IFC-backed $25-million fund includes Philippines in fintech push
International Finance Corp. (IFC), the private-sector lending arm of the World Bank Group (WBG), will invest up to $25 million in a structured debt fund that will finance financial technology (fintech) companies, including those operating in the Philippines.
In an April 13 disclosure, IFC said its upcoming investment involves a senior loan to Accial Credit Impact Fund (ACIF), managed by Accial Capital Management LLC. Its Washington-based board is expected to approve the financing on May 11.
IFC noted that the fund is targeting a total size of $200 million, with a hard cap of $250 million. It will provide debt financing to fintech companies that lend directly to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals in emerging markets (EMs).
According to IFC, the fund’s coverage includes Mexico, followed by Colombia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and El Salvador.
The fund will support fintech firms offering SME factoring, leasing, working capital loans, “buy now, pay later” (BNPL), payroll financing, cellphone financing, and trade financing, including agricultural commodities.
Other supported services include solar leasing for small off-grid equipment, payments, medical financing, and consumer loans.
IFC said its investment will be made from its own account through a senior tranche with a six-year tenor, with principal repayment scheduled in the final year.
IFC is also expected to act as an anchor investor, which may help mobilize additional funding from other investors.
Accial, founded in 2018, is an asset management firm headquartered in Miami in the United States (US), with offices in Mexico City; Lima, Peru; and Barcelona, Spain. It focuses on fintech companies and non-bank lenders in EMs.
IFC cited that Accial’s strength lies in combining traditional credit assessment with advanced data analytics, supported by its proprietary technology platform ORCA, which integrates with fintech management systems and bank accounts to facilitate underwriting and real-time monitoring of loans.