Investment theme

Inclusive Finance


Incofin works at the frontier of financial inclusion, bringing capital and financial services to those left behind by business as usual in emerging markets.

Our investments in microfinance institutions and banks deeply rooted in communities create a world of change: with solutions for payments, savings, credit and insurance.

We’re specifically focused on micro-entrepreneurs, small businesses and women-owned enterprises because the evidence shows they create the most jobs and sustain the most livelihoods in emerging markets.

And at the heart of our approach is a commitment to responsible lending: through sector initiatives such as the Client Protection Principles, we ensure financial institutions grow sustainably without over-indebting their clients.

Why invest in inclusive finance

Billions of people today are excluded from formal financial systems. Incofin supports inclusive financial services to unlock this entrepreneurial potential on a global scale. All while delivering stable returns to investors.

1.4 billion people

are globally unbanked, unable to save, borrow or access insurance


500 million enterprises

globally are micro- and small-businesses, many of which struggle to secure essential credit


Stable returns

are possible to generate across market cycles with inclusive financial services


Nearly 90%

of small borrowers report increased business income and improved quality of life

Impact with Incofin

Our investments in inclusive financial services have been core to our purpose and strategy since we began in 1992. The positive impact we’ve generated motivates us to push further into new markets. We continue challenging convention in finance in ways that unlock more opportunity for more people.

0 million people

gained access to financial services, reducing poverty and inequality

USD  0 billion

in gross loan portfolio deployed by our investees, stimulating economic growth and job creation

USD 0 average loan size

empowering women and supporting small businesses


*As of December 2024 

Focus on climate & gender

Investments in financial inclusion with Incofin are purposely designed to generate positive climate and gender impact.

ac_unit

Climate impact

First, we work with financial institutions that share our sustainability values and demonstrate a commitment to international best practices in environmental impact management.

Second, we apply data-driven insights to assess climate risks and impact to ensure that resources are directed efficiently.

Third, we tailor our financial and non-financial products to ensure investments can build climate-resilience that makes an impact. Nothing is off the shelf.

woman

Gender impact

Since the 1990s, Incofin has pioneered investments in financial institutions that expand financial access for women.

Our impact spans all levels of society: from micro-entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers to leaders in boardrooms.

Today, 90% of our portfolio companies meet at least one 2X Challenge criterion, and we’re proud to co-manage the Global Gender-Smart Fund (GGSF) that advances gender-smart investments globally.

Other
investment
themes

Access to responsible finance - Financial Inclusion - isn't just smart economics, it's a proven and essential enabler of climate resilience, social justice and gender equity.

Noémie Renier
Partner & Head of Debt

For generations, women could never even dream of the opportunities and financial freedom they gain with Incofin. The transformation is total.

Rita van den Abbeel
Chief Risk and ESG Officer

We’re standing up for all people to access the financial services we believe are their human right.

Elvina Garayeva
Head of Debt, Financial Institutions

Our related funds

In addition to inclusive finance, we manage funds and select investments in two other areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact: sustainable food and clean water.

These are more than just investment opportunities. They are pathways to empowerment, solutions for resilience, and a future where resources are safeguarded and sustained.