Zurich/Tokyo – BlueOrchard Finance Ltd, a pioneer in impact investing and member of the Schroders Group, announces the launch of Orchard 2025 (the “Fund”), a cutting-edge public debt impact strategy. National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives (“Zenkyoren”) has invested in the Fund.
With a fund size of JPY 20 billion (USD 140 million), Orchard 2025 invests in impact bonds that promote environmental and social benefits, in accordance with Article 9 of the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). These investments contribute to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Orchard 2025’s objectives emphasise allocating the substantial majority of its portfolio to sustainable investments that support the transition to a low-carbon economy and reduce carbon emissions through climate mitigation solutions. The Fund also invests in sustainable projects that enhance financial inclusion and improve access to essential services for underserved communities.
Zenkyoren’s group company, Norinchukin Zenkyoren Asset Management Co., Ltd., serves as an investment advisor to the Fund, providing credit analysis, monitoring of portfolio constituents, and investment advice.
BlueOrchard, a pioneer in public markets impact investing, has recently surpassed the milestone of USD 1 billion in assets under management in its public debt strategies, underscoring the excellence of BlueOrchard’s portfolio management approach. Orchard 2025 represents BlueOrchard’s third innovative strategy in Japan, highlighting the company’s capability to create strategies addressing client-specific needs. Additionally, the strategy offers significant flexibility through in USD, EURO, and GBP denominated public debt portfolio, using derivatives that allow the creation of stable cash flow streams in the investor’s preferred currency.
Michael Wehrle, CEO of BlueOrchard, said:
“There is an increasing interest among Japanese investors in sustainable and impact investments. BlueOrchard is ideally situated to meet the needs of these investors. Leveraging our proven experience in creating impact investment solutions for the Japanese market, we are excited to continue promoting impact investing in Japan.”
Evariste Verchere, Head of Public Debt Portfolio Management at BlueOrchard, said:
“The launch of Orchard 2025 is a great testament to the efficient collaboration between BlueOrchard’s and Schroders Solution & Structuring Teams. We take pride in our ability to create tailor-made solutions that meet the specific needs of our clients. The Orchard 2025 Fund showcases our adaptability and commitment to driving impact through public market investment.”
As part of the 10 million-member strong Japan Agricultural Cooperatives Group, Zenkyoren was established in 1951 as a cooperative insurance organisation to provide coverage for the farming community. Dedicated to advocating for responsible investments in fund management, Zenkyoren aims to support the sustainable development of agriculture and local communities, fulfilling its social responsibility as a key member of society.
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For further information, please contact:
BlueOrchard
Tahmina Theis, Head of Communications
+41 22 596 47 69
tahmina.theis@blueorchard.com
About BlueOrchard Finance Ltd
BlueOrchard is a leading global impact investment manager and member of the Schroders Group. As a pioneer of impact investing, 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 11 billion across more than 100 countries. As of December 2023, BlueOrchard supported over 300 million people in emerging and frontier markets with its investments. For additional information, please visit: www.blueorchard.com.
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