Developing local capital markets is a strategic priority for IFC. Deep, efficient local capital markets create access to long-term, local-currency finance, and are the foundation for a thriving private sector—the key driver of jobs and growth. Sound local capital markets protect economies from capital-flow volatility and reduce dependency on foreign debt.

IFC promotes local capital markets by issuing local-currency bonds. We are often the first international, non-government issues of these bonds, paving the way for other issuers. Besides providing local currency finance to meet the needs of the private sector, we work with governments and regulators to promote reforms and policies supporting local capital markets and local currency finance.

IFC has issued bonds in 18 local emerging-market currencies, from Armenian dram and Chinese renminbi to Indian rupee, Peruvian soles, and Zambian kwacha.

  • Local Currency and Hedging Solutions Pitchbook

    Companies with revenues in local currency should generally borrow in their local currency, instead of borrowing in a foreign currency which leads to currency risk. By matching the currency denomination of assets and liabilities, companies can concentrate on their core businesses rather than focus on exchange rate movements. Learn More

  • Debt Capital Market Solutions Pitchbook

    Debt markets in particular are crucial sources of capital funds, especially to help close huge financing gap in sectors like Infrastructure and Housing.  They create channels for domestic savings — such as those managed by pension funds and other institutional investors — to be put to productive use in the local economy. Learn More

  • Capital Market Solutions in Asia

    Debt markets in particular are crucial sources of capital funds, especially to help close huge financing gap in sectors like Infrastructure and Housing.  They create channels for domestic savings — such as those managed by pension funds and other institutional investors — to be put to productive use in the local economy. IFC can provide a range of capital market solutions to our clients. This provides an key highlights of our capital market activities in Asia. Learn More

  • Capital Market Solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean

    Debt markets in particular are crucial sources of capital funds, especially to help close huge financing gap in sectors like Infrastructure and Housing.  They create channels for domestic savings — such as those managed by pension funds and other institutional investors — to be put to productive use in the local economy. IFC can provide a range of capital market solutions to our clients. This provides key highlights of our capital market activities in LAC. Learn More