BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund, managed by Swiss impact investment manager BlueOrchard Finance Ltd, and Microbank Crystal have strengthened their partnership through a new USD 16 million credit facility. The financing is denominated in GEL and will be disbursed in multiple tranches, aligned with the company’s liquidity and portfolio growth requirements. The funding will support Crystal’s continued expansion, with a focus on MSMEs and the agricultural sector in Georgia, particularly in rural areas.
BlueOrchard has been a long-standing partner of Microbank Crystal, supporting the company’s development, including during its transformation into a microbank. Access to local currency funding remains a key component of effective financial risk management, reducing foreign exchange exposure and enabling greater flexibility in structuring products tailored to client needs.
Ilia Revia, Chief Executive Officer of Microbank Crystal quoted:
“Our continued cooperation with BlueOrchard reflects strong confidence in Crystal’s mission and long-term vision. This facility will allow us to expand financing to both existing and new clients, further strengthening our market position and contributing to sustainable economic development in Georgia.”
Kaspars Delins, Head of Origination / CEE, Central Asia and Middle East of BlueOrchard Finance
“This investment reflects BlueOrchard’s continued commitment to expanding financial inclusion in Georgia. We are pleased to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Microbank Crystal and to help unlocking opportunities for MSMEs and agricultural entrepreneurs, particularly in underserved rural areas where access to finance remains critical for economic development.”
About BlueOrchard
BlueOrchard is a leading global impact investment manager with more than two decades of experience partnering with financial institutions in emerging and frontier markets. Established in 2001 as part of a United Nations initiative, the firm has been a pioneer in impact investing and is the manager of the world’s largest and oldest commercial microfinance fund.
With deep local expertise and experience across more than 100 countries, BlueOrchard provides flexible, long-term capital solutions tailored to financial institutions serving micro, small and mid-sized enterprises, as well as direct lending to high-impact companies. Beyond financing, the firm works closely with portfolio companies to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness, helping to deepen and scale positive impact in their communities.
As part of Schroders, a global asset manager with a heritage spanning more than 200 years, BlueOrchard combines specialist impact investing capabilities with institutional-grade infrastructure and governance.
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 28 years of experience, a loan portfolio of over 600 million GEL, a team of more than 1,000 employees across 47 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.