
The Bulgarian Development Bank plays a vital role in promoting local economic development and growth. By providing financial support and guidance, it helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bulgaria to expand and innovate.
One of the key areas the bank focuses on is supporting SMEs in rural areas, where economic development is often hampered by limited access to resources and infrastructure. This is evident in the bank's efforts to provide financial assistance to rural businesses.
The bank's efforts have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. By supporting SMEs, the bank helps to reduce poverty and inequality in rural areas.
Bank Performance
Bulgarian Development Bank has been growing its revenues and assets by -0.625% and 8.75% a year on average in the last 3 years.
Its loans and deposits have grown by 11.7% and 11.4% a year during that time, with loans making up 92.5% of total deposits at the end of 2017.
A different take: Bank Deposits down
The company achieved an average return on equity of 4.61% in the last three years, with net profit growing 8.47% a year on average.
Its cost to income ratio reached 22.6% in 2017, compared to 24.2% average in the last three years, indicating relatively efficient operations.
Equity represented 30.5% of total assets at the end of 2017, and 47.6% of loans, showing a strong foundation for future growth.
A unique perspective: Baird Equity Capital Markets
Bank Financing
Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) has a financing facility in place to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2012, BDB launched a 100 million euro financing facility in Bulgaria to improve SME competitiveness and stimulate lending to SMEs.
Loans under this facility are provided through credit lines extended to commercial banks participating in the program. This initiative aims to boost SMEs' access to financing and help them grow.
BDB has also been expanding its own operations, with its revenues growing by an average of -0.625% annually over the past three years. Its asset base has grown by 8.75% on average during the same period.
The bank's loans and deposits have seen significant growth, increasing by 11.7% and 11.4% per year, respectively. This has resulted in a loans-to-deposits ratio of 92.5% at the end of 2017.
BDB's net profit has grown by an average of 8.47% annually over the past three years, while its cost-to-income ratio reached 22.6% in 2017. This is lower than the average of 24.2% seen over the same period.
Bdb's Customer Deposits Up 48.8% to Bgn 1,712 Mil in 2017
BDB's customer deposits rose 48.8% to BGN 1,712 mil in 2017, a significant increase from the previous year.
This growth in deposits is a notable aspect of the bank's performance, and it's interesting to see how it compares to other areas of the bank's operations.
Bulgarian Development Bank's loans and deposits have grown by 11.7% and 11.4% a year, respectively, over the last three years.
This steady growth in deposits suggests that the bank is attracting more customers and building a strong foundation for its future operations.
The bank's loans to deposits ratio reached 92.5% at the end of 2017, indicating a healthy balance between lending and deposit-taking activities.
BDB's non-performing loans were of total loans at the end of 2017, which is a concerning metric that the bank will need to address in the coming years.
In terms of operating efficiency, the bank's cost to income ratio reached 22.6% in 2017, a slight improvement from the 24.2% average over the last three years.
The bank's equity represented 30.5% of total assets or 47.6% of loans at the end of 2017, which is a relatively stable position for the bank.
Support and Programs
The Bulgarian Development Bank has a range of support and programs in place to help its customers and the wider community.
The Local Representatives Program is one such initiative, which has seen the bank partner with business centres in all six planning regions of Bulgaria and 29 larger cities. These centres serve as a vital resource for information and services.
By having a physical presence in key locations, the bank is able to provide more accessible support to its customers and the local business community.
Local Representatives Program
The Local Representatives Program is a great resource for those looking for support. The bank has reached agreements with business centres in all six planning regions of Bulgaria.
These business centres serve as de facto BDB information and service centres, providing valuable assistance to those in need. They're a one-stop-shop for all your queries and concerns.
With 29 larger cities covered, you're likely to find a centre near you. This makes it easy to access the support you need, no matter where you are in Bulgaria.
Support for Strategic Industries
The Bulgarian government is taking steps to support its strategic industries, and one area that's receiving special attention is the military-industrial complex.
The Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) is now offering "unlimited" financing to support the defense industry in the country.
This move is part of a broader strategy to boost economic growth, with the BDB's banking services available to both state and private enterprises.
For your interest: United Bulgarian Bank

The military-industrial complex is a key sector for Bulgaria, with a focus on developing unmanned aerial vehicles.
The government is committed to supporting this industry, with the acting Minister of Innovation and Growth, Rosen Karadimov, emphasizing the importance of the military-industrial complex for the country's economic growth.
The BDB will assess each loan application on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of speeding up access to the NATO Innovation Fund.
So far, no requests have been made for the repair of Ukrainian military equipment, largely due to Ukraine's own capabilities in this area.
Purpose and Overview
The Bulgarian Development Bank, or BDB, was established on March 11, 1999, as a joint stock company with the goal of promoting economic and social development in Bulgaria.
BDB's original mandate was to drive growth and progress in Bulgaria, and it has been working towards this goal for over two decades.
In 2008, the Bulgarian Parliament passed a special law that changed the bank's mandate and reorganized the bank group into its current form.
This significant change allowed BDB to adapt to the evolving needs of the Bulgarian economy and better serve its clients and stakeholders.
Recommended read: Bulgarian National Bank
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Bulgarian Development Bank?
The Bulgarian Development Bank is owned by the Bulgarian state, with the state holding 100% of its shares.
Sources
- https://bbr.bg/en/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_Development_Bank
- http://www.nefi.eu/our-members/bulgaria-bdb/
- https://www.helgilibrary.com/companies/bulgarian-development-bank/
- https://fakti.bg/en/bulgaria/891626-bulgarian-development-bank-bdb-removed-the-limits-for-financing-the-domestic-military-industrial-complex
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