📋 Tender Overview
Project ID: 56538
Status: In Exploratory, Pending Final Review
Location: Uzbekistan
Business Sector: Financial Institutions
Notice Type: Private
Environmental Category: FI
Approval Date: 21 Oct 2025
Disclosure date: 27 Oct 2025
Project Description
The provision of a senior loan of up to $5 million in two equal tranches in USD or equivalent in the local currency in favour of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank Universal Bank to support private micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Uzbekistan. At least 30 per cent of each tranche of the EBRD proceeds to be disbursed to women-led MSMEs.
Project Objectives
The MSME loan will allow Universal Bank to diversify its funding base and expand lending to private MSMEs with a focus on attracting new clients and reaching borrowers located outside the capital city of Tashkent.
Transition Impact
ETI score: 60
This Project will continue the EBRD's support of the financial sector in the country through supporting relationships with the financially sound banks servicing MSMEs. The MSME loan will foster competitiveness by supporting Universal Bank to grow its loan portfolio to private MSMEs. The availability of the loan in the local currency as well as requirements to comply with financial covenants and maintain good portfolio quality will contribute to resilience of the institution.
Client Information
UNIVERSAL BANK JSC
Universal Bank is a privately-owned financial institution established in Kokand (the Fergana Valley), Uzbekistan in 2001. The bank provides a wide range of financial services to local MSMEs and retail customers and operates through nine branches in Fergana Valley and Tashkent regions.
