Crystal has secured USD 11.5 million loan from the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE). This new facility will be directed toward financing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women entrepreneurs reinforcing Crystal’s mission to foster entrepreneurship and strengthen Georgia’s economy.
Over the years, Crystal has been a trusted partner for small businesses, providing access to the financing they need to grow and prosper. As a licensed microbank, Crystal not only enhances its lending capacity through facilities such as the EFSE loan but also develops tailored banking solutions. In doing so, it deepens its support for MSMEs and advances inclusive and sustainable economic development across Georgia.
Ilia Revia, CEO of Crystal, commented– “Supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening MSME sector in Georgia has always been at the core of Crystal’s mission. This new facility enables Crystal to further expand its offerings to new and existing clients, combining tailored financing with innovative non-credit banking solutions.”
Oxana Binzaru, Regional Director at Finance in Motion added: “By channeling long-term GEL financing to Crystal, EFSE is helping ensure that Georgian entrepreneurs – especially women-led businesses – have the resources to grow and scale sustainably. Our partnership with Crystal is all about creating the conditions for inclusive growth and resilience in Georgia’s MSME sector.”
About Microbank Crystal
Founded in Georgia, Crystal is recognized as one of the country’s leading financial institutions, known for its sustained growth and robust reputation. On February 12, 2025, the company officially received its microbank license from the National Bank of Georgia. With 27 years of experience, a loan portfolio of over 600 million GEL, a team of more than 1,000 employees across 48 branches, and a client base exceeding 100,000 individuals nationwide, Crystal continues to be a key player in Georgia’s financial landscape. The company maintains strategic partnerships with major international and local financial institutions.
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