The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have jointly committed €395 million to a new asset-backed securities (ABS) issue originated by Banco Sabadell. The €395 million investment supports SMEs, with €350 million from the EIB and €45.2 million from the EIF.
Supporting Economic Recovery and Growth
The funds will enable Banco Sabadell to offer new loans to Spanish SMEs and mid-caps, with the bank aiming to finance projects worth more than twice the EIB Group’s investment, potentially injecting approximately €860 million into the Spanish economy. This initiative addresses businesses’ liquidity and working capital requirements while fostering investments to improve competitiveness and promote the green and digital transition.
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Addressing the Impact of Recent Floods
A significant portion of the investment will direct finance to businesses impacted by the recent floods in Spain. The EIB Group will dedicate €200 million of its €395 investment to support these businesses. Additionally, the EIF’s contribution includes a green component, with Banco Sabadell working to develop a portfolio of green loans worth over €45 million.
Jean-Christophe Laloux, Director General and Head of EU Lending and Advisory said, “The EIB Group is pleased to participate in this new Sabadell securitisation operation, in which over half of the Group’s investment will go to mobilising finance for SMEs and mid-caps affected by the recent tragic floods in Spain.”
He added, “This operation means we can continue to provide Spanish SMEs and mid-caps with credit solutions tailored to their needs and enabling them to make the investment necessary to contribute to their resilience and competitiveness.”
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Supporting Sustainable Development
The EIB funds may also support initiatives in Spain’s public sector irrigation communities, focusing on modernizing and enhancing water infrastructure for improved efficiency, digitalization, and energy use.