EMBank Strengthens International Trade Capabilities Through Partnership with EBRD

European Merchant Bank (EMBank) has expanded its international trade finance capabilities by joining the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) Trade Facilitation Programme as a confirming bank. This new role enables the bank to support Lithuanian businesses with greater transaction security and access to improved financing terms when trading with partners across the EBRD's regions of operation.

Discussing the partnership, EMBank CEO Sarp Demiray highlights its importance for the bank's development. He points out that taking part in the programme strengthens EMBank's presence not only in Lithuania but also internationally, as it allows the bank to facilitate safer trade activity in markets where risks may be higher or where companies require additional assurances. He notes that the cooperation will help Lithuanian exporters and importers operate with increased confidence as they expand their commercial reach.

The EBRD Trade Facilitation Programme focuses on enabling more reliable cross-border trade by offering guarantees to confirming banks. These guarantees cover political and commercial payment risks associated with local issuing banks and support a range of trade finance solutions, including letters of credit and various types of guarantees. Since its creation in 1999, the programme has become a major driver of trade development across the EBRD's countries of operation, supporting billions of euros in commercial activity and strengthening regional connectivity.

EMBank's admission to the programme means it can now engage in trade finance transactions backed by the EBRD with a network of more than 130 banks in 28 countries. According to Ezgi Karaca Yeşiloz, Head of Financial Institutions at EMBank, this represents a meaningful expansion of the bank's capabilities. She explains that EMBank will be able to confirm trade transactions, issue guarantees and extend financing under EBRD risk coverage, providing Lithuanian clients with the comfort of secure settlements when working with partners in developing or frontier markets.

She also notes that this collaboration allows companies to enter new markets with better financial protection and improved access to trade-related funding. By providing instruments backed by a trusted international institution, EMBank helps businesses manage their exposure and enables smoother, more predictable international operations. This approach aligns with the bank's aim to increase its involvement in the global trade finance arena and diversify the support it offers to Lithuanian firms.

EMBank now joins a small group of five Lithuanian banks participating in the EBRD Trade Facilitation Programme, marking a significant step in its commitment to strengthening the country's international trade environment. The partnership reinforces the bank's focus on delivering secure and reliable trade finance solutions while supporting the broader growth of Lithuania's export sector. With this collaboration, EMBank continues to build its international footprint and provide businesses with safer pathways to expand their operations worldwide.
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.