BSTDB was established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine which are the 11 founding countries of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) as a financial pillar of BSEC. As of end 2014, BSTDB cumulative portfolio in its 11 member countries has reached 304 approved operations in the key sectors of infrastructure, energy, transport, manufacturing, telecommunications, financial sector and other important areas amounting to about EUR 3.5 billion.

Operationally, BSTDB adopts a flexible strategy allowing quick response to changes in economic and market conditions in its countries of operation. The Bank’s business activities are guided by principles of consistency with its mandate and sound banking practices, fair and rapid consideration of any business proposal, efficiency and flexibility, and focus on clients’ needs.

BSTDB aims to promote environmental and social (E&S) sustainability in its Member States. Therefore the Bank commits to apply sustainability principles to its business management and require its clients to follow these also. BSTDB seeks to apply good E&S practices such as the European Union standards, the World Bank/IFC Performance Standards, EBRD’s Performance Requirements, International Labor Organizations Core Labor Standards, International Environmental Conventions, as well as the national environmental, labor, health and safety, and public information laws and regulations of its Member States, including national commitments under international law.