The launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in 2016 has brought the world together on a mission to end poverty, fight inequality, and tackle climate change. Meanwhile, a bond market aimed at financing projects with social issues has emerged and deepened, supported by a growing number of investors who have begun to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards into their investment decisions.

IFC’s Social Bond Program, launched in 2017, offers bond investors an opportunity to allocate investments to the achievement of certain SDGs without any additional credit risk than that of IFC as a triple-A rated issuer. Proceeds from the bonds go towards financing select projects from IFC’s Banking on Women and Inclusive Business programs, which benefit under-served populations in emerging markets including women and low-income communities with limited access to essential services such as basic infrastructure, finance etc.

IFC is a frequent issuer of social bonds in public and private markets, in various currencies and tenors. The Social Bond Program aligns with the Social Bond Principles published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).

 

IFC Cumulative Social Bond Issuance by Currency (as of December 31st, 2020):