IFC Asia Pacific

The world avoided a global recession, but extreme poverty remains a challenge. Developing countries face economic and climate hurdles. Explore the path forward in our #YearInReview story. http://wrld.bg/N1Nv50UEb8t

#DYK increasing women's participation in Bangladesh's economy will unlock an estimated 9% increase in its GDP? Despite a steady rise in women joining the workforce over the past decade, many, especially in rural areas, remain excluded from formal financial systems. To bridge this gap, IFC - International Finance Corporation has partnered with the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) to drive financial inclusion through innovative solutions. A key initiative is eKYC, a digital tool designed to streamline the account-opening process and minimize paperwork. To ensure its success, IFC and BFIU are actively promoting its adoption in rural areas, with a strong focus on empowering women through targeted efforts such as: 🌐 Offering accessible resources in Bangla and English through online platforms 📚 Equipping women with the knowledge to confidently manage accounts and perform secure transactions 💡Providing specialized training to agent bankers, enabling them to sustain and expand outreach to underserved women By fostering financial inclusion and creating opportunities for women to thrive, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh. Martin H., Mehdi CHERKAOUI, Ananya Wahid Kader

🌏 Join us for an insightful webinar on transition finance and the role of commercial banks. Transition finance is becoming a game-changer for achieving net-zero emissions, especially in Asia’s carbon-intensive industries. Financial institutions play a crucial role in this transformation by providing the capital and products needed to support sustainable practices. In the upcoming webinar co-hosted by the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) and the Alliance for Green Commercial Banks, expert speakers will explore: ✅ The strategic role of banks in transition finance. ✅ Best practices from leading financial institutions in Asia. ✅ Key policies, innovations, and success stories shaping the transition finance landscape. 📅 Date & Time: January 14, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (HKT) 🔗 Registration: http://wrld.bg/Pl1C50UAPyw Hear from industry leaders and experts from The Alliance for Green Commercial Banks, IFC - International Finance Corporation, Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), Standard Chatered, MUFG, and DAI-ICHI LIFE INTERNATIONAL (EUROPE) LIMITED. #GreenBanking #AllianceForGreenCommercialBanks

IFC's & Business Coalition for Women’s study in #PapuaNewGuinea found that in companies where measures to address #GBV were adopted, the proportion of men & women who said family & sexual violence is never acceptable increased. #RespectfulWorkplaces. Read http://wrld.bg/nFo650Uvw7f #16days #RespectfulWorkplaces

#DYK 🌏 cities are responsible for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions? They are also key actors in the global climate agenda and sustainable urban development. In #Indonesia, Jakarta is stepping up to this challenge with a target to reduce GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Achieving this requires solutions like green buildings 🏢, sustainable mobility 🚴️, and ️ waste management ♻️ —representing an investment opportunity equivalent to $33 billion (IDR500 trillion), with 70% requiring private sector mobilization. This week, IFC - International Finance Corporation’s APEX Green Cities program partnered with the Jakarta provincial administration to host a the Green City forum to present the Jakarta Climate Investment Opportunities Diagnostic (CIOD). The report shares insights and identifies strategies to reduce emissions, tackle climate change, and unlock private sector investment to achieve the city’s climate targets Advanced Practices for Environmental Excellence in Cities (APEX) is a platform developed by IFC that enables cities like Jakarta to identify and invest in low carbon and green cities solutions. 🌱🏙️ To learn more about the APEX Green Cities platform, visit http://wrld.bg/4bwI50UvvHM Euan Marshall, Farida Lasida Adji, Kelvin Tagnipez

As we wrap up another year, we’re proud to share the spirit of sustainability and innovation that defined 2024. Our holiday greeting card this year is inspired by IFC’s groundbreaking work in Mongolia, where we helped launch the country’s first-ever green bond, supporting climate-friendly projects.   This initiative is a testament to the power of private sector financing in addressing climate challenges while creating economic opportunities. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing our journey towards a more sustainable and inclusive world.   To our clients, colleagues, and partners – thank you for your continued collaboration. Wishing you a joyful and prosperous holiday season and a green, impactful 2025! #HappyHolidays #HolidaySeason

MCPP Real Sector is here! A $3 billion deal to unlock investments in real sectors like #energy, #manufacturing, #agriculture, #transport, #mining & more. Learn more about how IFC - International Finance Corporation is partnering with 14 global insurers to boost development finance. http://wrld.bg/xP6V50UvvIe

No single financing solution can address development challenges alone. Find out how @IFC_org’s new program, MCPP Real Sector, backed by 14 global #insurers, is unlocking billions to support real economy sectors in #developingmarkets. http://wrld.bg/iy2H50UvvJL

As we approach the quarter way point of the 21st century, tune into #DevelopmentPodcast! Hear insights from Ayhan Kose, Deputy Chief Economist, and Emi The Poet, on development and future challenges. 🎧Listen now: http://wrld.bg/LBAt50Uvw9i

Globally, women significantly influence household spending but are often overlooked in financial protection. Despite facing unique risks like longer life expectancy, higher healthcare costs, and income disparities, few insurance companies address these needs, leaving a $1.7 trillion untapped opportunity in the women’s insurance market. Increasing women’s representation in the insurance workforce can lead to better products, strategies, and distribution methods for all. This not only promotes gender equality but also drives business growth. To bridge this gap, IFC - International Finance Corporation’s Gender and Economic Inclusion Department, in partnership with the ASEAN Insurance Council (AIC), is conducting a baseline study to explore women’s representation and employment status in ASEAN’s insurance industry. Covering Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, the study will assess: ✅ Women’s employment in the industry ✅ Internal diversity policies, skill gaps, and barriers to career advancement ✅ How gender inclusion can drive profitability for ASEAN’s insurers This study will mark an important step in paving the way for a future with more women in the insurance profession, particularly in leadership roles. Special thanks to Christian W. Wanandi, Secretary-General of AIC; Carolyn Baytion Sunaryo, Executive Director at AIC; and Shahrildin Jaya, CEO of Takaful Brunei and President of the Brunei Insurance and Takaful Association, for advocating and supporting this initiative.