The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution founded in 1991. As a multilateral developmental investment bank, the EBRD uses investment as a tool to build market economies. Initially focused on the countries of the former Eastern Bloc it expanded to support development in 30 countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. Besides Europe, member countries of the EBRD are from all 5 continents (North America, Africa, Asia and Australia), with the biggest shareholder being the United States. The EBRD helps businesses flourish through financial investments, business services and involvement in high-level policy dialog. The EBRD is owned by 65 countries, the European Union and the European Investment Bank. Despite its public sector shareholders, it invests mainly in private enterprises, together with commercial partners.