Central and Eastern Europe: Country category winners 2023
Central and Eastern Europe: Country category winners 2023 Euromoney magazine
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Best bank for SMEs: Raiffeisen Bank
Raiffeisen Bank has been named the best bank for small and medium-sized enterprises in Albania. It has improved efficiency for SME clients and has also grown market share and performed strongly. It achieved 10% growth in SME clients last year, a period in which it increased assets assets by 30%.
The lender has shown the way for banking technology in the country through the digitalization of its lending services. During the awards period it achieved a market first by offering a fully digital business loan-application and automatic approval process. This initiative led to a 25% increase in digitally approved unsecured facilities in just one month. It reached another milestone when it introduced the first unsecured digital overdraft in the micro-segment.
Recognising the importance of sustainability, the bank also initiated environmental, social and governance-compliant loans for SME customers in 2022, aligning its services with its sustainable goals.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
- Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.
- Indicator 8.3.2: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit.
- Indicator 9.3.1: Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added.
- Indicator 9.3.2: Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
- Indicator 12.6.1: Number of companies publishing sustainability reports.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. | Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex. Indicator 8.3.2: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit. | Indicator 9.3.1: Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added. Indicator 9.3.2: Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle. | Indicator 12.6.1: Number of companies publishing sustainability reports. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
– Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable credit.
– Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.
– Indicator 8.3.2: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
– Indicator 9.3.1: Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added.
– Indicator 9.3.2: Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit.
– Indicator 12.6.1: Number of companies publishing sustainability reports.
These indicators can provide insights into the efficiency of Raiffeisen Bank’s services for SME clients, growth in SME clients and assets, digitalization of lending services, and the bank’s alignment with sustainable goals.
Overall, the article highlights Raiffeisen Bank’s efforts in supporting SMEs, promoting sustainable practices, and providing financial services. The identified SDGs, targets, and indicators demonstrate the relevance of the bank’s initiatives to the broader sustainable development agenda.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: euromoney.com
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