Menu
UniCredit pioneers new funding tool for small and medium-sized enterprises.
UniCredit Bank has announced the issuance of Serbia’s first mini-bond, a financial instrument designed to support the growth and investment needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The inaugural issuer is long-time UniCredit client Planet Bike, which issued a five-year, RSD 230 million (indexed) mini-bond. According to the company, the funds will be used to support operations and complete the construction of a new bicycle manufacturing plant.
“Our decision to issue a mini-bond was motivated by the opportunity to secure funding for business operations and finalize our ongoing investment. This provides us with a more stable, long-term source of financing and reduces administrative costs compared to traditional bank loans,” said Lazar Čvoro, General Manager of Planet Bike.
UniCredit emphasized that this marks an important step toward diversifying funding sources and strengthening Serbia’s domestic capital market. A mini-bond is a debt instrument issued by a client, with UniCredit Bank acting as both issuance agent and investor.
Filip Stikić, Member of the Management Board and Head of Corporate Banking at UniCredit Bank Serbia, stated that mini-bonds are a strategic move aimed at empowering local companies with alternative, more flexible ways to raise capital.
The bank highlighted that this model is especially beneficial for SMEs, which often face limited access to conventional financing. Mini-bonds provide a first step toward tapping into the capital market, reducing reliance on bank loans.
Mini-bonds can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each business, offering flexibility in terms of maturity, interest rates, and repayment structure.
