BlueOrchard is the first impact investing asset manager to partner with ADB’s Microfinance Program. Under the program, the company’s flagship fund, the BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund, will invest in selected microfinance institutions (MFIs) and banks. ADB will share the default risk of these investee entities to help expand the fund’s risk appetite and deployed capital into DMCs, and encourage greater flow of private sector funds to deepen financial inclusion.

“Loans provided by microfinance institutions are a lifeline to underserved clients such as low-income households and small businesses, including those which are owned or led by women, to help them withstand and rebound from the hardships imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury.

“This partnership will strengthen microfinance as a tool to build economic resilience, reduce gender disparities, and support recovery across our region,” added ADB Microfinance Program Lead Anshukant Taneja.

We are honored to be the first impact investing firm to partner with ADB’s microfinance program and look forward to working together to promote financial inclusion across Asia,” said BlueOrchard Chief Executive Officer Philipp Mueller.

The agreement will focus on expanding ADB and BlueOrchard’s microfinance coverage and facilitate entry to new markets and segments, including financing for climate change adaptation and resilience building. Over the next 4 years, more than 150,000 borrowers and microenterprises across India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other developing countries are expected to receive financing under this partnership.

The risk-sharing arrangement will help MFIs access funding for on-lending activities amid liquidity and funding challenges. This will expand financial inclusion, helping drive the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, such as reducing poverty and gender inequality and improving access to clean water and sanitation.

BlueOrchard, headquartered in Switzerland and with regional offices in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, was founded in 2001 as the first global commercial manager of microfinance investments. It has invested over USD 8 billion in more than 90 countries and provided access to financial services for 216 million people as of June 2021. The company is a member of the Schroders Group.

Launched in 2010, ADB’s Microfinance Program has supported USD 1.8 billion in loans and helped mobilize USD 881 million in cofinancing. It has provided access to microloans for more than 8 million borrowers, 98% of whom are women. Microfinance has helped improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, promote gender equity, and promote growth of microenterprises and employment. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

– ends –

 

About BlueOrchard Finance Ltd
BlueOrchard is a leading global impact investment manager and member of the Schroders Group. As a pioneering impact investor, the firm is dedicated to generating lasting positive impact for communities and the environment, while aiming at providing attractive returns to investors. BlueOrchard was founded in 2001, by initiative of the UN, as the first commercial manager of microfinance debt investments worldwide. Today, the firm offers impact investment solutions across asset classes, connecting millions of entrepreneurs in emerging and frontier markets with investors with the aim to make impact investment solutions accessible to all and to advance the conscious use of capital. Being a professional investment manager and expert in innovative blended finance mandates, BlueOrchard has a sophisticated international investor base and is a trusted partner of leading global development finance institutions. To date, BlueOrchard has invested over USD 8bn across more than 90 countries. Over 216 million poor and vulnerable people in emerging and frontier markets received access to financial and related services with the support of BlueOrchard as of March 2021. For additional information, please visit: www.blueorchard.com.

 

For further information, please contact:
Tahmina Theis
+41 22 596 47 69
tahmina.theis@blueorchard.com
www.blueorchard.com
 
 

Disclaimer
The information in this publication was produced by BlueOrchard Finance Ltd (“BOF”) to the best of its present knowledge and belief. However, all data and financial information provided is on an unaudited and “as is” basis. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of BOF and its employees and are subject to change at any time without notice. BOF provides no guarantee with regard to the accuracy and completeness of the content in this publication and BOF does not under any circumstance, accept liability for any losses or damages which may arise from making use of, or relying upon any information, content or opinion provided by BOF in this publication. This publication may contain references or links to other publications and websites and BOF has not reviewed such other publications and websites and is not responsible in any way in relation to the content of such publications and websites. The information in this publication is the sole property of BOF unless otherwise noted, and may not be reproduced in full or in part without the express prior written consent of BOF. All investments involve risk. We note specifically that past performance is not an indication of future results. Emerging markets impact investments involve a unique and substantial level of risk that is critical to understand before engaging in any prospective relationship with BOF and its various managed funds. Investments in emerging markets, particularly those involving foreign currencies, may present significant additional risk and in all cases the risks implicated in this disclaimer include the risk of loss of invested capital. The materials provided in this publication are for informational purposes only and nothing in this publication can be construed as constituting any offer to purchase any product, or a recommendation/solicitation or other inducement to buy or sell any financial instrument of any kind and shall not under any circumstances be construed as absolving any reader of this publication of his/her responsibility for making an independent evaluation of the risks and potential rewards of any financial transaction. We note in particular that none of the investment products referred to in this publication constitute securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (of the United States of America) and BOF and its managed/advised funds are materially limited in their capacity to sell any financial products of any kind in the United States. No investment product referenced in this publication may be publicly offered for sale in the United States and nothing in this publication shall be construed under any circumstances as a solicitation of a US Person (as defined in applicable law/regulation) to purchase any BOF investment product. The information provided in this publication is intended for review and receipt only by those persons who are qualified (in accordance with applicable legal/regulatory definitions) in their respective place of residence and/or business to view it, and the information is not intended under any circumstances to be provided to any person who is not legally eligible to receive it. Any recipient of information from this publication who wishes to engage with BOF in furtherance of any transaction or any relationship whatsoever must consult his/her own tax, legal and investment professionals to determine whether such relationship and/or transaction is suitable. By no means is the information provided in this document aimed at persons who are residents of any country where the product mentioned herein is not registered or approved for sale or marketing or in which dissemination of such information is not permitted. BOF disclaims all liability for any direct or indirect damages and/or costs that may arise from the use of (whether such use is proper or improper), or access to, this publication (or the inability to access this publication).
Copyright © 2021, BlueOrchard Finance Ltd. All rights reserved.