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IFC Seeks Lenders for MSME First Loss Guarantee Facility

16 April 20251 min read
BANKING & FINANCEIFC Seeks Lendersfor MSME FirstLoss GuaranteeFacility16 April 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) sought lenders to act as intermediaries for a new guarantee facility aimed at underserved small businesses.

Key facts

  • Facility sits inside the MSME Finance Platform and gives eligible providers a first loss guarantee.
  • Goals: show commercial viability and pilot new products and risk models; boost jobs and inclusive growth.
MSME measureFigure
Share of firms worldwide90%
Share of employment70%
Average share of GDP50%

Eligibility

  • Regulated banks, NBFCs, digital lenders, leasing and microfinance firms allowed to lend locally.
  • Must pass IFC checks: ESRR, IDD, financial and operational capability, development impact.

About IFC

  • Part of the World Bank Group; active in 100+ countries; FY24 commitments $56 billion.

Test yourself

1. IFC's new Catalytic First Loss Guarantee Facility is part of which platform?

The facility is part of IFC's MSME Finance Platform.

2. According to the IFC notes, what is the MSME finance gap when informal enterprises are included?

The gap is $5.7 trillion, expanding to $8 trillion with informal firms.

3. IFC is part of which group?

IFC is a World Bank Group member.