IFC Treasury Launches London Hub To Expand Global Capital Market Coverage

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, yesterday opened an IFC treasury hub in the city of London that will expand IFC's capital market activities in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

IFC treasury provides core treasury services to the institution; raises capital for its liquidity and operational needs; offers treasury solutions to address the financing needs of IFC clients—private sector companies in developing countries; and supports capital market development in emerging markets. Until now, IFC has managed its treasury activities out of the institution's Washington, D.C. headquarters.

Harriet Baldwin, UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Britain is home to some of the most important and successful financial firms on the planet, benefitting businesses and working people across the country. We are committed to maintaining our position as a global financial center, and so I am delighted that the International Finance Corporation has decided to establish a treasury hub in London.

That IFC treasury has chosen to base itself here recognizes the key role Britain’s financial firms and markets play in channeling sustainable finance to emerging markets.”

Mark Boleat, Policy Chairman of the City of London, said: “I am delighted that the IFC has chosen London as the location for its EMEA treasury hub and am sure it will add to the IFC’s already impressive record in the region and globally. The City has worked closely with IFC for over the past year to make this a reality and we look forward to continuing to support the IFC as it grows its presence in the capital.”

Nikhil Rathi, Director of International Development and Chief of Staff, London Stock Exchange Group, said:  “This is a vote of confidence for London and a recognition of its unique qualities as one of the world’s leading financial centers. London, thanks to its institutions and capital market infrastructure is a natural home for organizations such as the IFC, seeking to diversify and globalize their exposure to Europe, emerging markets, and beyond.”

Jingdong Hua, IFC Vice President and Treasurer, said: "With a full-fledged treasury team based in London, we will be able to seize market opportunities and respond to the needs of our clients in neighboring regions in real time. We will also continue our efforts to highlight opportunities in emerging market currencies through strategic issuances listed in London."

IFC is the first issuer of Indian rupee-denominated Masala bonds and the largest multilateral issuer of renminbi-denominated bonds listed on the London Stock Exchange. Most recently IFC became the first international issuer of offshore Turkish lira-denominated discount notes. The program is managed out of the London Stock Exchange.

The core treasury team in Washington, D.C. will continue to serve as the global headquarters for IFC’s treasury and capital market activities and cover North and Latin America and the Caribbean. A treasury hub in Asia is planned for 2016.