SEB Microfinance Funds celebrate their 10 years anniversary, since the first impact fund was launched in spring 2013 by SEB and Symbiotics. During the last decade, SEB and Symbiotics have jointly launched and managed eleven impact funds, offering clients innovative and sustainable investment solutions. SEB was the first Swedish bank to launch a microfinance fund, with institutional clients among its investors.
The funds have given the investors an opportunity to contribute to socioeconomic development in emerging markets and earn a favourable return. The funds have collectively lent 2.5 billion dollars to entrepreneurs in 58 developing countries. In particular, a majority of this financing has gone to support women-led initiatives, providing them with economic resources and enhanced opportunities.
The funds have pioneered local currency lending in emerging economies, providing financing to microfinance institutions, small and medium enterprises, as well as other sectors, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, education, and healthcare.
“Symbiotics and SEB share a common vision of creating positive social and environmental impact through innovative financial solutions. We are honored to have such a long-standing and fruitful partnership with SEB, which has been instrumental in expanding our global reach and impact.”, said Roland Dominicé, CEO of Symbiotics.
The latest one, SEB Microfinance XI, will have a strong social impact focus and high diversification in terms of countries, currencies, and end-clients, with a low correlation to other asset classes. Equal to its predecessors, the fund will support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and complies with Article 9* of the SFDR regulation.
“We are immensely proud of what we have achieved and will continue to develop funds going forward together with Symbiotics. Together, we have been able to offer our clients access to a unique asset class that combines attractive returns with measurable impact. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and exploring new opportunities in the future.”, said Håkan Brodin at SEB.
Article 9: Funds that have sustainable investment as their objective.
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About Symbiotics
Symbiotics is the leading market access platform for impact investing, dedicated to private markets in emerging and frontier economies. The group offers investment, asset management and capacity building services. Since 2005, we have originated over 7,300 investments representing more than USD 9.2 billion for 570 companies in 95 countries. We manage an aggregate portfolio of USD 2.9 billion spread across 23 funds and mandates. Our portfolio companies have also benefited from over 145 technical assistance projects worth more than USD 18 million. symbioticsgroup.com
About SEB
SEB is a leading Nordic financial services group with a strong belief that entrepreneurial minds and innovative companies are key to creating a better world. Our vision is to deliver world-class service to our customers. We assist 3,100 large corporations and financial institutions, 292,000 small and medium-sized companies, and 1.4 million private full-service customers with advice and financial solutions. sebgroup.com
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For more information, contact:
Samy Derradji, Head of Corporate Communication, Symbiotics
samy.derradji@symbioticsgroup.com
Håkan Brodin, Institutional Asset Management, SEB Investment Management AB
hakan.brodin@seb.se
