Sustainability and CSR
Corporate governance principles at Terabank are based on supporting the achievement of the Paris Agreement, Georgia's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Terabank recognizes the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks. By adhering to ESG standards, we can achieve a significant positive impact on the environment. To this end, when carrying out any commercial transaction, Terabank first ensures that the customer's activities are in full compliance with local environmental, health, safety and labor regulations and standards. At the next stage, according to the existing ESG policy in the bank, the user's activity is checked by the so-called "Exclusion List". After passing this stage, the environmental and social risk category is assigned to the transaction. All procedures are based on the standards and requirements of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Terabank's ESG strategy includes financing energy-efficient, renewable energy, women-led or women-owned enterprises, startups and agribusiness. That is why the bank cooperates with such international financial institutions as: FMO, EIB, World Bank, DEG in terms of attracting resources and technical assistance. In 2024 with the support of international financial institutions Terabank will develop new ESG strategy and focus on building necessary capacities for integrating climate related risk management practices into the business strategy and scaling up green lending opportunities and investments. Terabank will build climate transition plan that will pave the way for complying with climate-related disclosure requirements, through assessing the climate risks and opportunities, setting up the methodologies for GHG emission calculation and delineating climate ambition and transition levers to achieve Paris aligned business model and operations. Our Bank is also actively working to increase access to sustainable lending, services and products through the introduction and implementation of a stakeholder engagement plan. As a result, in the medium and long term, Terabank aims to strengthen its climate risk management practices and green lending framework in accordance with the best international standards, IFRS S2 and NBG reporting requirements. These steps will further strengthen our responsibility to make a long-term and sustainable contribution to the development process of this direction in the country.
Technical Assistance Program - European Investment Bank (EIB)
Within the framework of the Green Gateway Greening Financial Systems Technical Assistance Program (GFS TAP) between Terabank and the European Investment Bank (EIB), a workshop on climate strategy was held for the bank's top and middle managers. The Bank aims to integrate climate change risk management into its risk management policy. The climate transition plan, which includes the assessment of climate risks and opportunities in the short, medium and long term, was discussed at the workshop. Also, new methodological approaches in terms of reporting greenhouse gas emissions and recommendations for their reduction. Additionally, the methods of determining the bank's climate ambitions and goals and the possible ways to achieve them were reviewed at the workshop. EIB's technical assistance project covers 14 months, and at the next stage, it is planned to develop a green financing strategy and train the bank's employees.Technical Assistance program - DEG Impact GmbH
On September 11-13, within the technical support project of DEG Impact GmbH, a workshop on green financing was held for the employees of different departments of Terabank. In the working format, the possibilities of introducing green financing in Terabank, the green taxonomy established by the National Bank of Georgia and the financing criteria were discussed. Also, current trends and future forecasts in the direction of sustainable development in the country. It should be noted that in August of this year, the German Investment and Development Institute (DEG) allocated a credit resource of 20 million euros to Terabank to support small and medium-sized businesses, women entrepreneurs and green projects. The development of green financing plays an important role in sustainable development and mitigating the negative impact of climate change, as well as discovering new business opportunities and reducing CO2 emissions. With the support of international financial institutions, from 2024, the bank is actively working to increase the availability and availability of green lending, services and products. Terabank's ESG strategy includes financing energy-efficient, renewable energy and women-led and women-owned enterprises, startups and agribusinesses.Tera Bike
The Tera Bike summer campaign from Terabank was a brand-new concept for Georgia and for corporate social responsibility initiatives at large. Its mission was to promote the use of bikes as a mean of transportation in support of healthy living habits. The campaign allowed both existing and new customers of terabank to ride bikes around Tbilisi completely free of charge. Five branches were equipped with special bicycle parking racks and available for bike pick-up and drop-off throughout the summer. Bikes were accessible with special Tera Bike cards. In addition to offering locals free bikes, Terabank also took care of creating convenient, short and safe routes for bike riders: professional cyclists were employed to create special guides which helped bicycle lovers to navigate Tbilisi problem-free. Tera bike was an important initiative for women. This campaign was our attempt to shake up existing stereotypes about Tbilisi and prove that it certainly has the potential to be a bike-friendly city. Lots of people joined the campaign, demonstrating that Tera Bike was indeed a timely initiative with a lot of like-minded individuals out there who also believe that this amazing means of transportation is very much appropriate for Tbilisi and the city has great potential to become a city of bikes as well.Greening Initiative
Terabank supported a greening initiative in one of Tbilisi's neighborhoods by purchasing American sycamore trees. Terabank employees, along with local residents and employees from the "Ecoservice Group," participated in the initiative by planting saplings in the area. The greening event was conducted with the support of Terabank and in collaboration with the Urban Planning and City Management Commission of the Tbilisi Municipal Assembly.New Year campaign "Breathe in New Year"
One of Terabank’s corporate social responsibility focuses is environmental care, and the bank undertakes various initiatives in this regard. The 2024 New Year campaign, "Breathe in New Year," was dedicated to environmental care. This campaign emphasized reducing air pollution and demonstrated a commitment to environmental responsibility. As part of the initiative, an 8-meter-tall Christmas tree structure, entirely covered with moss, was erected in Bukia Garden, a densely populated area plagued by traffic congestion. Notably, moss has unique properties that naturally purify the air, thus contributing to a healthier environment. Similarly, a bus stop and the window display of a Terabank branch on Aghmashenebeli Avenue were wrapped in moss. The campaign also included awareness-raising activities. During the opening of the Christmas tree, a workshop was held where attendees learned how to create air-purifying panels. Moss decorations were sent as gifts to influencers, whose online engagement helped spread awareness about both the campaign and the unique properties of moss. This initiative reminded everyone that combating air pollution requires the participation of each individual.FMO’S (Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank) NASIRA guarantee program
Terabank is the first bank in Georgia, which is involved in the guarantee program of the Netherlands Development Bank (FMO) in NASIRA. The program is funded by the European Union and the government of the Netherlands. It aims to increase access to financial resources for micro, small and medium businesses. NASIRA guarantees the loan portfolio. It helps financial institutions to expand credit activities for micro, small and medium enterprises. In addition, special emphasis should be placed on small farmers, women entrepreneurs and young entrepreneurs who, due to the lack of collateral and high credit risks, often face difficulties in accessing finance. Terabank has a long-standing partnership with FMO. The NASIRA program allows the bank to further strengthen the support of its strategic segment — small and medium-sized businesses and to make its own contribution to the development of the country's economy.New Year's caravan
With the general sponsorship of Terabank and the support of the Tbilisi City Hall, the New Year’s urban project "Caravan" was held in Orbeliani Square starting December 23, 2022. As part of the entrepreneurial market, Terabank dedicated some of the stalls to support small and medium business clients. Participants were able to present and sell their products at these stalls free of charge. Additionally, Terabank set up a gift-wrapping booth in Orbeliani Square, where visitors could have their gifts, purchased at the Karavani market, wrapped at no cost. Notably, five Georgian artists created special holiday illustrations for the Caravan project, an initiative by Terabank and the "Club of Illustrators." Visitors to the booth were greeted with wrapping paper and greeting cards featuring these unique illustrations. This initiative not only provided a festive service but also promoted Georgian artists.SaaS Hackathon
Under the sponsorship of Terabank, a SaaS hackathon for young people was held at Ilia State University, attracting participation from 21 teams. Over a span of 48 hours, these teams developed initial software-as-a-service products aimed at addressing challenges in the business sector. The winning team was awarded 5000 GEL by Terabank for further product development. The SaaS Hackathon also featured thematic presentations, mentorship sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. Representatives from the technology and innovation industry, tech entrepreneurs, Terabank management members, and business clients participated in the event, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.SaaSargeblo.ge
To support the digitalization of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) according to their needs, Terabank has created the platform Saasargeblo.ge. Saasargeblo.ge is an online guide that connects SMEs with SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) companies. Through the assistance of software service providers, SMEs can implement digital solutions and streamline their business processes. The platform features a constantly updated catalog of SaaS companies, and businesses can schedule free consulting sessions through this online resource. A key component of the project is a memorandum of cooperation between Terabank and the Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency. Saasargeblo.ge also hosts free, open events and consultations, including B2B meetings aimed at fostering prospective, close B2B collaborations between SME representatives and SaaS companies, thus contributing to the development of the SaaS ecosystem in the country.Gastronomic handbook
As per the principles of empowering women outlined by the company, in 2022, in collaboration with the offices of the Women's Organization of Georgia, we undertook the financial sponsorship of the culinary guide preparation, aimed at highlighting the histories, activities, or descriptions of objects and culinary recipes of 10 women employed in various regions of the country, involved in agrotourism. This initiative served to empower women in their professional endeavors as well as promote internal tourism.Pre-acceleration Program for young people
In collaboration with Terabank, a pre-acceleration program was executed for youth, coordinated by the Ilia State University Tech Entrepreneurship and Innovation Development Center and Zoomout. Over a duration of 6 weeks, 24 teams engaged in the pre-acceleration program focused on ideation, prototyping, validating concepts, developing business models, acquiring financial literacy crucial for startup management, seeking investment opportunities, mastering grant application strategies, and preparing investment proposals for their ideas and ventures. The program culminated with Strive being declared the winner, earning its members a prize of 10,000 GEL sponsored by Terabank.Supporting the Social Impact Award
To nurture youth and their entrepreneurial endeavors, Terabank, in collaboration with Impact Hub Tbilisi, hosted the Social Impact Award program in 2020. This initiative offered young individuals educational courses and mentorship tailored to social entrepreneurship. Selected teams worked actively for a period of two months under the guidance of individual mentors to develop projects and business ideas focused on both social and business objectives. Ultimately, three winning teams emerged, advancing to the international stage. The program provided participants with valuable insights into social entrepreneurship, fostering innovative business solutions and laying the groundwork for their own social ventures.Creative Training Program for young people
With the sponsorship of Terabank and in collaboration with Windfor's advertising agency, a two-month training program was organized for young individuals aspiring to enter the creative industry. This initiative aimed to equip participants, aged 17 to 21, with essential knowledge and practical skills in photography, animation, and design. The program comprised workshop-style modules that integrated theoretical instruction with hands-on exercises, assignments, field trips, and guest lectures. Furthermore, participants had the chance to engage in a practical project — a real brief provided by Terabank — enabling them to observe firsthand the planning and execution processes involved in various advertising projects undertaken by agencies.Terabank for Business Support
The project "Terabank to Support Business" was executed in 2020, aimed at bolstering enterprises. Under this initiative, Terabank extended a suite of tailored services to 50 business clients. These services encompassed logo and corporate style design, establishment of social media channels and websites, promotion of activities on tourism platforms, photography services, e-commerce facilitation, provision of educational workshops, dissemination of business information through TV and Terabank's communication channels, among others. It is noteworthy that the "Terabank to Support Business" project was honored with the Meliora award in the responsible business competition of Georgia, specifically recognized for its contributions to supporting small businesses and sectors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Terabank's Online Catalog for 100 Georgian Businesses
Another project, titled "Tera Online Catalog for 100 Georgian Businesses," was initiated to support small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitate their promotion, and showcase their activities in the digital realm. This endeavor was undertaken in 2022 through a collaboration with Windfor's agency. The online catalog brought together 100 Georgian small and medium-sized businesses and was featured on both Facebook and Terabank's website. It provided individuals with the opportunity to browse through the products and services offered by these companies, enabling them to easily reach out to the respective manufacturers and contribute to the success of these enterprises. The project was recognized as an outstanding initiative at the Meliora 2022 responsible business competition.UN Global Compact
Terabank became a member of the Georgia Network of the United Nations Global Compact. The UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world and serves to create a sustainable, inclusive global economy. The network encourages businesses to conduct their activities responsibly and take into account the 10 principles of the agreement, which include human rights, labor rights, environmental protection and the fight against corruption. In addition, the UN Global Compact supports businesses to contribute to general societal goals, such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Joining the Georgia Network of the UN Global Compact once again underlines the importance of Terabank's corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The bank's strategic directions include: supporting small and medium-sized businesses, promoting and empowering women entrepreneurs, supporting the education of young people, caring for the environment and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The UN Global Compact unites more than 20,000 business companies and more than 3,000 non-business individuals from more than 160 countries.Awards
2023
The prestigious British publication, Global Banking & Finance Review, has awarded Terabank in the category of the country's fastest growing SME bank, designating it as the "Fastest Growing SME Bank in Georgia 2023.
2022
The project "Tera's Online Catalogue for 100 Georgian Businesses," which aimed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by promoting and showcasing their activities online, was implemented in partnership with the agency Windfor's in 2022. The online catalogue featured 100 Georgian SME companies and was hosted on Facebook and Terabank's website. It allowed people to browse the products and services of the listed companies and, if desired, easily connect with the producers, thereby supporting the success of these businesses. The project was recognized as an outstanding initiative at the Meliora 2022 Responsible Business Awards.
2020
The project "Terabank for Business Support" received the Meliora Award in one of the main categories—support for small businesses and affected sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic—at Georgia's Responsible Business Competition. The winning project, implemented in 2020, involved providing tailored service packages to 50 of Terabank's business clients based on their specific needs. These packages included logo and corporate style design, creation of social media channels and websites, promotion of relevant activities on tourism platforms, photography, e-commerce setup, training sessions, and the dissemination of business information through television broadcasts and Terabank’s communication channels, among other services.
2023
The prestigious British publication, Global Banking & Finance Review, has awarded Terabank in the category of the country's fastest growing SME bank, designating it as the "Fastest Growing SME Bank in Georgia 2023.
2022
The project "Tera's Online Catalogue for 100 Georgian Businesses," which aimed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by promoting and showcasing their activities online, was implemented in partnership with the agency Windfor's in 2022. The online catalogue featured 100 Georgian SME companies and was hosted on Facebook and Terabank's website. It allowed people to browse the products and services of the listed companies and, if desired, easily connect with the producers, thereby supporting the success of these businesses. The project was recognized as an outstanding initiative at the Meliora 2022 Responsible Business Awards.
2020
The project "Terabank for Business Support" received the Meliora Award in one of the main categories—support for small businesses and affected sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic—at Georgia's Responsible Business Competition. The winning project, implemented in 2020, involved providing tailored service packages to 50 of Terabank's business clients based on their specific needs. These packages included logo and corporate style design, creation of social media channels and websites, promotion of relevant activities on tourism platforms, photography, e-commerce setup, training sessions, and the dissemination of business information through television broadcasts and Terabank’s communication channels, among other services.
