Banks

Business registration is now available at Unibank

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:40:00 +0400

Business registration is the first step toward starting your own venture. However, beginner entrepreneurs often face a number of questions: what documents are required, where to apply, how long will the registration process take, and how to organize banking services.

Starting a business with Unibank has become fast and easy. The registration of a sole entrepreneur or a limited liability company (LLC), as well as the provision of a full package of banking services, can now be carried out directly at Unibank branches.

This new service is designed for those who want to start their own business without wasting time. Within the service, it is possible to register a legal entity or a sole entrepreneur using both standard and non-standard charters, as well as make changes to registration data such as updating passport details, email address, phone number, and other information.

Entrepreneurs are provided with comprehensive support from document submission and company registration to opening a bank account and receiving necessary banking services. Clients are offered a business card, the UNIBusiness Mobile application for legal entities, and the "Internet Bank-Customer" system, acquiring services with free provision of mobile and virtual POS terminals, as well as favorable conditions within salary projects.

The process is organized in such a way that the client spends minimal time and can focus on developing their business.

The launch of the business registration service became another step in Unibank’s strategy aimed at supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and providing modern, convenient solutions for customers. Now the entire process from company registration to banking services can be completed in one place with professional assistance.

The registration service is available for both residents and non-residents.

Unibank and Unisport took part in the “Tricolor” Yerevan Beat Run

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:25:00 +0400

Employees of Unibank and the Unisport club took part in the “Tricolor” Yerevan Beat Run.

The event brought together running enthusiasts in an atmosphere of sport, music, and positive energy. Participants were able to choose a comfortable pace for them and complete a 5-kilometer distance.

“The participation of Unibank employees in the run reflects the bank’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and supporting sports, not only through various initiatives and sponsorship programs but also by personally participating. By taking part in sporting events, employees demonstrate that an active lifestyle is an important part of the bank’s corporate culture.

Sport has always been one of the key priorities of Unibank’s corporate social responsibility. The bank consistently supports the development of Armenian sports and contributes to the professional growth of athletes,” the bank said in a news release.

One of the bank’s successful sports projects is the Unisport club, which is sponsored by Unibank as its general partner. In the current season, the team achieved strong results, becoming champions of the Armenian Premier League and winners of the Armenian Futsal Cup.

BSTDB and IDBank sign €10 million financing package

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:48:00 +0400

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) and IDBank have signed a EUR 10 million financing package to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and trade-related activity in Armenia.

The bank reported that the package comprises a EUR 9 million loan for SME financing and a EUR 1 million short-term revolving trade finance facility.

The transaction marks the beginning of cooperation between BSTDB and IDBank and reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to finance for Armenian businesses.

By combining SME financing with trade finance support, the partnership aims to contribute to private sector development and economic growth in Armenia.

The financing will enable IDBank to expand lending to Armenian SMEs and support eligible import and export transactions, contributing to private sector development and cross-border trade. SMEs play a vital role in Armenia’s economy, and improved access to finance is one of the critical factors contributing to business development and job creation.

“Access to finance remains essential for the growth and competitiveness of SMEs. We are pleased to expand our presence in Armenia by entering into partnership with IDBank and support Armenian businesses through financing that will help foster investment, facilitate trade and contribute to sustainable economic activity,” said Dr. Serhat Köksal, President of BSTDB.

“IDBank continues to expand cooperation with reputable international financial institutions, and the partnership with BSTDB supports our strategic objective of providing Armenian businesses with broader access to international funding. The SME facility will contribute to financing business growth, working capital and investment needs of Armenian SMEs, while the trade finance facility will enhance IDBank’s capacity to support import and export transactions of corporate customers. Overall, the cooperation is aligned with IDBank’s client-centric approach and our role in supporting the real economy and international trade,” said Mher Abrahamyan, Chairman of the Management Board of IDBank.

The SME facility will provide medium-term financing to Armenian enterprises, supporting investment, modernization and working capital needs across productive sectors of the economy. The trade finance facility will help companies maintain commercial flows and strengthen their access to regional and international markets.

IDBank is a commercial bank in Armenia providing a range of financial services to retail, SME and corporate clients. The Bank has a strong focus on digital banking, payment solutions and innovative financial services, and operates as part of the broader ID Group ecosystem.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

The bank is supervised by the CBA.

Jardins d'Arménie at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival: A Story of Heritage, Told Globally

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:07:00 +0400

Jardins d’Arménie – Royal Brandy, the flagship brand of Pogossian Luxury Brand House, had its distinguished presence at the 2026 Monte-Carlo Television Festival as Crystal Partner, bringing Armenian heritage, craftsmanship and cultural excellence to one of Monaco’s most prestigious international gatherings.

The partnership marks a new chapter in the brand’s growing presence in Monaco and reflects its commitment to building meaningful connections across the international cultural, hospitality and luxury sectors.

“Monaco has long been a place where culture, creativity, and international perspectives come together. Being part of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival is a natural extension of the values that inspire Jardins d’Arménie. The Festival provides a unique platform to celebrate storytelling and cultural exchange while allowing us to share Armenia’s heritage with an international audience and strengthen our presence in Monaco,” mentioned Armen Pogossian, Օwner of Pogossian Luxury Brand House.

Image by: 65 E Festival de Television de Monte-Carlo

Throughout the Festival, Armen Pogossian engaged with media representatives, partners, and invited guests, fostering meaningful dialogue around culture, creativity, and the story behind a brand rooted in authenticity, excellence, and the appreciation of time.

Recognised as one of the world's leading television festivals, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival has, for 65 years, brought together acclaimed actors, producers, broadcasters, creators, and industry leaders in the Principality of Monaco. Major studios, networks, digital platforms and internationally renowned talent gather to compete for the prestigious Golden Nymph Awards.

03.06.2026 | 10:36 Armen Pogossian Represents Armenia at Forbes Under 30 Summit China

As part of the Festival, renowned chess grandmaster Levon Aronian, ambassador of Jardins d’Arménie, was also present in Monaco. Recognised as one of the leading figures in international chess, Aronian embodies values closely associated with the brand, including excellence, discipline and intellectual curiosity.
“I was very happy to be present at the Festival in the company of so many accomplished people. I have always considered Armenian brandy, together with chess, to be among the symbols of our country, so I am proud to see these two worlds come together through Jardins d’Arménie. What impressed me most was seeing international guests discover something that felt genuinely different from what they were used to,” said Levon Aronian, Ambassador of Jardins d’Arménie .

Image by: 65 E Festival de Television de Monte-Carlo

The Festival also welcomed a number of internationally recognised actors, actresses and industry professionals, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Ester Expósito, Kevin McKidd, David Morrissey, Lauren Cohan, David Boreanaz and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, alongside renowned cinematographer Barry Markowitz, among others.

The partnership with the Monte-Carlo Television Festival also coincided with the continued development of Jardins d’Arménie in Monaco through its collaboration with GCM (Grands Chais Monégasques), where the brand is now available. This growing presence reflects the House's ambition to build long-term relationships with collectors, connoisseurs and hospitality professionals who appreciate authenticity, heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.

About Pogossian Luxury Brand House

Since 1992, the Pogossian family has been creating exceptional luxury products. Present in more than 50 countries, the House embodies a vision rooted in craftsmanship, creativity and excellence, offering a discerning international clientele sophisticated and timeless experiences.

Among its flagship brands owned by Armen Pogossian is Jardins d’Arménie – Royal Brandy. Produced in Armenia from Voskehat grapes and aged for 35 years through a distinctive multi-stage maturation process, the brand embodies a vision where cultural heritage and contemporary luxury meet. Combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary presentation, Jardins d’Arménie offers a refined expression of Armenia’s cultural and winemaking heritage.

Moody’s affirms IDBank’s Ba3 rating with a stable outlook

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:56:00 +0400

The prestigious international rating agency Moody’s Ratings has affirmed IDBank’s long-term local and foreign currency bank deposit ratings at "Ba3" with a stable outlook.

Moody’s also affirmed the bank’s ba3 Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) and Adjusted BCA, Not Prime (NP) short-term local and foreign currency bank deposit ratings, the bank’s Ba2/NP long-term and short-term local and foreign currency Counterparty Risk Ratings (CRRs) and the Ba2(cr)/NP(cr) long-term and short-term Counterparty Assessments (CR Assessments).

According to Moody’s report, the affirmation of IDBank’s BCA and Adjusted BCA at ba3 reflects its solid capital and liquidity buffers. It also indicates continuous improvement in the bank’s asset quality and operational profitability.

Over the recent four years, IDBank has significantly decreased the share of its problem loans (PLs; defined as stage 3 lending under IFRS 9) and improved provisioning coverage.

According to the report, high capital adequacy remains one of IDBank’s key credit strengths, providing a buffer against unexpected losses. Its tangible common equity (TCE)/risk-weighted assets (RWA) remained strong at 21.1% as of year-end 2025 despite rapid loan book growth of 34% and substantial dividend payouts. According to the international agency’s forecasts, IDBank’s long-term deposit ratings are stable, reflecting our view that the bank will maintain its sound fundamentals, in particular asset quality and profitability, over the next 12-18 months.

It is noted that IDBank’s long-term bank deposit ratings and Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) are aligned with the sovereign issuer rating of the Republic of Armenia.

The bank is supervised by the CBA.

The Root of Today's Global Imbalances

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:30:00 +0400

Lee Jong-Wha, Professor of Economics at Korea University, is a former chief economist at the Asian Development Bank and a former senior adviser for international economic affairs to the president of South Korea.

Global imbalances are again dominating international economic debates, and with good reason. Large and persistent imbalances often end badly, whether in abrupt capital-flow reversals, exchange-rate volatility, geopolitical conflict, or, as in 2008, financial crisis. And with the United States now running significant current-account deficits, and China having returned to substantial surpluses, fears that the world is headed toward another reckoning are mounting.

To be sure, today’s imbalances are smaller than those that preceded the 2008 global financial crisis. Last year, the US current-account deficit approached 3.6% of GDP, compared to its pre-2008 peak of 6%, and China’s surplus was 3.7% of GDP, compared to over 9% before the crisis. But the gaps are widening—and, unlike in the mid-2000s, this is happening against a backdrop of heightened uncertainty about economic security, supply chains, reserve currencies, strategic competition, and financial stability.

These imbalances have contributed to a resurgence of protectionism, particularly in the US, with President Donald Trump using America’s trade deficits to justify sweeping tariffs. European leaders, for their part, have sharply criticized Chinese industrial overcapacity in electric vehicles, batteries, and solar panels. Because “China Shock 2.0” is concentrated in these higher-end sectors (which also include semiconductors and robotics), rather than low-cost consumer goods, it is putting pressure on advanced-economy producers and impeding industrial-upgrading efforts across the developing world.

But today’s persistent imbalances are not just a trade issue. As recent analyses by the International Monetary Fund, the G7, and the Bank of England show, they are driven primarily by domestic saving and investment dynamics.

In the US, the core problem is fiscal dissaving. While the US runs large budget deficits and racks up external liabilities, it continues to attract a huge volume of foreign capital. This partly reflects enduring demand for dollar assets—an upshot of the dollar’s reserve-currency status. America’s technological leadership has further made the US financial assets all the more appealing to foreign investors.

As a result, the US has been able to sustain external deficits for far longer than most countries, contributing to growing financial vulnerabilities that extend well beyond the US. Global investors are heavily exposed to dollar assets and US equities and bonds, and their investment portfolios are highly concentrated in a narrow set of assets, particularly AI-related equities. A sharp correction in US markets would thus reverberate rapidly across the global economy.

Image by: REUTERS

China’s surplus reflects the opposite dynamic: weak domestic demand relative to productive capacity. The causes include the property-sector downturn, high precautionary household saving in the face of an incomplete social safety net, and demographic pressures. While industrial policy has reinforced these trends, it cannot fully explain China’s surplus.

This distinction matters because it alters the policy implications. If industrial subsidies and trade barriers were the main problem, tariffs might offer a solution. But if the underlying issue is a structural imbalance between savings and investment, the impact of trade measures will be limited. In fact, recent IMF research shows that exchange-rate movements and supply-chain adaptation offset much of the tariffs’ long-run effect on current-account balances.

Ultimately, global imbalances are domestic problems requiring domestic solutions. The US must gradually reduce its fiscal deficits and boost financial resilience, and China must increase domestic consumption by strengthening its social safety net, supporting household income, allowing gradual real exchange-rate appreciation, and facilitating greater two-way capital flows. Reining in support for manufacturing and expanding high-value services would also support China’s shift toward consumption-led growth.

These adjustments are in both countries’ interest. Debt-financed consumption and rising external liabilities are no more reliable a long-term growth strategy than dependence on external demand.

While the prescription is fundamentally domestic, international coordination is also essential. After all, a disorderly adjustment could lead to financial instability, exchange-rate volatility, and sudden stops in capital flows, which would hit emerging economies hard.

The central challenge today is thus not simply to reduce trade imbalances. It is to manage the financial vulnerabilities created by massive and concentrated global capital flows—vulnerabilities that are exacerbated by rising leverage in non-bank financial institutions, concentrated portfolio positions, bubbly valuations for US technology equities, and mounting pressures in sovereign-bond markets.

To this end, the US and China should correct their respective domestic imbalances gradually and responsibly. But other major powers and international institutions must also do their part. The IMF, the Bank for International Settlements, and the Financial Stability Board should strengthen surveillance of cross-border capital flows, leverage, and liquidity mismatches, while enhancing macroprudential coordination, stress testing, and crisis-prevention mechanisms. While grand macroeconomic bargains like the Plaza Accord of the 1980s are unrealistic at a time of geopolitical fragmentation, the G7 and G20 can also make a difference by promoting transparency, dialogue, and coordination.

While today’s imbalances are linked to trade, they are driven primarily by domestic saving-investment dynamics and the interaction between geopolitical rivalry, technological competition, and concentrated global capital flows. Only by recognizing this and taking coordinated action to manage the associated risks can the world prevent today’s tensions from erupting in another global economic crisis.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2026.
www.project-syndicate.org

AEB Travel Package: Your premium gateway to the best journeys

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:03:00 +0400

The travel season is in full swing, making this the perfect moment to secure your ultimate travel package.

Armeconombank offers its premium cardholders the AEB Travel Package – expertly curated for those who demand comfort, security, and exclusive privileges.

This package is tailored for clients who hold or purchase any of the following premium Armeconombank cards: VISA Platinum, VISA Infinite, VISA Guru Travel, or Mastercard World.

As part of the package, you will enjoy:

• SIL Insurance Travel Policy: Access to the TR Whole World AEB travel insurance policy directly at the bank for just 4,000 AMD.
• 50% Discount on Reference Letters: Half-price fees on the issuance of reference letters regarding account opening, maintenance, and other bank services.
• 30% Discount on Safe Deposit Boxes: A premium rate for renting individual safe deposit boxes at any of our branches (excluding the Head Office).
• Exclusive Partner Rates: Special privileges and preferential terms from leading travel agencies partnering with the bank.

The full suite of travel privileges tied to these premium cards - including complimentary airport lounge access, Fast Track service, 24/7 Concierge support, free luggage wrapping, and much more – can be found on Armeconombank’s official website.

Armeconombank is supervised by the Central Bank of Armenia.

Unibank's annual general meeting of shareholders will be held today: the bank’s net profit amounted to 9.8 billion drams

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:03:00 +0400

On June 22, 2026, the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Unibank OJSC will be held. During the meeting, the bank’s performance results for 2025 will be reviewed, and the key priorities for future development will be discussed.

The bank reported that the shareholders will also consider and decide on the payment of annual dividends based on the bank’s 2025 financial results.

In 2025, Unibank continued to demonstrate strong growth dynamics, achieving significant improvements across its key financial indicators. At the end of the reporting year, the bank’s total assets amounted to AMD 393.8 billion.

The bank’s loan portfolio increased by 32.5% year-on-year, reaching AMD 264.6 billion. The retail loan portfolio grew by 24% during the year, exceeding AMD 183 billion. Mortgage lending recorded nearly 40% growth, reflecting sustained demand in the housing finance segment. The bank also continued to actively expand its card business, with the number of active payment cards increasing by approximately 21% year-on-year.

“Supporting entrepreneurship remained one of Unibank’s strategic priorities. The corporate loan portfolio grew by 37% during the reporting period, reaching AMD 77 billion. Within the framework of financing small and medium-sized enterprises, the bank continued to develop its business leasing, with the leasing portfolio expanding by 55%,” the bank said in a news release.

As of the end of 2025, Unibank’s liabilities amounted to AMD 343.6 billion. The portfolio of issued bonds increased by 70% over the year. The bank closed the reporting year with a net profit of AMD 9.8 billion, reaffirming the strength of its financial position and the effectiveness of its growth strategy.

Moody’s Ratings affirmed Unibank B1 long-term local and foreign currency bank deposit ratings and maintained the stable outlook.

Byblos Bank Armenia stands with CaseKey for the fourth year running

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:46:00 +0400

CaseKey 2026 is launching with unprecedented interest and new opportunities and, for the fourth consecutive year, with the support of Byblos Bank Armenia.

The bank reported that this year, CaseKey introduces a significantly enhanced program, distinguished by its strengthened academic component. While previous editions primarily focused on developing students’ practical skills, solving business cases and preparing participants for competition, CaseKey 2026 also aims to directly connect students with leading universities and academic communities around the world.

The first phase of the program, CaseKey Academy, will launch in June and continue throughout the summer. Within the framework of the Academy, participants will gain in-depth knowledge in strategy, finance, marketing, data analysis, business modeling, presentation skills and teamwork. Courses will be delivered by both Armenian and international experts and lecturers.

During this phase, international partner teams from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Concordia University (Canada) and one of Europe’s leading universities will also engage with participants.
Following the academic phase, CaseKey 2026 will move into its competition stage. Throughout September, October and November, teams will solve three separate business cases submitted by leading Armenian companies and organizations.

The program will culminate in the CaseKey 2026 Grand Finale, with the final business case to be released in late November. Teams advancing to the final stage will gather in Dilijan for an intensive four-day experience. During this period, they will analyze the final case, develop strategic recommendations, receive mentoring support and prepare their final presentations.

“CaseKey has become an important platform for discovering and developing the potential of young people. For the fourth year in a row, it is important for us to contribute to creating opportunities that connect young people not only with the local business community but also with the international academic world. We are confident that participants will gain knowledge, skills and connections that will play an important role in shaping their professional future,” said Hayk Stepanyan, CEO of Byblos Bank Armenia, at the launch of the program.

“It is especially encouraging to see how the CaseKey community continues to grow year after year, attracting an increasing number of talented young people. This growth and continuous development are made possible in part by partners who share our vision. We are pleased that Byblos Bank Armenia has supported CaseKey for several years, contributing to the program’s development and expansion,” said Arshak Karapetyan, Co-Founder of CaseKey.

This year, more than 800 students from universities and educational institutions across Armenia applied to participate in the business case competition. Following a multi-stage selection process, 234 participants were selected and formed into 25 teams.

“Committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact, Byblos Bank Armenia continuously invests in building healthy and thriving communities through a range of corporate social responsibility initiatives and educational programs,” the bank said in a news release.

The bank is supervised by the CBA.

HSBC targets $100 million gain in AI deal with Google Cloud

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:47:00 +0400

HSBC has signed a multi-year deal with Google Cloud to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence technology, Finextra reports.

Under the agreement, HSBC will work with Google Cloud and DeepMind engineering teams to collaborate on new AI-powered tools and programmes, with access to Google’s latest agentic AI capabilities, including Gemini models and the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform.

The partnership is expected to enable more than 200 new AI HSBC use cases over the next two years with a priority focus on the highest value initiatives for investment and delivery, each of which the bank estimates could return more than US$100m in either direct revenue gains or wider efficiency improvements.

Georges Elhedery, Group CEO, HSBC, says: “AI is becoming one of the defining technologies of our time, allowing us to create a personalised experience for each customer, delivered in real time and at scale, while keeping human judgement, decision-making, and accountability at the core.”

The partner of Fintech section is

Armeconombank Honored with Raiffeisen Bank International’s Quality Excellence Award

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:36:00 +0400

For maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence, premium quality in foreign currency SWIFT transfers, and fostering long-term, high-quality international correspondent relations, Armeconombank has been honored with the prestigious "Quality Excellence Award for International Transfers" by the leading Austrian financial group, Raiffeisen Bank International AG.

Continuously advancing its international correspondent relations and deploying modern digital solutions allow the bank to consistently ensure the highest quality and compliance standards in international transfers. This award, which Raiffeisen Bank International presents exclusively to financial institutions worldwide, underscores Armeconombank’s advanced precisely structured workflows, and the exceptional professional expertise of its personnel.

It once again serves as a powerful testament to Armeconombank’s unwavering commitment to delivering a premium international banking experience to its clients.

Valuing the milestones achieved in international transfers, Armeconombank remains highly optimistic that its strong and reliable cooperation with Raiffeisen Bank International will continue to expand with the same efficiency in the future.

Armeconombank is supervised by the Central Bank of Armenia.

AraratBank: A New Rhythm of Life for Children with Hearing Impairments

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:27:00 +0400

A year ago, AraratBank launched a meaningful initiative aimed at giving children with hearing impairments the opportunity to experience the rhythm and magic of music.

The initiative began with an unprecedented cultural event featuring the world-renowned Belgian band Hooverphonic, held as part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor: Eduard Topchjan).

The concert was sponsored by AraratBank, and a portion of the funds allocated to the event was donated to the Yerevan Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments to enhance the environment that supports students’ educational and creative development.

As a result, through AraratBank’s financing and in cooperation with the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, the music room of the Yerevan Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments was renovated.

The renovated and fully equipped music room opens up new opportunities for children’s development and self-expression. The bright and warm environment will support their safe, comfortable, and well-rounded development, promoting their self-expression and creative potential.

“A motivating educational environment encourages children to learn with greater enthusiasm and fosters greater engagement among teachers. The aim of this important initiative goes beyond the renovation of the music room; it is about creating a modern, safe, and engaging educational environment for children that will help unlock their creative potential, support self-expression, and provide new opportunities for growth. I am confident that this environment will inspire children to embrace learning with greater enthusiasm, create and trust in their own abilities,” said Armine Babayan, Director of the Yerevan Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments.

During the 2025–2026 academic year alone, the subject “Rhythmics” was taught to around 70 students at the Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments, covering 14 classes across grades 1 through 9.

“It is symbolic that one of Armenia’s most important musical institutions, the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, contributed to the renovation of this beautiful music room. Projects implemented with our business partners still rarely include a social responsibility component. That is why we welcome AraratBank’s initiative and have joined it with great enthusiasm,” said Astghik Dallakyan, Press Secretary of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra.

“AraratBank and the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra began their collaboration on this initiative a year ago, within the frames of the Orchestra’s anniversary celebrations. The initiative stood out as a truly unique effort, bringing together two institutions around a shared goal: making music accessible to children with hearing impairments. The music room significantly enhances the effectiveness of “Rhythmics” classes, which are particularly important for communication and social development of children with hearing impairments,” said Anna Allahverdyan, Head of Communication and CSR Programs Coordination Division at AraratBank.

The room’s design features a distinctive artistic touch contributing to a warm and creative environment that supports children’s development and self-expression, and brings a new rhythm to their lives.

AraratBank is regulated by the Central Bank of Armenia.

Ameriabank has Completed Placement of USD 100M Perpetual Bonds

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:06:00 +0400

Ameriabank has fully placed its first-ever perpetual bonds in total amount of USD 100 million. The bonds were issued in two tranches, in February and April. In both issuances, the entire volume was subscribed before the planned deadline, demonstrating strong demand for the securities.

Through the issuance of perpetual bonds, Ameriabank is creating additional capital buffers to capitalize on future growth opportunities and achieve its strategic objectives. Notably, the first tranche of perpetual bonds was placed with a coupon rate of 8.5%, while the second tranche was placed at 8%, reflecting the exceptionally high demand for the bonds.

“The strong demand for our perpetual bonds is a clear testament to the market’s trust in our credit story and diversified balance sheet management. By enhancing our capital adequacy ratios, this transaction provides additional headroom to pursue our growth ambitions and reinforce our role as the largest lender to the Armenian economy”, – stated Hovhannes Toroyan, CFO of Ameriabank.

The bonds can now be traded on the secondary market.

Ameriabank’s perpetual bond program prospectus was registered by Resolution 1/28Ա of the Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia, dated January 21, 2026.

The Bank is supervised by the Central Bank of Armenia.

Idram and Glovo Sign Memorandum of Cooperation in Barcelona

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:25:00 +0400

As part of Glovo Retail Media Day 2026, Idram and Glovo signed a memorandum of cooperation at Glovo’s headquarters in Barcelona. As part of the partnership, soon users will be able to make payments in the Glovo app through the Idram&IDBank app by selecting Idram as a payment method.

The collaboration aims to create a more convenient, fast, and secure digital experience for users in Armenia by combining the strong ecosystems of the two companies.

Within the framework of the new partnership, Idram users will gain access to special offers and exclusive benefits within the Glovo platform, while the two companies will regularly launch joint initiatives and campaigns designed to create more engaging and value-driven experiences for users.

According to Grigori Yolyan, Commercial Director of Idram, the partnership reflects the shared vision of both companies to create innovative and customer-focused digital experiences in Armenia.

“At Idram, we always strive to offer our users not only payment services, but also complete and value-driven experiences. It is especially important for us that such a major international partner, trusted by millions of users worldwide, has chosen to collaborate with Idram. Soon our users can select Idram as a payment option when making purchases in the Glovo app. This once again demonstrates that Armenia’s digital ecosystem continues to grow and can build valuable partnerships with global players,” said Grigori Yolyan.

Glovo also emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership for the Armenian market.

“At Glovo, we continuously look for ways to make our platform more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for our users. Partnering with Idram, one of the most trusted and widely used payment systems in Armenia, is a strategic step that will allow us to deliver even greater value to customers. We are excited to launch this collaboration and create meaningful benefits, exclusive campaigns, and seamless experiences for users across Armenia,” said Tamar Kojaoghlanian, General Manager of Glovo Armenia.

As part of the collaboration, the companies plan to implement a number of joint initiatives throughout the year aimed at improving customer experience and contributing to the development of digital services in Armenia.

Idram is supervised by the Central Bank of Armenia․

Top travel destinations of 2026 for IDBank Premium cardholders

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:50:00 +0400

Travel is no longer about just choosing a destination; it has become a way to embrace new experiences, discover various cultures, and create lasting memories. 2026 offers travelers the perfect blend of timeless classics and hidden gems waiting to be explored.

“European cities like Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and London remain classic, all-time favorite destinations. However, we have also uncovered some “hidden gems” like Stockholm, Riga, Bratislava and Ljubljana. These cities stand out by offering relatively affordable prices, fewer crowds, and truly unique history,” IDBank reported.

For beach lovers, Crete, Rhodes, El Alamein and Ayia Napa are among the top destinations for 2026. If you are looking for an exotic getaway, IDBank recommends exploring Bali, Phuket, and the Seychelles. These spots are famous for their clean beaches and breathtaking landscapes.

Whichever destination you choose, IDBank’s Premium cards are here to make your journey even more comfortable, especially now that our new campaign has expanded the travel benefits of our Premium cards.

Accordingly, until October 31, 2026, inclusive, Travel Card, Visa Signature, and Visa Infinite premium cardholders will enjoy increased limits on business lounge access, Fast Track services, luggage wrapping, and roaming data, specifically:

Travel Card

• Business Lounge Access: 6 visits
• Fast Track: 6 domestic + 6 international airports
• Roaming: 3 GB
• Luggage Wrapping: 6 complimentary wrappings in total, guest included (maximum 1 guest per visit)

Visa Signature

• Business Lounge Access: 10 visits
• Fast Track: 10 domestic + 10 international airports
• Roaming: 6 GB
• Luggage Wrapping: 10 complimentary wrappings in total, guest included (maximum 1 guest per visit)

Visa Infinite

• Business Lounge Access: 20 visits
• Fast Track: 20 domestic + 20 international airports
• Roaming: 9 GB
• Luggage Wrapping: 20 complimentary wrappings in total, guest included (maximum 1 guest per visit)
Each Business Lounge or Fast Track visit may include one guest, and the guest visit will be deducted from your total available allowance.

Meanwhile, a range of exclusive privileges has been tailored for Visa Infinite Special Edition cardholders, including:

• unlimited Business Lounge Access at airports,
• unlimited Fast Track for the cardholder, plus a total of 6 visits for guests (with a maximum of 2 guests allowed per visit),
• 4 Airport-to-Hotel Transfers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi,
• unlimited Luggage Wrapping at Zvartnots Airport,
• 30 GB of Roaming Data annually, and many other premium benefits.

You can find the campaign terms and further details via this link.

“So, no matter which travel destination you choose, we wish you unforgettable moments and bright memories. Have a great flight,” the bank concluded.

The bank is supervised by the CBA.

PPLS Rooms Co-living and Villa3 Community Hub Open in Dilijan as Part of Green Rock’s Mixed-Use Development

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 12:25:00 +0400

Two new projects — PPLS Rooms Co-living and Villa3 Community Hub — have officially opened in Dilijan. Both projects form part of Green Rock’s broader development strategy for Dilijan. The projects will be operated by Green Rock Operations.

The new projects support a range of ways people engage with the city — from short stays and study programs to long-term living, remote work, and entrepreneurship.

PPLS Rooms Co-living: Affordable and Modern Living in Dilijan

Located at 142/3 Myasnikyan Street, just a few minutes from the city center, PPLS Rooms was developed in response to the growing demand for affordable, high-quality accommodation in Dilijan. The project is designed to accommodate both short-term visitors and long-term residents.

The co-living features 60 rooms and can accommodate up to 120 residents at a time. The building combines shared and private living options: the lower floors are organized around a shared living concept, with shared kitchens and common areas, while the upper floors offer more private accommodation options.

PPLS Rooms is designed for a diverse audience, including students, professionals, company employees, freelancers, tourists, and long-term residents. The project is expected to welcome up to 8,000 guests and residents annually.

The property is located in a part of Dilijan that has historically seen less tourism and business activity. By attracting a steady flow of residents and visitors, the project is expected to generate demand for local services and contribute to the development of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Villa3 Community Hub: A Space for Work, Creativity, and Collaboration

Villa3 Community Hub is a new community space designed to foster connections, exchange ideas, and support collaborative projects.

The hub is intended for both local residents and visiting professionals, digital nomads, students, entrepreneurs, and members of the creative industries. Villa3 includes coworking areas, meeting rooms, a library, a lecture space, lounge areas, and an outdoor terrace.

The interior design was developed in collaboration with the international architecture and design studio IND. One of the hub’s signature features is a central fireplace created from recycled plastic using 3D-printing technology.

Villa3 has also completed an EDGE assessment, an international standard that measures the environmental efficiency of buildings. According to the assessment, the project is expected to reduce energy use by 35%, water use by 30%, and the carbon footprint of building materials by 39%.

The concept of Villa3 is inspired by the idea of the “third place” — a space that exists between home and work, where people can gather, connect, and build community. For growing cities, such spaces play an important role in modern urban development by helping attract talent, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening local communities.

Vazgen Gevorkyan, Strategic Advisor of Green Rock:

“Dilijan has changed significantly over the past few years and is becoming increasingly recognized as an international destination. At the same time, people’s expectations of the city are evolving — they need modern spaces for living, working, and learning.

PPLS Rooms and Villa3 are part of this transformation. Our goal is to create an environment that is attractive to young families, professionals, students, and everyone who sees their future in Dilijan. Green Rock views this work as a long-term commitment to the city and its community.

We are grateful for the trust we experience from the local community. Meaningful development is only possible when it happens in partnership with the people who live here.”

Katerina Danekina, CEO of Green Rock:

“As Dilijan continues to grow, the city needs not only new jobs but also the infrastructure that supports everyday life. Over the coming years, Green Rock’s projects are expected to create up to 800 jobs, and it is important for us that housing, workspaces, and community infrastructure develop alongside that growth.

PPLS Rooms and Villa3 are part of this effort. These spaces help the city welcome more students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and visitors, while also creating new opportunities for local businesses and services.”

About Green Rock and Green Rock Operations

Green Rock is a company rooted in Dilijan, developing large-scale territorial projects by shaping ecosystems of the future. We work at the intersection of infrastructure, culture, education, and economy — designing spaces that are locally grounded and globally relevant.

Green Rock Operations is an operational and management company focused on launching, developing, and efficiently running projects in the hospitality, real estate, and lifestyle sectors. It provides a full cycle of operations, from concept development and business model creation to day-to-day management and financial performance control.

Moody’s Ratings affirms Unibank’s B1 ratings with a stable outlook

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:15:00 +0400

Moody's Ratings affirmed Unibank B1 long-term local and foreign currency bank deposit ratings and maintained the stable outlook.

Concurrently, Moody’s affirmed the bank’s b2 Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) and Adjusted BCA, NP short-term local and foreign currency bank deposit ratings, the bank’s B1/NP long-term and short-term local and foreign currency Counterparty Risk Ratings (CRRs) and the B1(cr)/NP(cr) long-term and short-term Counterparty Risk Assessments (CR Assessments).

“The affirmation of the ratings reflects Unibank’s materially improved asset quality, robust profitability and limited reliance on market funding,” the bank said in a news release.

Armeconombank Arca magnetic stripe cards will no longer be serviced

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:51:00 +0400

Armeconombank Arca magnetic stripe cards (without a chip) will be serviced until June 2026 inclusive.

The bank reported that due to the above, it has become necessary to replace Arca magnetic stripe cards with chip-embedded (EMV) cards.

To have your card reissued free of charge, it is necessary to visit any branch of Armeconombank with a valid identification document.

“The terms of use for chip cards remain the same as those for magnetic stripe cards. Transactions with chip cards are more secure and also enable the convenience of contactless payments,” the bank reported.

Armeconombank is supervised by the Central Bank of Armenia.

IDBank warns about fraud using deepfakes

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:42:00 +0400

A new, extremely dangerous type of fraud has spread in Armenia, in which fraudsters use artificial intelligence to copy the appearance and voice of your relatives, friends, or colleagues.

The mechanism of deception: a digital copy instead of reality

Scammers use neural networks to create realistic video or voice messages in which your relative, close friend or colleague approaches you with an ''urgent'' issue.

To train artificial intelligence scammers only need a few minutes of video or audio message from open sources, such as Instagram stories, Facebook posts or YouTube videos. The result is a digital copy, voice, and face that are almost indistinguishable from a real person.

If just a few years ago it was possible to distinguish a copy by unnatural lip movements, lack of blinking, or other signs, then modern versions of artificial intelligence almost perfectly copy reality. Relying only on attention is no longer enough.

The main scenarios used by the scammers:

• “Family emergency”. A video call or voice message in the messenger from a “son” or “daughter” urgently asking to transfer money to pay for medical treatment after a car accident or to compensate a “victim.”
• “Loss of access”. A message from a “friend” about losing their phone, as well as a request to transfer money to a new account,
• “Corporate request”. Through a video message or voice message, the “manager” asks the employee to urgently send the password to the work folder or confirm the transfer of money from the corporate account.

The main emphasis is on visual and audio similarity, which paralyzes critical thinking. When we see a familiar person, the level of trust increases, and we make the transfer before we even realize the deception.

Legal trap

If you transfer money or provide confidential information yourself, trusting the digital copy, then from the bank’s point of view, the transaction is legal. Voluntary transfer by the account user is not subject to cancellation. The same applies to the voluntary provision of passwords: in such cases, the client bears responsibility himself.

IDBank recommends:

• Do not rely on one means of communication. The most important rule: if you receive a disturbing request from a relative, immediately call him back with a regular call or text him via another messenger. Do not reply to the same message, but use an alternative, verified contact number.
• Keep a “secret” question. Ask about a detail that only you and the person, on whose behalf you received the message, know. Scammers will most likely hang up the call.
• Do not rush. Even if the situation seems critical, take a break. A relative will never judge you for the few minutes you spend checking.
• Discuss this topic with your family. Especially in the case of elderly parents who may not know about the existence of digital copies. Forewarned is forearmed.

“Scams are becoming more and more technological, and today even your eyes and ears can decieve you. The only reliable protection is your vigilance and a simple rule: check any request for money and data before making a transaction. Your funds are safe until you transfer them to someone else,” the news release reads.

The bank is supervised by the CBA.

Policy rate left unchanged at 6.50%

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:06:00 +0400

At its June 16, 2026 meeting, the Board of the Central Bank of Armenia decided to:

· Keep the Refinancing Rate unchanged at 6.50%
· Keep the Lombard Repo Facility Rate at 8.00%.
· Keep the Deposit Facility Rate at 5.00%.