Macro support
for micro businesses
The Entrepreneurship Fund
Mission
The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) aims to foster economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the Eastern Neighbourhood Region by investing in the success of micro and small enterprises as well as improved living conditions for private households.
Approach
EFSE invests in carefully selected local financial intermediaries for on-lending to micro and small enterprises and private households. These investees include commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and non-bank financial institutions such as leasing companies.
In addition, the EFSE Development Facility provides technical assistance, training, and other non-financial support to institutions and individuals to anchor and multiply the fund’s impact. Together, EFSE and its Development Facility build an environment that fosters sustainable entrepreneurship.
EFSE’s Target Region
EFSE invests in the dynamic markets of Southeast Europe and the EU Eastern Neighbourhood Region. Currently operating in 16 countries, EFSE coordinates its local activities through the regional offices of its advisor, Finance in Motion.
Please click on your country of interest.
Albania
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 2
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 111,710,718
Number of active end-borrowers: 83
Development Facility project volume: EUR 2,397,742
Armenia
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 5
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 608,354,458
Number of active end-borrowers: 4,553
Development Facility project volume: EUR 1,431,371
Azerbaijan
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 1
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 227,725,032
Number of active end-borrowers: 198
Development Facility project volume: EUR 719,075
Belarus
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 1
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 68,593,792
Number of active end-borrowers: 171
Development Facility project volume: EUR 158,592
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 13
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 717,043,427
Number of active end-borrowers: 17,533
Development Facility project volume: EUR 5,107,066
Bulgaria
Active Number of Partner Institutions: na
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 45,918,867
Number of active end-borrowers: na
Development Facility project volume: EUR 25,430
Croatia
Active Number of Partner Institutions: na
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 24,630,301
Number of active end-borrowers: na
Development Facility project volume: EUR 619,438
Georgia
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 5
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 1,103,673,541
Number of active end-borrowers: 26,105
Development Facility project volume: EUR 3,145,903
Kosovo
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 5
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 304,305,658
Number of active end-borrowers: 3,308
Development Facility project volume: EUR 3,393,796
North Macedonia
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 3
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 210,281,657
Number of active end-borrowers: 2,257
Development Facility project volume: EUR 904,713
Moldova
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 1
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 168,819,171
Number of active end-borrowers: 295
Development Facility project volume: EUR 2,431,496
Montenegro
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 3
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 236,739,319
Number of active end-borrowers: 2,658
Development Facility project volume: EUR 1,133,539
Romania
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 8
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 1,067,239,138
Number of active end-borrowers: 13,064
Development Facility project volume: EUR 1,628,529
Serbia
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 4
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 1,296,393,018
Number of active end-borrowers: 19,716
Development Facility project volume: EUR 2,145,458
Turkey
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 8
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 1,649,613,301
Number of active end-borrowers: 14,364
Development Facility project volume: EUR 3,539,640
Ukraine
Active Number of Partner Institutions: 5
Cumulative volume of sub-loans since inception: EUR 258,767,108
Number of active end-borrowers: 934
Development Facility project volume: EUR 830,578
SOUTHEAST EUROPE
European Eastern Neighborhood Region
Who Does EFSE Finance?
EFSE provides funding to local financial institutions that have confirmed their commitment to the fund’s mission, and which have the capacity to reach entrepreneurs and private households. By supporting the ability of these financial intermediaries to serve EFSE’s target group, the fund is not only amplifying its impact through the utilization of local financial infrastructure, it is also strengthening the ability of the financial sector in these regions to advance sustainable development in the long term..
EFSE provides 3 types of loans to its financial intermediaries. These are then used for on-lending for one or more of the following predefined purposes:
- Micro and small enterprise finance
- Financing for rural areas
- Housing finance
What makes EFSE Special?
Blended finance for more impact
EFSE was one of the first impact investment vehicles to pioneer a public-private partnership model. This layered “blended finance” structure leverages public contributions as a risk cushion to mobilize private investments – thus unleashing more resources for impact. As a result, public investors can achieve more social and economic development for their money, and private investors can enter markets that may otherwise have been viewed as too risky to enter alone.
Local currency for local business
Local currency lending is a key element of responsible finance: When borrowers can invest in their home or business using the same currency as their income, they are protected from potentially hazardous ups and downs in exchange rates. EFSE has dedicated instruments to absorb this currency risk so that investees do not have to. The European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Cooperation and Development (BMZ) both contributed to a special fund layer for this purpose: the “L-shares”. EFSE is now active in spreading this responsible financing practice, as well as the awareness of its importance.
Innovations for financial inclusion
EFSE has a solid 15-year track record and a reputation as a stalwart partner in the region. But it is also an agile agent of innovation. Itself a pioneer, EFSE seeks out high-potential new developments, such as in fintech, to increase financial inclusion and supports entrepreneurs and partners alike with the development and implementation of new technologies.
In-region offices for on-the-ground presence
EFSE is active in 16 countries in Southeast Europe and the EU Eastern Neighbourhood. Our local experts work from in-region offices close to our clients and networks. EFSE’s deep understanding of the markets where we are active comes from working side-by-side with investees, partners, national regulators, and entrepreneurship organisations to provide tailored support for local needs.
Technical assistance for systemic impact
EFSE’s financial investments are complemented by technical assistance provided by the EFSE Development Facility. Because making a lasting difference means building an environment where positive impact can take root: The Development Facility works with institutions and individuals alike to build capacities, train skills, connect ecosystem players, study the market, and build a culture of entrepreneurship and responsible finance.
Corporate Governance
EFSE’s governance is based on a solid foundation and transparent processes. EFSE is set up as a SICAV-SIF under Luxembourg law, a proven vehicle for numerous impact investment funds.
The Board of Directors, appointed by the fund’s shareholders, is EFSE’s main decision-making body. The Investment Committee approves investment proposals submitted by the fund’s advisor, Finance in Motion. The members of the EFSE Investment Committee are appointed by the Board of Directors.
General Shareholder Assembly
The public investors into EFSE’s first-loss shares form the fund’s shareholder base, including fund initiator KfW, the European Commission, the German Federal Ministry for Cooperation and Development, and more. Private investors include impact-minded institutions such as ethical banks, pension funds, family offices, and more.
Board of Directors
The EFSE Board of Directors are representatives elected by the shareholders to exercise oversight of the fund and determine its strategic direction and approach.
Advisory Group
This forum for central bank representatives of the countries where EFSE is present provides a platform for sharing local developments, experiences, and policy recommendations.
Audit & Risk Committee
Appointed by the Board, this committee is responsible for the fund’s internal controls, accounting integrity, and risk management process.
Investment Committee
The Board of Directors appoints an Investment Committee comprising experts in the field of development finance. The Investment Committee approves all investments made by EFSE.
FX Committee
The Board also appoints an FX Committee to vet pricing and other matters pertaining to the fund’s local currency investments made utilising its “L-Share” class.
Manager
Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services S.A. is responsible for cash planning, direct operating expenses, FX monitoring, coordinating external tax advisors and hedging counterparties, and other management services under Luxembourg law.
Advisor
The Advisor, Finance in Motion GmbH, is the implementing arm of the fund, working directly with the Board and Committees to propose investments, advise on strategies, liaise with investors and investees, and carry out the decisions of the Board and Committees.
Board Members
EFSE’s History
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Central Bank of Armenia joins as investor to support local currency lending in Armenia
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
© 2021 European Fund for Southeast Europe
