The proceeds from the sustainability bonds have been fully allocated to portfolio companies aligned with the impact criteria outlined in our Sustainability Bond Framework, driving meaningful societal change, as detailed in the report. Key highlights from the report include:

• 74% of portfolio value in impactful companies contributing meaningfully to one or more of the UN SDGs.
• SEK 500 mln allocated to impactful portfolio companies under the Sustainability Bond Framework.
• +22 mln consumers and MSMEs served to date by VEF portfolio companies.
• +160 mln loans and USD 10 bln of credit disbursed to date by VEF portfolio companies.

Empowering financial inclusion across the emerging world

In many parts of the emerging world, financial services for consumers and MSMEs are either unavailable, of poor quality or discriminately expensive. The proceeds from VEF’s sustainability bonds have been fully allocated to four of our portfolio companies: Konfío (Mexico), Solfácil (Brazil), Rupeek (India) and Mahaana (Pakistan). These portfolio companies all contribute to VEF’s impact themes of fintech for financial inclusion, fairness, wellness and the green transition.

Helena Caan Mattsson, Head of Sustainability at VEF, comments:

‘This is yet another milestone that showcases our commitment and ability to integrate sustainability in our investments. We are proud that, through our portfolio companies, our capital has a positive impact on the access to fair and affordable financial services across the emerging world, while also providing a compelling investment case for investors and staying true to our mandate of delivering a healthy return for shareholders.’

About the Sustainability Bond Impact and Allocation Report

Since its inception, VEF has invested in fintech companies that contribute to the development of society and small businesses across the emerging world by democratizing access to financial services. Learn more about our impact investments and how these companies positively contribute to people and MSMEs in their local markets in our second Sustainability Bond Impact and Allocation Report, available here.