Sector

Financial Institutions

The banking sector and debt capital markets play an important role in addressing massive financing gaps by mobilizing investment to key sectors of the economy. Through our work with financial institutions, IFC helps to expand access to finance, drive sustainable economic growth, and boost financial inclusion in emerging markets. 

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IFC works with more than 800 financial institutions globally, providing innovative investment and advisory services, mobilizing capital into emerging markets, and boosting access to finance for millions of individuals and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Through our expansive partnership network, IFC helps drives investment across sectors with the greatest development impact, including climate finance, housing finance, finance for women-led businesses, insurance, agribusiness and capital markets. Learn more about how we work.

The impact of IFC financial clients in 2022

  • $545.4 B in loans to SMEs
  • $120.5 B in microfinance loans
  • $44.3 B in loans to women-owned enterprises
  • $243 B in trade finance transactions

At a Glance

During FY2023, FIG committed $13.15 billion in long-term financing (LTF).

Areas of Focus

Working with local financial intermediaries allows IFC to support far more micro, small, and medium enterprises than we would on our own. We work with financial intermediaries to support:

Banking on Women

IFC provides financing and expertise to financial institutions to help them attract women-owned SMEs and retail customers—and profitably finance them.

Capital Markets

IFC engages in the Capital Markets by offering three primary products: securitization of future capital flows, the development of capital release products, and diversified payment mechanisms.

Climate Finance

IFC’s Financial Institutions Group partners with banks and over 200 financial institutions with climate finance portfolios of approximately $26 billion to fund the urgent need for at least $23 trillion in climate-smart investments. 

Digital Finance

IFC aims to increase the reach and breadth of financial services to people and businesses who currently have little or no access to such services. Technology is helping by bringing down costs and creating new opportunities to reach un- and underserved market segments, such as micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, and smallholder farmers.

Trade and Supply Chain Finance

Trade is the lifeline of the global economy, and IFC works to ensure that businesses in emerging markets can be included, bringing in essential imports and exporting to boost economic growth.

Housing Finance

IFC is dedicated to advancing sustainable and affordable housing while expanding access to mortgages and finance for underserved populations, especially women and low-income individuals.

MSME Finance

Micro, small, and medium enterprises play a major role in creating jobs and boosting prosperity for low income people—fostering economic growth, social stability, and the development of a dynamic private sector. Having adequate access to finance is fundamental for these companies to flourish.

Credit Infrastructure

Access to credit for individuals and businesses, particularly SMEs, depends on effective credit infrastructure – the laws and institutions that enable efficient and effective access to finance and financial stability.

 

Insights & Reports

Stories of Impact