The Crimea market has begun to see steady financial support from Sberbank for local businesses. The bank reports that since it started serving legal entities on the peninsula, small and micro-enterprises have secured loans totaling over 230 million rubles. This milestone reflects growing access to capital for entrepreneurs working in the region and signals a broader push to foster regional business resilience.
Since March 2023, when Sberbank expanded its services to Crimean legal entities, the bank has welcomed more than 400 local business owners to open current accounts with the lender. The increase in accounts indicates a rising level of formalized business activity and a linked readiness to engage with formal banking relationships that support day-to-day operations and growth plans.
To broaden lending opportunities for Crimean enterprises, Sberbank and the Crimean Guarantee Fund have inked an agreement under which the fund will provide guarantees for loan transactions by residents of the republic. This partnership is designed to reduce the risk borne by lenders and open access to financing for businesses that may face collateral limitations in the region.
“To help develop business on the peninsula, Sberbank is seeking new partners”, remarked Anatoly Popov, Deputy Chairman of the Board at Sberbank. “The Crimean Guarantee Fund can guarantee up to 70 percent of the financing amount, with a cap of 50 million rubles per borrower. This policy enables a company to secure a loan even if it cannot meet standard collateral requirements. The agreement we signed serves as a crucial driver for regional economic growth and helps local enterprises scale their activities.”
Experts note that enabling access to credit through guarantees is a meaningful step for Crimea, where small firms often navigate higher perceived risk and limited collateral options. By extending guarantees, lenders can more confidently support equipment purchases, inventory expansion, working capital needs, and other growth-focused activities. The collaboration aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the peninsula’s financial ecosystem, encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation while ensuring responsible lending practices. (Source: Sberbank press service)