AMK Microfinance Institution Plc “AMK”, one of the largest microfinance deposit-taking institutions in Cambodia, has recently raised a USD 7.5 million green loan arranged by Symbiotics Investments. The loan was subscribed by the USD 75 million green basket bond program structured by Symbiotics Investments in partnership with British International Investment “BII”, the United Kingdom’s development finance institution and impact investor.
AMK Microfinance’s mission is to provide a range of responsible financial services to its clients from varying economic segments, particularly low-income households and women, to help them to achieve their financial and household aspirations. With this green loan, AMK shows how microfinance financial institutions, in highly vulnerable to climate hazards countries, may align their environmental bottom line with financial and social objectives.
AMK finances clean transportation projects for electric three-wheelers and electric motorbikes. In addition, the company is planning to broaden its green initiatives by introducing renewable energy sources, implementing energy efficiency projects, and developing eco-friendly and circular economy products. This will involve adopting production technologies and processes such as solar energy loans for water irrigation, and biogas electricity installation loans for waste management projects.
“Symbiotics Investments is delighted to partner with AMK, one of the key leaders in microfinance in Cambodia. This green loan confirms Symbiotics Investments’ climate strategy in emerging and frontier markets to finance climate-friendly green projects to tackle climate change in order to hit the world’s net-zero targets. We are excited to contribute to nurture and grow this segment of the green loan market even further.”, said Eugene Tan, Symbiotics Investments Regional Manager for East Asia.
“At AMK, we are committed to driving the growth of renewable energy and climate change adaptation in Cambodia. With the support of Symbiotics Investments, we will provide further funding to our clients in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Part of our mission is to provide a range of responsible financial services to our clients from varying economic segments, particularly low-income households and women to help them achieve their financial and household aspirations.”, said Kea Borann, CEO of AMK Microfinance Institution Plc.
The following SDGs are promoted with this green loan:
This green loan is issued via Symbiotics Investments sponsored bond issuance platform (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Bonds S.A.) under its Sustainable Bond Framework, certified in December 2019 and November 2021 by DNV GL.
Link to the Sustainable Bond Framework for Symbiotics
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About Symbiotics Investments
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, Symbiotics Investments has originated over 7,100 investments representing more than USD 8.5 billion for 561 companies in 94 countries. symbioticsgroup.com
About AMK Microfinance Institution Plc
AMK Microfinance Institution is a leading microfinance institution in Cambodia that aims to provide responsible financial services to low-income households and diverse economic segments, helping them achieve their financial goals. Established over 20 years ago, AMK operates in every province and district in Cambodia, with over 150 branches and approximately 6,000 agents. The institution offers a diverse range of financial services including loan, deposit, and daily transaction/payment services. AMK upholds responsible lending practices and customer protection, and with millions of customers served, AMK’s mission is at the heart of its operations, with a focus on creating a lasting impact in Cambodian communities by promoting financial inclusion and supporting economic growth. amkcambodia.com
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For more information, contact:
Samy Derradji, Corporate Communication Manager, Symbiotics
samy.derradji@symbioticsgroup.com
Boramey Chan, Head of Marketing & Communications, AMK
boramey.chan@amkcambodia.com
