Symbiotics drives sustainable development by investing in 322 institutions across 84 emerging markets, expanding financial access, strengthening agriculture and supporting a low-carbon economy. Nearly 50% of people in our investment regions lack formal financial services and have incomes below USD 6,000 annually. Using private debt, Symbiotics provides flexible funding to help institutions grow, diversify services and remain resilient. Each investment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably:
- SDG 1 – Reducing poverty through financial inclusion
- SDG 5 – Empowering women financially
- SDG 8 – Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and job creation
- SDG 7 – Expanding renewable energy access
Symbiotics also upholds environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, updating our rating methodology in 2022 to align with the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. By March 2024, we had assessed most of our portfolio companies under this new framework. To measure impact, Symbiotics funded the participation of 32 financial institutions in the 60 Decibels Microfinance Index, gathering insights to enhance borrower outcomes and client protection.
Through our strategic investments and partnerships, we actively support sustainable development and contribute to the advancement of several SDGs on a global scale.
KEY IMPACT INDICATORS
USD 2.8 BILLION
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT
84
COUNTRIES
322
INVESTEES
55%
BANK ACCOUNT OWNERSHIP IN INVESTEE COUNTRIES
USD 5,959
GNI PER CAPITA IN INVESTEE COUNTRIES
2.2 MILLION
END-BORROWERS REACHED BY SYMBIOTICS
62%
WOMEN BORROWERS
42%
RURAL BORROWERS
2024 REPORT IS NOW AVAILABLE
The 2024 edition marks the first release under this integrated approach, highlighting our mission to foster financial inclusion and sustainable development in emerging and frontier markets.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Symbiotics’ corporate social responsibility efforts reflect our commitment to community support and employee engagement in meaningful causes.
In 2024, Symbiotics continued its partnership with the Paint A Smile Foundation, supporting painting projects in pediatric services. Additionally, we participated in the Terre des Hommes “Oranges with Heart” initiative to fund programs in maternal health, child migration and justice.
During the year, Symbiotics also collaborated with TdH Italia on holiday greeting cards to support work in conflict zones and the Geneva office took part in the Bike to Work
challenge to promote sustainable mobility.
Symbiotics first received B Corp certification in 2021 and was recertified in 2025. This certification demonstrates our commitment to high social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability in five areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.
