Questions & answers
Who owns NIB?
NIB is owned by eight member countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.
More informationCan a private person apply for a loan from NIB?
No, NIB does not offer loans to private persons.
Who can get a loan from NIB?
NIB provides long-term loans to public and private companies and the public sector in and outside the Bank's member countries. Financing for small and medium-sized companies is channelled through intermediaries.
More informationIn which countries do you finance projects?
The majority of NIB's operations are located in the Nordic–Baltic region. Outside the member area, the Bank may extend loans in countries that have signed agreements on financial cooperation with NIB. In certain cases, loans may be provided in other OECD countries.
More informationWhat kinds of projects do you finance?
NIB finances projects that improve productivity and benefit the environment. This includes, for example, investments in infrastructure, such as energy and transport, research and development, the improvement of manufacturing processes, internationalisation of businesses and investments by small and medium-sized enterprises. NIB also finances investments in preventing and treating environmental pollution.
More informationWhat are the eligibility criteria?
Projects financed by NIB should improve productivity and/or benefit the environment, in accordance with NIB's mandate and eligibility criteria. Furthermore, outside the membership area, projects financed by NIB should be of mutual interest to the country of the borrower and the member countries.
More informationHow can I apply for a loan from NIB?
Loan proposals are directed to NIB's Lending Department. There are no formal requirements for a loan proposal.
More informationHow is a loan decision made at NIB?
A decision to grant a loan is made by the Board of Directors, after preliminary approval by the Mandate, Credit and Compliance Committee. NIB's President is authorised by the Board to make certain lending decisions.
More informationDo you finance SMEs and small midcaps?
NIB directs financing to SMEs and small midcap companies through financial intermediaries.
More informationDo you pay attention to environmental aspects of projects financed?
Yes, NIB assesses environmental aspects, including both sustainability and social aspects, when evaluating a project for potential financing.
More informationDoes NIB compete with commercial banks?
NIB finances the same types of projects as commercial banks do. However, NIB strives to complement other financing sources and add value through its long-term financing and status as an international financial institution.
More informationHow do sustainability-linked loans work?
Unlike typical use-of-proceeds loans that are earmarked for specific assets, sustainability-linked loans are connected to key performance indicators and targets agreed with the customer.
More informationHow can I apply for a job or a trainee position at NIB?
NIB’s vacancies are announced on Jobs page and often advertised or promoted on jobseeking sites and on social media.
More informationWhere does NIB have offices?
NIB's only office is located in Helsinki, Finland.