Symbiotics impact bond platform, a pass-through notes issuance program called “MSME Bonds”, which reaches out to microfinance and SME finance in the emerging markets, has reached USD 300 million since its inception, offering a unique and innovative way for investors to boost the social impact of their investments.
In 2015, Symbiotics issued over 15 bonds all over the world, predominantly in South and South-East Asia for a total of USD 117m. The average maturities of the notes ranged typically from 3 to 4 years and the financing themes included credit access to micro-entrepreneurs, principally women, and SMEs, agriculture and housing.
“Market-based solutions addressing social and environmental challenges have created a very tangible demand amongst debt investors. There is a unique and timely opportunity to unlock the access to capital for such projects. In 2016, we plan to substantially grow our offering of impact bonds in terms of size and market coverage,” comments Director of Client Relationship, Fabio Sofia.
About MSME Bonds platform:
As of January 31st, 2016, Symbiotics has arranged impact bond transactions for a total notional amount of USD 306m invested in about 35 financial institutions in 12 emerging and frontier markets, through its platform.
About Symbiotics:
Symbiotics, incorporated in 2004 in Geneva, is an investment company specialized in emerging, sustainable and inclusive finance which offers market research, investment advisory and asset management services. It is an asset manager of collective investment
schemes regulated by FINMA, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority and has an advisory license from the FCA, the Financial Conduct Authority, through its subsidiary in the UK. The company is headquartered in Geneva, with offices in Cape Town, London, Zurich, Mexico City, Singapore with a staff of over eighty professionals. Since 2004, Symbiotics has invested over USD 2.4 billion in more than 275 microfinance institutions in 50 emerging countries, working with more than 28 investment funds and many institutional investors.
