Promoting sustainable development through financial inclusion
KEY IMPACT INDICATORS
USD 2.4 BILLION
PORTFOLIO OUTSTANDING
2.0 MILLION
END-BORROWERS REACHED
73
COUNTRIES
257
INVESTEES
2.9 MILLION
JOBS SUPPORTED
51%
END-BORROWERS WHO ARE WOMEN
43%
RURAL END-BORROWERS
Pushing money where it normally doesn’t flow
Symbiotics integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations throughout the investment lifecycle, helping identify sustainability risks while promoting responsible investment practices across its portfolio. ESG assessments are conducted systematically using Symbiotics’ proprietary rating methodology, supporting informed investment decisions and ongoing monitoring.
In line with its Impact Promise, Symbiotics also seeks to contribute to sustainable development by assigning sustainable objectives to its investments and measuring progress through key impact indicators aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach helps ensure that capital is directed toward activities that generate meaningful social and environmental outcomes.
Through its investments, Symbiotics supports financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, job creation and economic resilience across emerging and frontier markets, while maintaining a strong focus on responsible investment and long-term development impact.
THE THREE PILLARS OF OUR IMPACT PROMISE
Emerging Economies
Symbiotics defines its investment universe as emerging and frontier economies, targeting low- and middle-income markets and borrowers.
Symbiotics seeks to deploy capital to where it normally doesn’t flow, reaching out through investments.
Responsible Investments
The Symbiotics investment process integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks that might affect the value of its investments.
Symbiotics also screens for adverse environmental and social impacts that its activities may have on its target markets.
Sustainable Objectives
Symbiotics assigns sustainable objectives to each of its investments and reports on the key impact indicators tracking them, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework.
Symbiotics aims to measure the positive development outcomes and contributions generated through its activities.
KEY INSIGHTS
Financial Inclusion
Expanding access to finance through local financial institutions serving underserved populations across emerging and frontier markets.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
51% of end-borrowers reached are women, reflecting a strong focus on financial inclusion and gender equality.
Rural Outreach
43% of end-borrowers are located in rural areas, demonstrating outreach to traditionally underserved communities.
Responsible Finance
Integrating ESG considerations and strengthening responsible investment and client protection practices across the portfolio.
Entrepreneurship & MSMEs
Supporting entrepreneurship, small business development and job creation through access to finance.
IMPACT STORIES
Rose, Uganda
Rose’s story showcases how a determined entrepreneur from Kampala, Uganda, transformed a small poultry venture into a thriving business with the support of FINCA Uganda, creating jobs and improving her family’s livelihood.
Read the story
Strengthening Responsible Investment Practices
Responsible investing is embedded throughout the Symbiotics investment lifecycle. Through a structured ESG framework, client protection standards, and continuous monitoring practices, we seek to ensure that our investments contribute positively to sustainable development while effectively managing environmental, social, and governance risks.
ESG Risk Management
Systematic assessment and monitoring of ESG risks across the portfolio, supporting informed investment decisions and long-term sustainability.
Client Protection
Promoting responsible financial services through industry best practices and strong client protection standards.
SFDR Alignment
Integration of SFDR principles and sustainability considerations into the investment process.
Sustainability Reporting
Transparent reporting on impact and ESG performance to support accountability and evidence-based decision-making.
Continuous Monitoring
Ongoing oversight throughout the investment lifecycle to identify, assess, and manage evolving ESG risks and opportunities.
Reflecting the integration of ESG considerations throughout the investment process and the continued strengthening of responsible investment practices across the portfolio.
EXPLORE THE FULL REPORT
Discover how Symbiotics contributes to sustainable development through financial inclusion, responsible investments, and measurable impact outcomes across emerging and frontier markets.
The report provides insights into portfolio outreach, ESG integration, sustainable development objectives, end-borrower outcomes, and the impact generated through our investments.
