Strategic Cooperation Launched
PrivatBank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have signed their first agreements aimed at expanding access to finance for Ukrainian businesses. The cooperation marks the beginning of a systematic partnership focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and post-war reconstruction projects.
$100 Million Risk-Sharing Agreement
The first agreement provides a $100 million risk-sharing facility to support lending to micro, small and medium-sized businesses across key sectors:
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Agriculture
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Processing industry
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Logistics
Special emphasis is placed on women-led companies, which will account for around 35% of the portfolio.
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Loan amounts: $10,000 – $100,000 per business.
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Limit per borrower or group: up to $1 million.
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IFC assumes up to 50% of credit risk, covering a maximum of $50 million.
$20 Million Trade Finance Guarantee Line
The second agreement establishes PrivatBank as an issuing bank under IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP).
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IFC provides a $20 million trade finance guarantee line.
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Ukrainian exporters and importers gain easier access to international markets.
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This will help companies expand trade routes and integrate into global supply chains.
Who Can Apply?
Enterprises must meet SME criteria:
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Fewer than 250 employees.
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Annual income not exceeding €50 million.
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Total assets not exceeding €43 million.
International Support for Resilience
The agreements are supported by the governments of France and the Netherlands under the IFC Economic Resilience Program (ERA) for Ukraine. This provides additional incentives tied to performance indicators.
Beyond SME lending, the IFC partnership aims to:
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Mobilize private capital for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
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Develop public-private partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure and energy.
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Strengthen Ukraine’s role in international trade networks.
Conclusion
The PrivatBank–IFC agreements mark a new stage in channeling international financing to Ukrainian SMEs. With $120 million in facilities, businesses will gain access to loans, trade finance tools, and global markets — boosting resilience, innovation, and reconstruction in Ukraine’s economy.
