ArmInfo. Beata Javorcik, Chief Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development  (EBRD), clarified what caused the "optimism" of the EBRD, which in  its latest report forecasted a 6.2% growth of the Armenian economy,  answering a question from an ArmInfo correspondent. 

ArmInfo.As part of the 33rd EBRD Business Forum on May 15 at the Dvin , Ardshinbank, a flagship sponsor of the event, organized a panel discussion on economic and trade sanctions. Ardshinbank's initiative brought together international experts, as well as representatives from the private and public sectors interested in monitoring sanction processes, onto one platform. The main objective of the discussion was to exchange views and assist participants in the practical implementation of sanctions compliance.

ArmInfo.The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has improved its GDP growth forecast for Armenia for 2024 from the previous 4.5% to an updated 6.2% (versus actual 8.7% growth in 2023), expecting a slowdown to 4.8% in 2025, according to the Bank's latest Regional Economic Prospects. "Taming inflation"  report, published today.

ArmInfo.During the 33rd annual meeting and business forum of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Ardshinbank CJSC and the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank FMO signed a Guarantee Agreement for a credit portfolio worth 20 million US dollars with a term of 7 years.

ArmInfo.Yerevan is set to welcome the 33rd annual meeting and business forum of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with Ardshinbank taking the lead as flagship sponsor. The event, a significant fixture among financial institutions, will convene high-ranking delegations from 74 countries, prominent financial and banking experts, and thought leaders of the Armenian banking sector. Scheduled for May 14-16, the forum aims to foster positive impacts and enhance financial markets for the public good.

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ArmInfo.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has improved its forecast for Armenia's GDP for  2024 from the previous 5% to an updated 6% (versus actual 8.7% growth in 2023), with a slowdown to 5.2% in 2025. This is noted in the IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2024; Steady but Slow: Resilience amid  Divergenc."

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ArmInfo.The World Bank has improved its forecast for Armenia's GDP growth for 2024 from the  previous 4.7% to an updated 5.5% (against the actual slowdown in growth in 2023 to 8.7% from 12.6% in 2022). For 2025, the economic growth forecast has also been improved, but less noticeably - from the previous 4.5% to an updated 4.9%. Over the medium term, GDP growth will gradually approach the potential 4.5%, and average  inflation will rise to the targeted 4%.

ArmInfo. The transaction to acquire 90% of the shares of Ameriabank by the BOGG PLC international financial group, the main asset of which was Bank of Georgia, was completed last Friday.  Now a second major asset in the form of Ameriabank has joined the Group. As previously reported, the total transaction amount was $303.6 million.

ArmInfo.The Board of the Central Bank of Armenia has given preliminary consent to the acquisition of a significant participation in the authorized capital of Ameriabank CJSC by Bank of Georgia Group PLC (BOGG) and Bank of Georgia JSC.

ArmInfo. In the banking sector of Armenia, the volume of lending accelerated in growth in 2023 from 13%  to 21%, reaching 5.8 trillion drams ($14.2 billion). But this was not enough to save profits from the decline, which, after a 3-fold jump in 2022, decreased by 9.2% in 2023, amounting to 229.9 billion drams ($567.9 million). This is evidenced by the data of the Financial Rating of Banks of Armenia as of December 31, 2023, prepared by  ArmInfo. 

ArmInfo.The Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) forecasts GDP growth of 5.3% or 6.4% for 2024 - up to  10.4-10.5 trillion drams (against 8.7% growth - up to 9.5 trillion drams in 2023), depending on the formation in the economy or high or low inflation environment. In 2025, according to the Central Bank's forecast, GDP growth will accelerate slightly to 5.7-6.7%, reaching a value of 11.4-11.7 trillion drams.

ArmInfo.Ria Money Transfer international money transfer service has recognized Ardshinbank as the Partner of the Year for achieving great results during 2023 and supporting Ria Money Transfer business growth.

ArmInfo. The entry of a bank with an international brand into the financial market of Armenia is always desirable and important, Chairman of the Union of Banks of Armenia Daniel Azatyan stated during the final press conference on February 20, speaking about the deal to acquire Bank of Georgia Group PLC (BOGG) of one of the leading Armenian banks Ameriabank CJSC.

ArmInfo.  Bank of Georgia Group PLC ("BOGG" or the "Group") announces the proposed acquisition  of 100 per cent. of a leading bank in Armenia, Ameriabank CJSC ("Ameriabank"), for approximately $303.6 million. This acquisition will significantly enhance the Group's presence and growth opportunities within a fast-growing and attractive market, according to BOGG's official statement.

ArmInfo.Bank of Georgia Group PLC ( or ) clarifies recent media rumors regarding a potential transaction involving Ameriabank CJSC (), a leading bank in Armenia, and confirms that "it is in "advanced discussions" regarding its potential acquisition of Ameriabank CJSC."

ArmInfo. S&P Global Ratings upgraded its long-term issuer credit rating on Ardshinbank CJSC to  'BB-' from 'B+' and revised the outlook on the rating to "stable". At the same time, we affirmed our 'B' short-term issuer credit rating on the bank. This is noted in a message from S&P Global Ratings.

ArmInfo.Fitch Ratings has upgraded ACBA Bank Open Joint-Stock Company's (ACBA) Long-Term Issuer  Default Rating (IDR) to 'BB-' from 'B+', and the bank's Viability Rating (VR) to 'bb-' from 'b+'. The Outlook is Stable. The Fitch Ratings press release received by ArmInfo reads.

ArmInfo. Ardshinbank, the largest Armenian banking group, is today announcing it has reached a binding agreement with HSBC Europe B.V., a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, to acquire its fully owned banking subsidiary in Armenia.