IFC strengthens developing countries’ financial markets to help achieve sustainable economic growth by providing support to local commercial banks, leasing companies, micro-financiers and private equity funds. By providing financial intermediaries with targeted investments and advisory services, particularly at the early stages of market development, IFC helps them successfully develop new products that benefit the environment while adding to their bottom line. Emerging markets represent more than half the opportunities available for greenhouse gas emissions reduction globally. Small emitters in these markets play a critical role in achieving these reductions, and their needs are best addressed through financial intermediaries. Through its client base of over 400 FIs, IFC has created innovative new structures in renewable energy finance, and developed customized credit lines that help SMEs make energy efficiency upgrades and invest in cleaner production technology. To date, IFC has committed over $1 billion in 10 countries in climate change and sustainability financing through its global network of over 400 financial institutions. Related websites: > Russia Sustainable Energy Finance Program > Energy Efficiency Survey Program (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia) > Energy Efficiency Financing for SMEs (case studies)