The European Investment Fund (EIF) signed a RON 5 million (€1 million) subordinated loan agreement with Romania-based fintech Instant Factoring IFN to help it expand lending to small businesses in the country.
Instant Factoring is a non-bank financial institution and fintech factoring platform that offers micro and small companies access to financing. Instant Factoring began operations in 2018 and has grown significantly since then by helping underbanked and underserved companies develop their businesses through 100% digital financial solutions.
“With the agreement signed today, Instant Factoring will be enhancing both their debt capacity and their institutional capacity in serving the micro and small companies in Romania, helping to drive economic growth in the region,” said EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt. “With increasing pressure on EU financial resources, the challenge is to put our capital to work efficiently and effectively, to make sure our support reaches the smallest actors in the economy.”
Instant Factoring Chief Executive Officer Cristian Ionescu said the EIF loan would pave the way for new growth and development opportunities. He also called the support an “important step” in the company’s collaboration with the EIF.
“This funding validates our mission to support underfunded and unbanked small and very small businesses,” Ionescu said. “it also confirms our commitment to implementing the highest standards of management and governance, meeting EIF’s strict criteria. The funds will be used to expand our operational capacity, open new branches, develop our sales and marketing team and invest in technology and software. This support enables us to increase our lending capacity and better serve our clients’ needs, significantly contributing to Romania’s economic development.”