Microbanks in Georgia are calling for a more flexible regulatory framework, arguing that current requirements are largely similar to those imposed on commercial banks despite their more limited operational rights.
Gia Petriashvili, Director of microbank MBC, said the National Bank of Georgia is considering easing lending structure requirements. Under current regulations, 70% of a microbank’s loan portfolio must consist of business loans. The sector hopes Parliament will approve amendments by the end of the year, reducing this threshold to 50%.
Petriashvili also highlighted other restrictions, including a limit of GEL 100,000 on deposits and a maximum loan size of GEL 1 million. He argued that microbanks face tighter operational limits than commercial banks while carrying comparable regulatory obligations, and called for a more balanced approach.
Georgia currently has two microbanks, MBC and Crystal. Both reported profits in the first half of 2026, with their combined net profit reaching approximately GEL 10.5 million, according to data submitted to the National Bank of Georgia.
