Top 3 highlights of 2019
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on what we have achieved, and most importantly, to thank those who have made it possible. So, here are our top three:
1. HIGH PERFORMANCE & HIGH IMPACT: OUR FLAGSHIP MICRO AND SME FINANCE FUND
Solid returns: With strong performance (5.17% net for the Bc-II USD tranche as of the end of November 2019), a positive 16-year track record in USD and no sign of slowing down, our USD 800 m flagship fund is once again fully meeting return expectations. And given the ongoing stable performance, the benefits of diversification, and our long-standing risk management expertise, the future is certainly bright.
High impact: The Fund makes a clear contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly with its impact on low-income populations (SDG 1), on job creation and economic empowerment (SDG 8) and on financial system building (SDG 9). In 2018 alone, the Fund’s investees provided financial services to 74m clients as well as 1.3m SMEs in developing countries.
Thanks to our investors for making this and all the other success stories possible!
Check out the details Fund update
2. IMPACT AT SCALE: GREAT STRIDES IN FINTECH
Targeting financial inclusion: There are still approximately 1.7 billion people around the world who remain unbanked today. We see FinTech as an incredible opportunity to fill this gap. Watch this video which reveals the accomplishments of one of our FinTech portfolio companies.
Thanks to our passionate and dedicated team for finding innovative new ways to invest in our planet!
3. MEASURABLE IMPACT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
Impact for Climate: Our impact report reveals how every investment we do has an impact on climate change. And as sustainable development and climate change go hand in hand, we are proud to be the on-the-ground experts who bring the latest innovations in access to clean power and in financial inclusion that builds resilience for those who are the most affected by climate change.
Thanks to our passionate and dedicated team for finding innovative new ways to invest in our planet!
Discover more Impact for climate
We also reached the milestone of 10 billion disbursed this year, launched a groundbreaking securitization, and gained our first non-Swiss institutional shareholder.