International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the world’s largest development institution dedicated to the private sector in emerging markets. With over 60 years of experience, IFC leverages its capital, expertise, and global influence to drive private sector growth, improve lives, and promote sustainable and inclusive economic development.
IFC provides loans, bonds, guarantees, and equity investments to thousands of private companies in more than 130 countries, helping to build a world free of poverty on a livable planet. IFC funds its operations through diversified issuance in the global capital markets, underpinned by consistent Aaa/AAA long-term issuer ratings from S&P Global and Moody’s, and a AAA ESG score from MSCI.
IFC bonds meet the highest prudential standards: they carry a 0% Basel risk weight, qualify as Level 1 High‑Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA), and are eligible collateral for central bank repurchase (repo) operations, providing investors with sovereign-equivalent credit quality, strong liquidity, and capital-efficient holdings that can be readily monetized.
IFC issues bonds in multiple currencies, across diverse markets, to a wide range of investor types in varied maturities. Its diverse issuances include benchmark bonds in core currencies, thematic bonds such as green and social bonds, and emerging market currency bonds that foster the growth of local capital markets. Although IFC primarily lends in U.S. dollars, it borrows in various currencies to broaden funding sources, reduce costs, and strengthen local currency financing options.
IFC’s funding strategy focuses on:
- Maintaining a regular presence in core capital markets
- Accessing diverse markets to execute competitively priced, opportunistic transactions
- Promoting emerging capital market development through local‑currency issuance
- Expanding financing for projects eligible under IFC’s green and social bond programs
Investing in IFC bonds connects investors with impactful private sector projects that create inclusive jobs, advance sustainable growth, and deliver measurable social and environmental impact in developing countries.
