Open Finance Self-Assessment Tool and Development Roadmap
This technical guide introduces the open finance self-assessment tool and development roadmap. It provides practical tools for policymakers to use to decide whether to implement an open finance regime to advance financial inclusion.
OMRO Announces a Strategic Partnership With the European Investment Fund
OMRO IFN partners with the European Investment Fund, obtaining a guarantee ceiling to offer up to EUR 50.000 microfinancing, double the ceiling currently provided.
Central Bank Digital Currencies: Five Lessons From Three Trailblazers
Experiences from the Bahamas, China and Nigeria help illuminate the rocky path for other central banks interested in implementing their own digital currencies.
Symbiotics Investments Launches $9 Million Social Bond With Agricover Credit IFN SA in Romania
With the issuance of this bond, Agricover reinforces its long-term commitment to sustainable development in Romania, catering to the financing needs of smallholder farmers.
Symbiotics Investments Launches Its First Green Bond in China With Zuoli
With the issuance of this Green Bond, Zuoli will finance, amongst others, green buildings and energy efficiency projects in the Zhejiang province.
IFC’s Investment in Romania’s First Sustainability Bond to Catalyze Financial Inclusion, Support Future Resilience
The local currency-denominated senior non-preferred sustainability bonds will help the bank increase its lending to businesses investing in climate-smart initiatives—green buildings, renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, sustainable agriculture, and others.
IFC’s Investment to Boost Green Housing, Strengthen Capital Markets in Romania
This placement is the first-ever senior preferred bond issuance by Banca Comercială Romana S.A., Romania's second-largest bank.
IFC Supports Garanti BBVA Leasing to Boost Financing for Small Businesses in Romania, Accelerate Recovery
Small and medium-sized enterprises in Romania will improve their access to finance with a new investment that aims to support SMEs, including women entrepreneurs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Hong Kong Bourse Chief LI Plans New Microfinance Platform in 2021
Li told Reuters in an interview that in “traditional finance” investing in SMEs was rarely worthwhile for global institutions as the due diligence was difficult, risks were high and funding amounts small.
China Mobile Payment Gains Fueled by Pandemic
The annual survey on mobile payments showed 98 percent of respondents indicated mobile was their most commonly used payment method, up 5 percentage points from 2019.