In January 2026, SID Bank became an associate member of the European Association of Guarantee Institutions (AECM). Membership strengthens SID Bank's commitment to the further development of financial instruments to support the economy, with a particular emphasis on risk-taking, and strengthens its international position.

Joining the AECM brings direct access to proven European best practices in the field of guarantee development as a form of financial instruments, exchange of expertise within working groups, networking with institutions that have comparable mandates and experience, as well as involvement in the processes of asserting the interests of members before European institutions, whereby the creation of a regulatory framework in which European development promotion institutions operate is particularly important. This opens up additional space for the bank to build partnerships, innovate, benchmark performances and joint initiatives.

AECM members include development banks and guarantee institutions from 32 countries. The institutions manage guarantees totalling €218 billion, with a total of 6 million SMEs supported.

SID Bank takes an active role in the association. It participates in working groups on products and services and financial instruments, including, where appropriate, in the field of legal and state aid. The bank's key organisational units will be involved in the cooperation, and members of the Management Board will also participate in strategic events.

By becoming a member of AECM, SID Bank is upgrading its cooperation within various international associations of development and promotion institutions such as NEFI, ELTI and EAPB. SID Bank thus strengthens its risk management capacity, improves support for companies and confirms its commitment to cooperation in the European development environment, and strengthens its role as a developer of financing in Slovenia.