responsAbility Commits USD 21.5 Million to CDB to Scale Green Lending in Sri Lanka
Zurich / Colombo, 13 March 2026 – responsAbility has signed a USD 21.5 million financing package with Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB), Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI). The financing represents a combined exposure across several responsAbility-managed strategies, including the Financial Inclusion strategy, the Global Gender-Smart strategy, and the Climate Finance strategy.
The transaction strengthens responsAbility’s footprint in South Asia and the Sri Lankan market, supporting CDB in expanding SME lending, advancing gender-focused financing, and scaling investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
CDB operates a nationwide branch network of 71 branches built on a strong digital platform with expansive digital access and capabilities and has positioned itself as an emerging provider of sustainable finance within Sri Lanka’s non-bank financial sector. The institution has established a dedicated ESG team and demonstrates senior management commitment to further developing its green lending activities.
Advancing financial inclusion, gender equality, and climate transition
responsAbility’s Financial Inclusion strategy supports CDB by providing funding intended to enable the expansion of MSME lending in Sri Lanka. The partnership also strengthens digital capabilities and institutional resilience, helping CDB advance financial inclusion and support sustainable economic growth.
In addition, responsAbility’s Gender-Smart strategy supports CDB through a USD 5 million senior loan aimed at increasing gender balance, expanding outreach, and promoting women’s leadership. The partnership aligns with CDB’s sustainability agenda by enhancing financial inclusion and improving access to capital for women-owned and women-led businesses, while strengthening gender equality within the institution.
CDB has also adopted a Climate Transition Plan aligned with Sri Lanka’s net-zero ambitions and already offers green financing products, including electric vehicles and residential solar photovoltaic systems. Through its partnership with the Climate Finance strategy, CDB aims to scale these existing products while expanding into additional green lending solutions.
The transaction underscores responsAbility’s commitment to supporting local financial institutions as catalysts for climate action, fostering resilient and inclusive financial ecosystems in emerging and developing markets.
CDB is Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest non-banking financial company, serving customers nationwide through a network of 71 branches. The institution provides a diversified range of financial services to retail and MSME clients and has demonstrated a growing commitment to sustainable finance through dedicated ESG governance, green product innovation, and alignment with national climate objectives.
About responsAbility Investments AG responsAbility Investments AG is a globally leading Swiss impact asset manager specializing in private market investments across three investment themes. These themes directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Financial Inclusion, to finance the growth of Micro & SMEs; Climate Finance, to contribute to a net zero pathway; and Sustainable Food, to sustainably feed an ever-growing population. responsAbility also offers tailor-made and fund investment solutions to institutional investors. All responsAbility investment solutions target specific measurable impact alongside market returns.
Since its inception in 2003, responsAbility has deployed over USD 17.6 billion in impact investments. With over 280 employees collaborating across 6 offices, as of 31 December 2025 the company manages USD 5.8 billion in assets across approximately 330 portfolio companies in around 70 countries. Since 2022, responsAbility has been part of M&G plc, the international savings and investments business, and contributes to enhancing M&G’s capabilities in impact investing.
Contact
Richard Rogers
responsAbility Investments AG
+41 44 403 2151
media@responsability.com
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