NTB Secures US$ 70 Mn IFC Funding for SME Recovery 📈

• Nations Trust Bank (NTB) has secured a US$ 70 million debt financing package from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), marking the first post-crisis multilateral debt transaction in Sri Lanka's financial sector. • Funding Breakdown: • US$ 50 million: Senior unsecured loan. • US$ 20 million: Global Trade Finance Program line. • Target Sectors: • Primary focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly women-owned businesses. • Aims to bridge the SME financing gap, which currently exceeds 20% of national GDP. • Economic Impact: • The investment signals a return of international investor confidence in the banking and financial services sector. • Supports national recovery by providing credit access to segments vital for employment and inclusive growth. • Context: Based on provisional data, this is a strategic move to address the credit shortfall for the private sector following the 2022 financial crisis.