The project will also deepen rural outreach through TBC Bank’s nationwide network, helping stimulate local entrepreneurship, raise incomes, and create jobs beyond major urban centers.
A Strategic Fit for Georgia
The initiative aligns with ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy for Georgia (2024–2028), which prioritizes private sector investment, small business development, and environmentally sustainable growth.
TBC Bank remains Georgia’s dominant financial services group, holding 37.2% of customer loans and deposits as of September 2025, according to the National Bank of Georgia. Its parent company, TBC Bank Group PLC, is listed on the London Stock Exchange (ticker: TBCG) and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index, FTSE4Good, and MSCI UK Small Cap Index.
ADB’s Long-Term Bet on Georgia
Since 2007, ADB has committed more than US$5 billion to Georgia through loans, grants, and technical assistance, including around US$1 billion in private sector investments.
The bank aims to help transform Georgia into a green, inclusive regional gateway, while supporting policy reforms, resilient infrastructure, and regional integration.
Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, including 50 from Asia and the Pacific, and plays a leading role in financing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development worldwide. (AT Network)
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