EFSE strengthens long-term partnership with maib through EUR 20 million subordinated loan to boost MSME growth in Moldova

The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) is deepening its long-standing collaboration with maib, Moldova’s leading bank, by providing a EUR 20 million, 10‑year subordinated loan aimed at strengthening the bank’s capital position and further expanding its lending capacity to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

This 20‑year strategic partnership between EFSE and maibhas mobilized over EUR 50 million in funding complemented by extensive advisory and capacity-building support across ESG, climate risk management, and sustainable banking practices.

With this new facility, EFSE is supporting maib in scaling its ability to provide stable, long-term financing to local businesses—enabling entrepreneurs to invest, grow, and reinforce Moldova’s economic resilience.

Oxana Binzaru, Regional Director at Finance in Motion: “This investment marks the next chapter in our partnership with maib and strengthens our shared commitment to Moldova’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By reinforcing maib’s capitalization, we are expanding its capacities to provide stable, long-term financing to local businesses. When entrepreneurs can access reliable funding, they invest with confidence, create jobs, and build resilience. Together, through partnership and purpose, we are strengthening the foundations of Moldova’s economy.”

Macar Stoianov, Deputy Chairman of maib: “Maib connects Moldova’s businesses to international best practices, innovative financial and lifestyle solutions, and long-term funding, supporting economic development. This agreement strengthens maib’s ability to provide sustainable financing to entrepreneurs and SMEs, helping them invest, create jobs, and drive the country’s modernization. It also reflects the trust of EFSE and Finance in Motion, with whom maib has a 20-year partnership, including previous subordinated loans. We are grateful for their continued support in fostering a more competitive and dynamic business environment.”

 

About EFSE
The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) is an impact investment fund to drive economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the Caucasus. Through its two sub-funds—the Regional Sub-Fund (RSF) and the Ukraine Sub-Fund (USF)—EFSE provides tailored financial solutions to foster entrepreneurship, strengthen financial inclusion, and support local economies. EFSE was initiated in 2005 by KfW Development Bank with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Commission. As the first public-private partnership of its kind, EFSE draws its capital from donor agencies, international financial institutions, and private institutional investors. Finance in Motion GmbH, Germany, serves as EFSE’s Portfolio Manager and Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services S.A., Luxembourg, acts as manager.  

For more information on the European Fund for Southeast Europe, please visit: www.efse.lu  

 

About Finance in Motion
Finance in Motion structures, manages, and advises almost €4 billion across 10 funds, all classified as SFDR Article 9. These private market funds drive impact for people and planet through regional financial intermediaries, direct investments, advisory and capacity building. Founded in Germany, with local expertise from Latin America to Eastern Europe, it has been investing in emerging markets for over 20 years.  
For more information, please visit: www.finance-in-motion-com     

 

About maib
Maib is the largest bank in Moldova, with a share of 35.5% of deposits and 37.7% of loans of the entire banking system as of the end of Q3 2025. Maib is a disciplined lender with an NPL ratio of 1.0% (IFRS) and is well-capitalised with a CAR of 20.7% as of 30 September 2025. The Bank is of systemic importance to the country, serving nearly half of the population and is one of the largest private employers in Moldova, with a workforce of over 2,500 people. The Bank is committed to returning capital to shareholders, having paid out 45% of its 2024 profits in dividends (totalling nearly EUR 32 million). Maib is well-known in Moldova and internationally for its customer-centric approach and leadership in innovation having received a number of recognitions, such as Best Bank in Moldova, Best SME Bank in the region and other. Since 2018, maib's largest shareholder has been a consortium that includes the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Invalda INVL, a leading asset management group in the Baltic States, and Horizon Capital, a private investment fund focused on emerging markets. 

For more information on maib, please visit: www.maib.md