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History

The world was a different place 50 years ago. No one spoke of emerging markets. There was no worldwide trend toward privatization, no communications revolution, no globalized economy. World population was less than half of what it is today. It was into this environment that the International Finance Corporation was born in 1956.

IFC's Origins

Robert L. Garner, IFC's first President, opened his inaugural press conference on July 25, 1956, by saying that IFC was the first inter-governmental organization to have as its main objective the promotion of private enterprise. Learn more...


50-Year Timeline
Earlier Milestones

1956 → IFC launched--31 members
1957 → First loan, to Siemens, Brazil
1958 → First investment in Pakistan
1959 → First investment in India

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1957IFC's First Annual Report [pdf]
1981IFC After 25 Years [pdf]
1996IFC: 40 Years of Contributing to Development [pdf]

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Executive Vice Presidents
Photos

2006-Lars H. Thunell
1999-2005 Peter Woicke
1994-1998Jannik Lindbaek
1984-1994Sir William S. Ryrie

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Robert L. Garner, advocate for IFC's creation and the Corporation's first chief executive.
Robert L. Garner, advocate for IFC's creation and the Corporation's first chief executive.

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