Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 27th, 2026 — The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), announced a new investment in Banco CMF S.A. to expand financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Argentina. This initiative will help address financing gaps faced by MSMEs, which play a central role in Argentina’s economic growth and job creation.
IFC’s US$25 million investment will enable Banco CMF to expand its lending to MSMEs, strengthening the availability of medium-term financing in a market characterized by limited access to credit. The operation will enhance the bank’s capacity to provide sustainable financial services, supporting business investment, productivity, and employment.
Access to finance remains constrained in Argentina, where credit to the private sector represents only 12 percent of GDP, one of the lowest levels in the region. IFC’s support will help narrow this gap by enabling Banco CMF to increase lending to MSMEs and expand financing opportunities for businesses seeking to grow.
“Expanding access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises is essential to support Argentina’s economic recovery and job creation,” said Manuel Reyes-Retana, IFC Division Director for Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. “Through our partnership with Banco CMF, a long-standing IFC client with a strong focus on MSME financing, we aim to strengthen the availability of credit for businesses that drive job creation and innovation across the country.”
“We are proud to deepen our relationship with IFC through this transaction, which reinforces our commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises across Argentina. This investment will enable Banco CMF to expand access to medium-term financing, supporting business growth, job creation, and the development of a more inclusive financial system” said Patricio Ovalle, Head of Financial Institutions of Banco CMF.
The project strengthens IFC’s re-engagement in Argentina’s financial sector and is aligned with IFC’s strategy to expand access to finance for MSMEs by partnering with established financial institutions.
In Argentina, MSMEs represent more than 98.6 percent of all firms and 65 percent of private-sector employment. Access to finance remains a key challenge for them. According to the World Bank Enterprise Survey, 34 percent of firms are financially constrained, while 44 percent identify access to finance or the cost of credit as a major obstacle to growth. In addition, more than 35 percent of firms do not apply for financing, often due to high interest rates or the perception that they may not qualify. This investment seeks to help address these challenges by enabling MSMEs to invest in growth, innovation, and job creation.
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
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About CMF
Banco CMF S.A. is an Argentine owned wholesale bank with a single branch operating model, focused on serving the financing needs of small and medium sized enterprises across the country. The bank specializes in delivering tailored financial solutions and value-added services to corporate clients, supporting business investment and growth through a client-centric approach.
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