Romania—Volksbank Leasing (RVBL)

Client: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Duration: 2006-2008

Region: Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Country: Romania

Established in 2000, Volksbank Leasing (VBL) quickly became one of the top players in the Romanian leasing sector. By 2005, VBL had concluded €112 million in leasing contracts, approximately 80 percent of which were in the vehicle leasing sector and the remaining 20 percent in equipment leasing. The company wanted to expand its equipment leasing business, and given its existing orientation toward the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, saw the European Union/European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Finance Facility as an ideal opportunity to do so. DAI was contracted by the EBRD to help VBL expand its leasing operations for the SME segment.

Sample Activities

Evaluate and recommend improvements to policies and procedures, including risk processes.
Assess training needs in risk management, controlling/reporting skills, and sales skills.
Improve financial analysis processes to focus more on borrowers’ financial position, including cash flow and industry norms.
Support VBL in meeting the reporting and performance requirements of the facility.

Select Results

Developed a commercial strategy for equipment leasing by industry sector and equipment type.
Reviewed VBL’s risk management practices and scoring system and provided recommendations to senior management.
Provided tailored formal and on-the-job training on risk management and sales skills for SMEs.

Democratic Republic of the Congo—Essor: For an Environment Conducive to Investment

Essor acts at meso (business associations) and macro (government) levels to improve the incomes of the poor through the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), including women- and youth-owned and ones in rural areas, through reforms to the country’s investment climate and policies.