Russia’s SME Corporation allocates 42 billion roubles in loan-guarantee limits

Russia’s SME Corporation has allocated 42 billion roubles in umbrella-guarantee limits to partner banks for the fourth quarter of 2026. It estimates that these guarantees can support at least 84 billion roubles in loans to small and medium-sized businesses.

The potential lending volume is 20% above the third-quarter level, the corporation announced on October 13. That figure describes financing the mechanism can support, rather than loans already disbursed.

A guarantee covers up to 50% of a bank loan. It can reach 1 billion roubles and run for up to 10 years. Chief executive Alexander Isaevich said the instrument supports business development, working capital and refinancing where collateral is insufficient.

Banks receiving limits include Sber, VTB, Alfa-Bank, T-Bank, SME Bank, PSB and Sovcombank. The list also includes Bank Saint Petersburg, Levoberezhny, DOM.RF, Tochka Bank, Uralsib, Ak Bars, Zenit, Genbank and Novikom.

The mechanism has operated since October 2021. The corporation said more than 105,000 small and medium-sized enterprises have used it since its launch. The guarantee is integrated into the bank’s lending process and, according to the institution, is provided to the entrepreneur without a fee.