The war in Ukraine is a terrible human tragedy affecting all of us. Moldova is the largest per capita recipient of refugees escaping the zone of conflict. United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is at the forefront of the relief effort stepping in to help refugees and Moldovan families who host them. Maib is proud to announce that it has been picked by UNHCR to provide bank products and services within UNHCR's humanitarian effort.
As part of the partnership, maib will issue and distribute bank cards to refugees. This will enable the recipients to secure their finances and access financial products as well cash for their day-to-day needs. Maib will issue Mastercard bank cards that can be used widely for transactions all around the country.
Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in Moldova:
“Cash assistance is the most dignified way to help displaced families from Ukraine. It gives refugees the ability to make the best choice for themselves and their families, and helps to restore some dignity in their lives. Cash assistance benefits refugees and the host economy at the same time”.
Giorgi Shagidze, maib CEO:
“We are honored to work with UNHCR and be part of their humanitarian effort. Our role is to enable people in difficult circumstances to have access to banking services to satisfy their day-to-day needs. We are looking for more ways to help. I would once again like to thank UNHCR, Moldovan government and regular Moldovans who stepped up and provided quick and generous help to refugees”.
About UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance such as shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home. We work in over 130 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions of people.
About maib
Maib is the largest bank in Moldova, accounting for 31.4% of country’s banking assets and 34.9% in loans as of 31 December 2021. The bank provides 26% of all mortgage loans extended to Moldovans, serves over 35% of Moldova’s population and is among the largest employers in the country. The bank is well capitalized with Tier 1 Capital ratio of 21.1% as of 31 December 2021. Maib is widely recognized for its customer service and product innovation. Since 2018, maib’s largest shareholder is a consortium of investors composed of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Invalda INVL, a leading asset management group in the Baltics, and Horizon Capital, an Emerging Europe focused private equity fund manager.
