The project is aimed at increasing the bank’s transparency, optimizing resources, and ensuring a solid analytical foundation for effective managerial decision-making. The project objective – to design and implement a comprehensive financial and analytical model of the bank, including:

• development of a financial model with target indicators, sales, expense, and investment plans
• consulting on workload standardization and staff optimization
• development of the architecture and core data marts of the MIS system, as well as BS and PL management accounting cubes based on unit economics

TA Consult experts delivered the following services:

• developed a financial model with target and key indicators, sales, expense, and investment models, as well as BS and PL master plans
• provided consulting support to the bank’s specialists on building and applying the model
• delivered methodological and advisory support on workload standardization and staff optimization both in branches and head office departments
• provided consulting on MIS system design, including the development of its architecture, core data marts (balance accounts, personal accounts, loan and deposit portfolios), and BS/PL cubes based on unit economics

Project objective – to develop and implement a management accounting methodology based on unit economics, as well as to automate calculations and analytics in order to enhance transparency and the effectiveness of managerial decision-making.

As a result of TA Consult’s work, the bank will obtain:

• methodology and technical specifications for automating the calculation of BS and PL cubes with data export to the bank’s BI systems
• unit economics–based management accounting operating in a daily mode

The project aims to enhance market competitiveness and improve the quality of services in Tajikistan’s insurance market.
As part of the project, TA Consult experts delivered the following:

• Conducted a review and assessment of the current landscape of life and non-life insurance, identifying barriers to development, weaknesses, and providing recommendations to address them
• Held consultations with insurance market participants (including insurance companies, legal and regulatory experts, auditors, etc.) through roundtables to (1) identify current issues limiting sector progress and expectations for the potential NBT strategy, and (2) obtain sector feedback on the draft Strategy
• Reviewed existing policies, regulatory documents, insurer market behavior, disclosure practices, and conducted interviews with key function holders
• Analyzed the organizational structure of the National Bank of Tajikistan in insurance regulation, supervision, and enforcement
• Conducted a series of informational sessions for NBT staff on best standards and practices relevant to the Tajik market
• Developed a medium-term Strategy and action plan for the NBT to support insurance market development and strengthen supervisory capacity. The strategy defines effective reforms to address identified gaps and outlines various options and activities with corresponding implementation timelines
• Designed and conducted a series of training sessions on strategic planning procedures for key NBT staff and market participants
• Developed strategic recommendations on fiscal policy for the NBT Insurance Supervision Department

Project objective – to support the bank in its transformation and enhance its commercial efficiency.
Key results achieved during the project include:

• Developed the bank’s strategy (MVP) for 2024–2026, IT strategy, and marketing strategy
• Designed and implemented a bank-wide data model (BakaiMIS), a medium-term financial model, and a budget model
• Developed and implemented a management accounting system, introducing a data-driven approach to bank business management
• Implemented a new organizational structure for the Head Office and regional network, redistributed and centralized functions, and established a clear separation between front-, middle-, and back-office operations
• Transitioned from a product-oriented to a client-oriented approach in bank operations
• Developed and implemented a KPI-based remuneration system
• Developed and implemented an optimized operational model for the regional network, including digitalization of regional management processes
• Implemented a project management system
• Initiated the optimization of over 200 business processes
• Developed and implemented scoring models and digital solutions for assessing the creditworthiness of retail business clients
• Improved asset and liability management
• Established a business partnership between retail banking and risk management
• Engaged a business partner for the implementation of the Tumar installment card
• Initiated the development and implementation of bank billing

In total, 23 experts from TA Consult were involved in the project across various areas.

Project objective – to conduct a technical and economic assessment and evaluate the investment efficiency of the client’s project “Automation of ATD Operations” aimed at increasing operational efficiency and automating ATD business processes and technologies.
TA Consult experts provided services to the bank across three areas of ATD operations:

• Vehicle fleet management
• Production and operational accounting of ATD services
• Supply and logistics

The project was implemented in three stages:

• Stage 1 – Development of project documentation reflecting the current state (“AS IS”) of business processes, their characteristics, level of automation (including information on existing software), and ICT support for each of the three ATD activity areas
• Stage 2 – Development of project documentation reflecting target (“TO BE”) business process models, their characteristics, level of automation, including recommendations on software to be used
• Stage 3 – Development of the financial and economic justification for implementing the solutions designed at Stage 2, as well as preparation of the technical specifications for their implementation across the three ATD activity areas

Project objective – to review the bank’s corporate strategy and develop a new, expanded strategy incorporating ESG principles by defining key ESG performance indicators.
Component 1: Review of Corporate Strategy and Development of an Expanded Five-Year Strategy Incorporating ESG Principles
Based on an analysis of the existing strategy, policies, operations, operational environment, and future development prospects, TA Consult provided recommendations for the development of a new five-year bank strategy, substantially incorporating ESG principles and institutional KPIs
Component 2: Preparation for Implementation of the Expanded Bank Strategy Across All Areas and Definition of Specific KPIs, Including ESG-Related, for Different Business Units
TA Consult experts supported the bank in implementing the expanded strategic plan into day-to-day operations across various business areas and in monitoring results according to the plan, specifically:

• Developed recommendations for the analytical and incentive structure of KPIs, including ESG-related KPIs, aligned with long-term strategic goals and integrated into the bank’s performance measurement toolkit
• Assisted the bank’s finance department in establishing financial indicators to evaluate progress in implementing the new expanded strategy
• Developed recommendations for the strategy monitoring process, including the structure of quarterly and semi-annual strategic reports
• Created, in coordination with the bank, a user-friendly dashboard to monitor the progress of the strategic plan
• Provided recommendations to improve the bank’s organizational structure, including the establishment of a Strategic Management Unit overseeing the implementation of the newly adopted strategy
• Developed recommendations for the strategic management process
• Provided post-project recommendations to ensure continuity and ongoing improvement of strategic management within the bank

Project objective – to support the bank in optimizing its sales system for SME segment.
TA Consult experts delivered the following:

• Conducted a detailed analysis of the sales system in the SME segment, including business process analysis and IT support
• Developed proposals for optimizing SME business processes and an implementation action plan, specifically:

- developed proposals for optimizing the organizational structure with clearly defined accountability of all core and supporting departments to ensure effective decision-making and an adequate internal control system
- developed proposals for internal procedures and formalization of internal reporting rules between bank departments
- developed proposals and implemented processes to optimize the branch and sales network, including centralization of business and support functions
- developed and strengthened strategic and business planning in line with growth directions according to the current business model
- supported the strengthening of an independent risk management function, including active management of all types of risks within the bank, and developed detailed procedures to integrate risk management into the bank’s operations
- provided support for risk management in credit processes and decision-making
- assessed the level of IT integration between the head office and regional directorates
- provided consulting support with recommendations for implementing a CRM system in the bank
- developed recommendations to enhance existing IT capabilities, acquire additional solutions, and ensure compatibility between different applications

• Conducted a short-term pilot project to implement selected recommendations from the project

Project objective – to support Xalq Bank in developing and optimizing SME lending methodology and procedures.
TA Consult experts delivered the following:

• Conducted a bank diagnostic, including a detailed analysis and benchmarking against comparable banks and best practices in SME banking
• Developed recommendations and proposals to improve SME operations, along with an action plan covering: strategic business planning, marketing, organizational structure, SME lending processes, risk management, and IT/MIS business processes
• Conducted a short-term pilot project to implement selected recommendations from the project

Project objective – to assist the bank in designing a new operational business model
TA Consult experts delivered the following:

• Conducted an analysis of the bank’s internal and external environment to determine its current market position and assess the development level of core competencies (risks, treasury, IT, operations, etc.)
• Developed and defined strategic priorities and a high-level bank roadmap
• Designed the bank’s business model across core operational areas
• Established, trained, and supported the Project Management Office (PMO)
• Defined the organizational structure and operational model for the finance (CFO) function
• Developed a budgeting and cost control system
• Designed management reporting, including profitability reports by business units/products and the development of transfer pricing
• Trained staff in preparing IFRS consolidated financial statements
• Developed key concepts, measurement methodologies, and risk management models, as well as essential components for creating a sustainable and transparent asset-liability management system
• Developed an HR model and a position evaluation system
• Designed the target organizational model and roadmap for implementing the bank transformation at the Head Office

Project objective – to assist the bank in addressing gaps identified by TA Consult during the diagnostic phase and to implement transformation across three areas: organizational restructuring, strategic business planning, and HR
Project activities and deliverables:
Organizational Restructuring

• Optimized the organizational structure by assessing the current setup and developing proposals for a new structure, including separation of business, operations, finance, and risk functions
• Evaluated the competencies of key bank staff
• Developed proposals for the structure and functions of business units (corporate, SME, and retail) as well as finance, risk, and operations units at the head office to ensure effective function allocation and eliminate duplication
• Assessed the effectiveness of interactions between head office and branches, identified duplicated functions, and proposed measures to eliminate them
• Reviewed the composition, structure, and functions of various committees and provided recommendations for optimization
• Provided technical and consulting support in developing internal regulatory documents

Strategic and Business Planning

• Coordinated the development of a medium-term (3–5 year) strategic development plan, including an implementation roadmap and target KPIs
• Coordinated the development of a business plan aimed at improving asset quality, client base, product margin, and net profit
• Coordinated the process of setting short-term (1-year) KPIs for head office and branch business units, and developed a methodology for monitoring business plan execution
• Provided consulting and technical support in developing internal regulatory documents covering processes for strategy and business plan development, monitoring, and execution control

HR

• Coordinated the development of a comprehensive HR policy, including compensation policy, performance evaluation, training programs, and disciplinary procedures
• Coordinated the design and implementation of a modern compensation policy, including a KPI-based motivation system and results-based reward methodology for all departments and branches, aligned with individual and bank-wide financial results
• Provided consulting and technical support in developing internal regulatory documents governing employee compensation policies and conditions

Project objective – to support the bank, based on diagnostics and gaps identified by TA Consult, in transforming the organization through the implementation of six key components:
Corporate Governance

• Establish a robust corporate governance system based on effective allocation and clear separation of roles and responsibilities among the Management Board, Supervisory Board, and shareholders

Strategic Business Planning

• Strengthen the current strategic and business planning function to reflect the bank’s growth and expansion strategy according to shareholder vision, covering income and expense allocation, strategic planning, and budget planning

Compensation and Motivation System Development

• Implement a modern performance evaluation and compensation policy, including the development of an incentive scheme providing salary and bonus payments based on individual and bank-wide financial results

SME Business

• Strengthen SME lending technology by simplifying borrower documentation requirements and improving credit analysis

Corporate Business

• Implement methodological separation of credit processes for corporate and retail (medium enterprise) clients
• Support automation of data collection from available sources on corporate borrowers and analysis of results (balance sheet analysis of key current asset items such as inventories and receivables, short-term liabilities, cash flow analysis)
• Approve a regulatory policy establishing procedures for early detection of problem loans

IT

• Strengthen the MAIB IT function and ensure sufficient and cost-effective support for core banking operations, taking into account future plans

TA Consult experts conducted a diagnostic review at Agroindbank and prepared recommendations along with a roadmap for implementing relevant improvements. The Consultant delivered the following:

• Conducted diagnostics of the bank’s key business areas to identify its main needs
• Analyzed the allocation of key functions across bank departments, including regional branches
• Assessed the bank’s capacity for change management
• Analyzed the current organizational structure, authorities, and functions of corporate business units, including SME units
• Reviewed the existing corporate lending process, including SME lending, as well as the interaction between business units and the risk department
• Evaluated the quality of the existing corporate and SME credit application review procedures
• Analyzed the existing monitoring system for corporate and SME borrowers
• Conducted a rapid audit of the IT department’s structure to assess its adequacy for supporting business units in line with the transformation plan
• Conducted a rapid audit of the bank’s existing information systems

Programme objective – to support partner banks (PBs) in improving their resilience in post-crisis conditions, specifically by:

1. Enhancing the efficiency and transparency of internal processes, including decision-making
2. Optimizing organizational structure and improving non-performing loans (NPL) management
3. Staff training
4. Improving balance sheet quality, increasing profitability, and more

Four banks participated in the Programme: Muganbank, TuranBank, Bank Respublika, and Unibank.
TA Consult experts provided the following services to partner banks:

• Strategy and Business Planning: evaluated and assisted in the development of PB strategies; improved PB planning procedures; supported the implementation of business plans
• Risk Management: developed effective risk management systems for PBs
• NPL: developed comprehensive plans for problem loan recovery; assisted in creating NPL units; improved NPL management procedures
• IT Function Review: assessed the capabilities of existing PB IT systems and the compliance of core banking systems (CBS) and reporting systems
• Compliance: created or improved “Know Your Customer” (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures in line with best practices

The objective of the assignment was to support the bank in enhancing lending efficiency and building capacity in IFRS reporting.
TA Consult experts delivered the following:

• Improved the quality of the loan portfolio, including non-performing and restructured loans, and supported the automation of reporting in line with IFRS standards
• Reorganized the lending department by separating front- and back-office functions with clear allocation of responsibilities to improve efficiency and cooperation with MSMEs, including trade finance operations
• Trained staff to automatically generate reports

TA Consult experts conducted a marketing study commissioned by Belarusbank (one of the largest state-owned banks in Belarus), focusing on the following areas:

• Belarusian and international corporate lending markets
• Banking products for artisans

The Consultant carried out surveys and developed recommendations on the optimal range of lending products and measures to increase lending volumes. The study assessed corporate clients’ demand for short-term loans, identified gaps in the bank’s marketing strategy and factors influencing the volume and value of loans issued, as well as the reasons for insufficient demand for MSME loans.
The research was based on both desk analysis and interviews with existing and potential clients. Based on the findings, the Consultant prepared a comprehensive market research report with practical recommendations.

Within the framework of the international technical assistance project “Facilitating Access to Finance by Rural Population of Belarus”, implemented by the Republican Microfinance Center with USAID financial support, TA Consult developed and delivered a two-day training course: “Microfinance for Gainfully Occupied Population and Micro Enterprises in Rural Areas.”
The training covered the following topics:

• Effective client acquisition in rural areas – marketing
• Tools for client’s preliminary assessment (preliminary scoring)
• Expanded client’s assessment techniques – expanded scoring (on-site analyses of agricultural producers, financial analysis tools, cash flow, profit and loss statement, cross-checking, product balance sheet, financial ratios, etc.)
• Loan portfolio management and monitoring
• Customer support and follow-up, reducing risks of non-repayment, preventing delinquency
• Delinquency management, fraud scoring, soft collection and legal collection

Target audience: representatives of Belarusian leasing and non-commercial microfinance organizations, SMEs, entrepreneurship support infrastructure, and the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus. 20 specialists were trained.

The project aimed to facilitate MSME support in the Russian Federation by a gradual standardization of approaches to MSME lending for market participants with the objectives to improve risk management, to develop and diversify financial market operations as well as to protect consumer rights.
TA Consult experts assisted the Central Bank of Russia in developing the following standards:

• Basic Standard for MFIs on Risk Management
• Basic Standard for Financial Markets Operations (including loan underwriting and attraction of funds from individuals)
• Basic Standard for MFI Assessment (for banks)

The developed standards were presented to market participants, and dedicated training sessions were conducted.

The objective of this assignment was to support institutional development of the bank, further commercialization, and enhancement of its investment attractiveness.
TA Consult experts implemented a comprehensive set of transformation measures aimed at improving and strengthening the effectiveness of the following functions/areas:

• Corporate governance and organizational structure
• Business operations in retail, MSME, and corporate segments, including commercialization of lending under state programs
• Risk management and internal control
• IT function to fully support business operations
• HR function
• Marketing and product development

The objective of the Assignment was to increase Belinvestbank’s efficiency and competitiveness in providing MSME loans in Minsk and five regions in Belarus on a sustainable basis, focusing on such aspects of MSME lending as underwriting techniques, credit risk management, including environmental and social aspects, staff selection and training, marketing/customer service, new product development, portfolio quality management, arrears management.
TA Consult experts delivered the following:

• Assessed existing MSME operations in the bank to identify gaps in key aspects of MSME servicing, as well as main obstacles and risks for successful development of MSME lending operations
• Provided recommendations for improving MSME lending operations in the bank
• Trained loan officers both through workshops and on-the-job coaching. The training program was built on the principles of responsible lending, including proper assessment of borrowers and their needs, development and implementation of relevant policies, procedures, and credit products for the target group, assessment of the external operating environment, as well as fast and impartial client service
• Conducted seminars and training sessions for senior and middle management, loan officers, risk management specialists, and back-office staff on all relevant aspects of MSME lending
• Implemented institution-building measures to ensure sustainability of MSME lending after the end of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment was to facilitate greater access to finance for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises by enhancing their financial literacy and managerial skills.
TA Consult experts delivered the following:

• Conducted specialized training for 17 agricultural production companies. As a result, participants learned how to choose a lending bank and the best credit offer, prepare loan application packages, understand which financial and non-financial aspects banks focus on, organize management accounting, and avoid excessive credit burden, etc.
• Trained future trainers from among bank staff, using a pilot group of agricultural producers, to enable them to independently organize similar training sessions for agricultural clients on an ongoing basis
• Trained staff from 12 banks on how to recruit training participants from agricultural producers, identify their learning needs, design a training program, collect feedback from participants, and integrate this knowledge into their operations

The training sessions conducted for banks contributed to expanding their client base, improving client communication, and enhancing the quality of their loan portfolios.

The main purpose of the consulting services was provision of access to finance of SMEs engaged in agricultural sector, increasing the share of agricultural loans in SME loan portfolio of participating Ukrainian banks through capacity building of bank credit experts.
TA Consult experts implemented the project in two stages:
1. Needs assessment of participating banks, including:

• Review of existing agricultural finance products
• Assessment of monitoring and risk management systems for agricultural loans
• Analysis of agricultural loan portfolio and measures to improve portfolio quality
• Evaluation of bank staff qualifications in financial and economic analysis of borrowers, collateral assessment, agricultural production cycles, risk assessment, etc.

2. Design and delivery of training/seminars based on identified needs, covering:

• Financial and economic analysis of agricultural businesses
• Forecasting clients' productivity and cash flow
• Credit risk management in the agricultural sector
• Portfolio management and monitoring of agricultural loans
• Agricultural lending technology
• Collateral assessment and collateral policy
• Development of agricultural loan products
• Specifics of agricultural production cycles

15 banks were covered by consultancy services and 91 bank officers were trained on the subjects described above.

The objective of the project was to support the Republican Microfinance Center (RMC) in improving efficiency and strengthening microloan procedures within the USAID project “Improving Access to Finance for Rural Population in Belarus”.
TA Consult experts provided the following services:

• Developed a credit policy, including a program and action plan to maximize outreach to target groups, based on an acceptable risk-return balance
• Introduced advanced microfinance methodology, including loan origination and monitoring procedures (loan application analysis, loan decision-making, loan monitoring principles, pre-litigation debt recovery, portfolio diversification methods)
• Designed loan products tailored to the needs of potential borrowers, and prepared product guidelines for credit officers to support effective sales
• Prepared 12-month loan portfolio growth and disbursement plans
• Conducted structured “classroom” and “on-the-job” training for credit officers on borrower assessment, loan disbursement, monitoring, and repayment
• Developed requirements for a software solution to analyze the current loan portfolio and support future acquisition of an appropriate MIS

The ultimate objective of this assignment was to hold training sessions intended to familiarize small agriculture producers with and prepare them for the new fund receiving opportunities. The training course was designed to motivate and stimulate small agricultural producers to apply to local credit unions for financing.
TA Consult experts provided the following services:

• Developed a training module enabling participants to acquire basic financial literacy, calculate the financial needs of their farms, select reliable financial partners and optimal credit terms, identify the most profitable agricultural activities, and access objective information on loan offerings from local credit unions
• Prepared training materials based on collected data and resources
• Conducted five series of training sessions (a total of 20 sessions) for small agricultural producers in regions where project partner credit unions operate, including Kherson, Lviv, and Kharkiv oblasts

The project aimed to improve the methodology and systems for effective MSME lending through the institutional development of EBRD partner banks in Turkmenistan.
The initiative supported easier access of small enterprises to finance and covered both private and state-owned partner banks. Within the project, the following measures were implemented:

• Implementation of an MSME lending scheme tailored to finance the needs of eligible MSMEs at three banks of Turkmenistan: Garagum Bank (now Senegat Bank), Turkmenbashi Bank and Rysgal Bank. Introduction of an appropriate credit methodology to analyze credit applications, motivate repayment, monitor credits and enforce repayment as well as appropriate means for marketing and building the portfolio
• Support of institutional strengthening of the PBs
• On-the-job training and coaching of local managers and loan officers in various techniques of credit analysis and disbursement and in various methods of recovering them
• Monitoring of borrower assessments, loan performance, overall program implementation, problem portfolio analysis, NPL recovery and write-off procedures, and staff performance evaluation
• Ensuring partner banks’ compliance with EBRD environmental and social policy requirements
• Support to the EBRD in its dialogue with the Government of Turkmenistan on improving legislation to facilitate MSME access to finance

The project aimed to train loan officers of banks and credit unions in agricultural technologies.
TA Consult experts provided the following services:

• Developed seven training modules covering poultry farming and agricultural logistics, field crop production, vegetable production, horticulture, intensive farming, dairy cattle breeding, and pig farming
• Conducted 37 training sessions for loan officers from AgroInvest partner banks and credit unions in regional centers of Ukraine and Kyiv

Results:

• Developed standardized training modules including video/slide materials and evaluation methodology
• Designed a methodology for training assessment
• Trained loan officers from AgroInvest partner banks and credit unions
• Conducted evaluation of training outcomes

The assignment was to assist SDM in implementation of the IBP with the purpose of strengthening SDM’s corporate governance, strategy, operations and internal procedures including environmental and social. Thereby, increasing SDM’s efficiency with the aim as to increase SDM’s value and attractiveness during the period of EBRD’s investment.
The assignment was focused on the following areas: corporate governance, business development and planning, annual budgeting, product development and marketing, risk management, human resources development and training.
Corporate governance: establishment of a system of corporate governance based on effective allocation and separation of roles and responsibilities between management bodies, supervisory authorities, and shareholders, including: (i) establishing a committee, (ii) drafting its charter and functions, (iii) developing KPIs for management, etc.
Business development and planning: prepared a three-year Strategic Business Plan for 2011–2013 and detailed annual budgets
Product development and marketing: (i) created and implemented a brand, brand book, corporate style, marketing materials, and communication program; (ii) delivered staff training; (iii) diversified the client base and loan portfolio, including measures to reduce portfolio concentration
Risk management: (i) established an independent risk management unit responsible for active management of all types of risks in the bank and reporting directly to the Board of Directors; (ii) developed and delivered a comprehensive training program for senior management on quantitative and qualitative credit risk assessment; (iii) designed and implemented an automated system for fraud monitoring
Training and human resources development: designed an individual professional development program through internships and training at all staff levels, including: (i) on-the-job training, (ii) training for senior management and specialists

The main objective of the JASMINE Programme was to provide training and capacity building for staff of microfinance institutions.
TA Consult experts designed and delivered a series of 44 training sessions for one bank and 16 non-bank microfinance institutions across EU countries. The training covered areas such as:

• Effective corporate governance
• Strategic planning
• Risk management, including risks related to external financing
• Other key aspects of institutional development

The overall objective of the programme was to improve entrepreneurs’ access to microcredits. In the latest stage of the programme, the product range for participating Belarusian banks (including state-owned banks) was significantly expanded to cover a variety of senior credit products (e.g. MSME loans, SME loans, mortgage loans).
TA Consult experts implemented the following activities:

• Implemented MSME lending scheme tailored to finance the needs of eligible MSMEs in nine banks in Belarus (Priorbank, Belgazprombank, BTA, MTBank, Belrosbank, RRB-Bank, Belarusian Bank for Small Business, BPS-Sberbank, BelVEB)
• Established appropriate organizational structures in new branches and introduced procedures to assist branches to efficiently enter this new business area
• Introduced appropriate credit methodology to analyse credit applications, motivate repayment, monitor credits and enforce repayment as well as introduced appropriate means of products marketing and building the portfolio
• Supported institutional strengthening of partner banks
• Implemented crisis response measures to address weakening of banks asset quality, such as improving portfolio quality management, portfolio review, arrears management, risk management functions
• Trained managers and loan officers in various loan granting and loan analysis techniques and in loan recovery methods
• Oversaw proper credit analysis of borrowers, administering and supervising loans and overall monitoring of the lending programme, problem loan analysis, collection efforts and write-offs administering, training; and assessment of personnel
• Assisted EBRD in its policy dialogue with the Belarusian Government on MSMEs’ access to finance, and removal of the obstacles preventing efficient MSME lending
• Ensured that EBRD environmental and social due diligence procedures are followed by partner banks

Achievements:

• 92 microlending units were launched during the whole period of Programme’s implementation (2002-2013), 32 units were launched during the current project only (01.07.2010 – 31.12.2013)
• 148 loan officers were trained and retained between 2002 - 2013 and 38 loan officers were trained and retrained during the project between 2010 - 2013
• 37,313 loans amounting to USD 837.3 million were distributed between 2002-2013, 16,161 loans amounting to USD 523.3 million were distributed between 2010-2013
• Portfolio at risk over 30 days was about 1 per cent (1.32 %)

The purpose of the market research was to identify target subsectors and opportunities for effective development of agri-lending to MSEs by programme partner banks. The research covered all 24 regions of Ukraine and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
TA Consult experts collected and analysed the following information:

• List of typical agricultural production lines for MSEs, with financial models and cash flow structures for each technology
• Number of MSEs by region, ranked by cultivated area and income size
• For each production line: (i) key factors (climate, soil, irrigation system, market access, etc.) affecting gross profit levels; (ii) expert forecast of production development; (iii) peak financing needs
• List of financial institutions actively engaged in agri-lending in each region, including: (i) volume of agri-lending to MSEs, broken down by production line; (ii) interest rates by loan type (short-term, medium-term, long-term) and production line

Based on the analysis of MSE prospects by size and production line, and investment demand levels in each region, TA Consult developed a set of recommendations for banks and credit unions to launch new agri-lending products.

The assignment was in support the EBRD Belarus MSE/SME Finance Framework aimed to provide fast and easy credit access to MSEs.
TA Consult experts implemented the following:

• Implementated MSME lending scheme tailored to finance the needs of eligible MSMEs in seven banks of Belarus (Priorbank, Belgazprombank, BTA, MTBank, Belrosbank, RRB-Bank, Belarusian Bank for Small Business)
• Established appropriate organizational structures in the new branches and introduced procedures to assist the branch to efficiently enter this new business area
• Introduced appropriate credit methodology to analyse credit applications, motivate repayment, monitor credits and enforce repayment as well as introduced appropriate means for product marketing and building portfolio
• Trained managers and loan officers in loan disbursement and credit analyses techniques and in loan recovery methods
• Managed USD 88.5 million portfolio in 64 MSME lending outlets of seven banks whilst maintaining high quality loan portfolio (portfolio at risk over 30 days was under 2%)
• Oversaw proper credit analysis of borrowers, loans supervising and administering, overall monitoring of the lending programme, problem loan analysis, administering of write-offs and collection efforts, training; and assessed personnel
• Assisted to EBRD in its policy dialogue with the Belarusian Government on MSMEs’ access to finance and removal of obstacles preventing efficient MSME lending

Achievements:

• 64 microcredit units established across Belarus
• Over 400 credit specialists trained, of which 122 were actively working in the system at that time
• More than 21,000 microloans issued totaling USD 314 million
• Credit portfolio of USD 88.5 million effectively managed across 64 branches of seven partner banks serving MSMEs
• High portfolio quality: overdue loans over 30 days (PAR 30+) accounted for less than 2%

Key regulatory improvements introduced within the programme:

• Cancellation of loan use verification for credits up to 7,500 basic units
• Banks granted the right to independently establish procedures for reviewing and issuing loans up to 7,500 basic units
• Banks granted the right to set repayment terms for microcredits (EBRD lending technology)
• Third-party guarantees are no longer required to be secured by collateral
• For loan repayments in cash by legal entities: no 30% commission fee is charged and no proof of income source is required