EMBank Partners with EBRD to Expand Safer Trade Pathways for Lithuanian Businesses

When European Merchant Bank (EMBank) received confirmation of its acceptance into the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's (EBRD) Trade Facilitation Programme, the moment marked more than a technical milestone. For the bank's leadership, it represented a strategic shift toward a broader role in international trade finance-one designed to give Lithuanian companies a stronger footing in markets where trust, structure and security are essential.

Reflecting on the partnership, EMBank CEO Sarp Demiray explains that this opportunity aligns with what the bank has been steadily building. "By becoming a partner of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the field of international trade, we are strengthening EMBank's position in Lithuania and abroad," he says. He underlines that Lithuanian exporters and importers will now benefit from safer and more flexible financing terms when dealing with countries in which the EBRD operates. "This partnership allows us to support businesses more effectively while contributing to the growth of the country's exports."

For many firms, especially those working with new or higher-risk markets, confidence in settlement and payment processes is essential. This is precisely what the EBRD programme aims to address. By issuing guarantees to confirming banks, the initiative covers political and commercial risks associated with local issuing banks, supporting transactions such as letters of credit, guarantees and other trade finance structures. Since its launch in 1999, the programme has facilitated billions of euros in trade and continues to build stronger links across diverse regions.

EMBank's role as a confirming bank means it can now intermediate transactions backed by EBRD guarantees with a network spanning more than 130 banks across 28 countries. For Ezgi Karaca Yeşiloz, Head of Financial Institutions at EMBank, this is where the practical value becomes clear. "Through this partnership, we will be able to intermediate trade finance transactions under EBRD guarantees with more than 130 banks across 28 countries," she explains. She illustrates a common example: when Lithuanian exporters trade with companies in EBRD-participating regions, EMBank can step in to add confirmations, issue guarantees or provide financing backed by EBRD coverage. "This arrangement ensures that our Lithuanian clients' payments are fully secured and allows them to expand their international network in frontier markets by accessing new funding opportunities," she says.

Karaca Yeşiloz notes that the programme brings benefits to both sides. Lithuanian exporters gain access to safer, internationally trusted instruments, while EMBank strengthens its position in the global trade finance space. "We are delighted to contribute to the country's export growth while further improving our bank's portfolio and international presence," she adds.

Only five Lithuanian banks take part in the EBRD Trade Facilitation Programme, placing EMBank within a select group shaping the country's access to structured international trade. As the partnership progresses, the bank expects to support a growing number of businesses seeking secure, well-supported pathways into new markets.

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.