Investment & Fund Management
the European Investment
Full Credential Description
The European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Investment Fund (EIF), and Santander Bank Polska entered into a synthetic securitisation agreement aimed at enhancing financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Poland, with a particular emphasis on supporting female entrepreneurs. The agreement is designed to mobilise up to PLN 5 billion in new funding, with at least one-third of this amount earmarked for businesses owned or led by women, as well as those promoting inclusive employment or offering products that address the gender gap.
The specific challenge addressed by this initiative was the persistent gender gap in access to credit for women-owned businesses. The EIB Group's investment of PLN 3.9 billion is intended to mitigate Santander's risks associated with existing loans, thereby facilitating new lending opportunities. This transaction represents the EIB Group's largest synthetic securitisation to date, allowing Santander to free up capital that can be redirected towards targeted policy areas, including gender equality and climate projects.
As a result of this collaboration, Polish businesses will benefit from increased access to financing over the next three years. The initiative not only aims to improve financial conditions for female entrepreneurs but also supports broader economic growth by enhancing the availability of credit for SMEs, which are crucial for the development of the Polish economy. The share of companies run by women among Santander Leasing clients has already increased to 25%, up from 15% six years ago, indicating a positive trend in female entrepreneurship supported by this financial initiative.