Corporate Governance

Good corporate governance helps companies operate more efficiently, improve access to capital, mitigate risk, and safeguard against mismanagement. It makes companies more accountable and transparent to investors and gives them the tools to respond to stakeholder concerns.

Governance for Sustainability

In 2018, IFC updated its Corporate Governance Methodology to include the governance of environmental and social (E&S) risks, following findings from an internal study of IFC’s investment portfolio that demonstrated a well-functioning corporate governance framework is essential for the implementation of E&S practices. In 2023, IFC developed a corporate governance approach specifically tailored to managing and overseeing climate-related risks and opportunities. We have also offer guidance to boards and management teams on how to effectively oversee gender-based violence and harassment risks in their operations.

11 Billion

In financing facilitated due to improved cg practices, $1.9 billion from ifc

133

Laws, regulations and codes adopted or improved

16K +

Firms Reached and 1300+ Firms reporting improved CG Practices

35

DFIs have adopted the CG Development Framework


IFC’s Corporate Governance Methodology

Corporate governance is one of the pillars of IFC’s sustainability efforts. Using IFC’s Corporate Governance Methodology, we conduct corporate governance analyses on every investment transaction, evaluating client companies’ corporate governance risks and opportunities. 

Learn more about IFC’s Corporate Governance Methodology and access tools specifically tailored for emerging markets that help evaluate and improve the corporate governance of a company.

Areas of Focus

IFC delivers targeted corporate governance support to clients and stakeholders, leveraging our expertise as an investor in emerging markets. We advise on how to improve corporate governance practices, including specialized advisory services on board effectiveness, diversity, and family business governance. We also work with regulatory institutions and governments to improve corporate governance laws, regulations, codes and listing requirements. 

Family Business Governance

Family businesses constitute the world’s oldest form of business. They range from small and medium-sized companies to large conglomerates operating in multiple industries and countries.

Women Boards, Business Leadership

Breaking down women’s barriers to board directorships and senior management positions.

Fragile & Conflict-Affected Situations

IFC works with institutions and companies to manage through crisis, rebuild fractured economies and find a way out of fragility.

State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)

IFC supports state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to improve operational efficiency and introduce commercial strategies and sustainability practices.

Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

IFC provides governance and sustainability training and advisory services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential. 

Codes & Scorecard

Codes and scorecards improve ESG practices and disclosure, enabling private sector investment in emerging markets.

Corporate Governance Development Framework

Since 2011, the Corporate Governance Development Framework provides a common approach to corporate governance due diligence. 

Disclosure & Transparency

IFC’s Beyond the Balance Sheet platform helps companies disclose information allowing investors and stakeholders understand a company’s long-term value creation, connecting financial and nonfinancial information (including environment, social, and governance factors). 

Building ESG Capacity

Learn more about IFC’s ESG advisory work to support clients, institutions and regulators in ESG risk management and performance.