European Merchant Bank Joins EBRD Trade Facilitation Programme as Confirming Bank

European Merchant Bank (EMBank) has entered a new phase in its international development by joining the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) Trade Facilitation Programme as a confirming bank. The partnership brings stronger support for Lithuanian companies trading with markets where the EBRD operates, offering improved transaction security and more flexible financing conditions for both exporters and importers.

EMBank CEO Sarp Demiray emphasises that the new relationship strengthens the bank's standing both domestically and abroad. He notes that participation in the programme gives Lithuanian businesses access to safer settlement structures, allowing them to better navigate trade activity with emerging markets and contribute to the country's export growth.

The EBRD Trade Facilitation Programme supports cross-border commerce by providing guarantees to international confirming banks, covering the political and commercial payment risks of local issuing banks. These guarantees enable a wide range of trade finance instruments, including letters of credit and various types of payment undertakings. Since its establishment in 1999, the programme has facilitated billions of euros in international trade and continues to expand its global network, promoting growth, market connectivity and safer trade flows.
By joining the programme, EMBank gains the ability to intermediate trade finance transactions under EBRD guarantees with more than 130 banks across 28 countries. Ezgi Karaca Yeşiloz, Head of Financial Institutions at EMBank, highlights that this capability is particularly valuable for Lithuanian exporters working with partners in frontier or higher-risk markets. She explains that EMBank can now confirm transactions, issue guarantees and extend financing covered by EBRD risk-mitigation structures. In practice, this means local companies benefit from secure payment arrangements and can expand their international reach with greater confidence.

She further notes that participation in the programme positions EMBank as an active contributor to international trade finance. The strengthened capability not only supports Lithuanian exporters by giving them access to reliable financial instruments, but also improves the bank's overall portfolio and international presence.

EMBank is now one of five Lithuanian banks participating in the Trade Facilitation Programme, marking a significant milestone as the institution continues to build its role in supporting the country's trade ecosystem. The bank sees the partnership as an essential step toward advancing safer, better-structured international trade while helping Lithuanian businesses unlock new commercial opportunities abroad.

The EBRD is a multilateral development bank and one of the largest institutional investors in Lithuania. To date, the Bank has invested almost €2 billion in the country across 150 projects, with a focus on the energy transition, private-sector competitiveness and the development of the financial sector.

Company Name: European Merchant Bank (EMBank)
Contact Person: Dilek Isik
Email: dilek.isik@em.bank
Country: Lithuania
Address: Pirkliu Klubas, Gedimino 35, 01119, Vilnius, Lithuania
Website: https://em.bank/

European Merchant Bank (EMBank) is a specialised, ECB-licensed bank headquartered in Lithuania with a focus on providing reliable, well-structured banking solutions for businesses and fintechs. The bank offers corporate lending, trade finance, payment services and deposit products designed to support companies as they grow. EMBank combines a strong regulatory foundation with a commitment to responsible banking practices, serving clients across the globe while contributing to Lithuania's financial and economic development.

This release was published on openPR.