Local-Currency Financing
When companies borrow in a different currency than the currency in which they generate revenue, they are exposed to currency risk. For example, if a company takes on debt in US dollars while generating revenues in the local currency of its country of operations, it will be exposed to future changes in the exchange rate. If the local currency depreciates against the US dollar, the company’s debt in local currency terms can increase dramatically and ultimately become unsustainable.
Where possible, IFC provides local currency financing to companies with local-currency revenues, to protect them against currency risk. At the same time, IFC aims to support the development of local capital markets to increase access to local currency financing to all borrowers in the market.
Since 2014, IFC has committed debt investments of nearly $32 billion equivalent in more than 70 local currencies across the globe. IFC offers a wide range of local currency products, from fixed and floating-rate loans to investments in debt securities, securitizations, as well as guarantees.
IFC offers local currency solutions in these main currencies.