Croatia: agreement between PBZ and EBRD to expand loans to businesses

Privredna Banka Zagreb (PBZ), a subsidiary of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group in Croatia, is the first bank to benefit from a risk-sharing framework for credit exposure to the companies it finances, promoted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

In particular, the EBRD will guarantee up to 65% of each sub-loan, with a commitment of up to €75 million, allowing PBZ to:

• expand financing opportunities for growing companies, whether large enterprises or SMEs
• enhance risk-taking capacity and obtain capital relief.

PBZ is the second-largest bank and financial group in Croatia by assets, with a market share of approximately 20% in various operating segments.

Part of the International Subsidiary Banks Division, PBZ became a regional banking hub following the acquisition of the majority stakes of Intesa Sanpaolo banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia.