The issuance of this bond responds to the urgent need for health and socio-economic assistance in the current exceptional circumstances surrounding the pandemic. It comes following announcements from the World Bank Group on 3 and 17 March 2020, where it pledged to make available up to USD 14 billion to help sustain economies, protect jobs and strengthen public health preparedness.

IFC will play an important role in the deploying the funds pledged by the World Bank. This issuance is part of the IFC’s social bond programme, which aligns with the social bond principles published by the International Capital Market Association (IMCA). The IFC is a pioneer in social bond issuances, and is the first to offer a coordinated and global response to the pandemic.

This investment aligns closely with IBF’s aim to provide decisive funding to economically vulnerable communities in emerging and frontier markets. This fits closely with BlueOrchard’s core mission of expanding access to sustainable finance to create a pathway to better lives for those who need it most, while aiming to develop capital markets and attract investors at scale.

This bond investment opportunity for IBF has been selected based on BlueOrchard’s proprietary portfolio management and impact management tools and teams. It increases the portfolio’s diversification as well its impact and SDG contribution.

Philipp Müller, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the lives of almost everyone on the planet, and it requires a coordinated response in order to help minimise the impact to some of the most vulnerable in society. As impact investors, we have a role to play in channelling sources of capital into investments that have the potential to contribute to today’s most difficult societal challenges. This social bond issuance is representative of the way in which the public and private sectors can come together to find solutions to the problems faced by wider society.”

–ends–

 

For further information, please contact:
Kat Sutton
+41 22 596 47 69
kathryn.sutton@blueorchard.com

 

About BlueOrchard Finance Ltd

BlueOrchard is a leading global impact investment manager and a member of the Schroders group. The firm is dedicated to fostering inclusive and climate-smart growth in emerging and frontier markets, while providing attractive returns for investors. BlueOrchard was founded in 2001, by initiative of the UN, as the world’s first commercial manager of microfinance debt investments. The firm has built a distinct track record in offering premium impact investment solutions, including credit, private equity, and sustainable infrastructure. Being an expert in innovative blended finance mandates, the firm is a trusted partner of leading global development finance institutions. BlueOrchard has invested to date more than USD 6bn for sophisticated global private and public clients, enabling tangible social and environmental impact. For additional information, please visit: www.blueorchard.com. 

Disclaimer:

The information in this document 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 document 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 document 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 document. This document may contain references or links to other documents and websites and BOF has not reviewed such other documents and websites and is not responsible in any way in relation to the content of such documents and websites.  

The information in this document 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 document are for informational purposes only and nothing in this document 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 document 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 document 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 document may be publicly offered for sale in the United States and nothing in this document 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 document 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 document 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 document (or the inability to access this document).

Copyright © 2020, BlueOrchard Finance Ltd. All rights reserved.