IFC and Crédit Agricole CIB partner on $2 billion risk transfer deal to boost trade finance in emerging markets

IFC and Crédit Agricole CIB partner on $2 billion risk transfer deal to boost trade finance in emerging markets

(IN BRIEF) The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Crédit Agricole CIB have finalized a $2 billion Significant Risk Transfer (SRT) deal, backed by a $95 million financial guarantee from IFC, to unlock new trade finance commitments for emerging markets. The collaboration aims to address global trade challenges by expanding credit access for SMEs and reinforcing supply chain resilience. The initiative not only strengthens financial connectivity between global investors and emerging market institutions but also supports sustainable growth, employment, and investment through innovative capital markets solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 6-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has entered into a new Significant Risk Transfer (SRT) transaction with Crédit Agricole CIB, covering a $2 billion portfolio aimed at expanding access to trade finance across emerging markets. Under this agreement, IFC has provided a $95 million financial guarantee that will allow Crédit Agricole CIB to free up regulatory capital and originate new trade finance commitments to support businesses in developing economies.

This innovative structure comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty, with trade activity facing challenges from geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and tighter financial conditions. The collaboration between IFC and Crédit Agricole CIB will enable capital redeployment toward trade and corporate finance facilities that strengthen cross-border commerce, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — key drivers of job creation and income in emerging markets.

“The project demonstrates how long-term partnerships for capital markets solutions can enable private investment to close the trade finance gap in emerging markets,” said Mohamed Gouled, Vice President of Industries at IFC. “By working with Crédit Agricole CIB, we are not only expanding access to finance but also strengthening supply chains and creating jobs where they are needed most.”

The arrangement builds on Crédit Agricole CIB’s extensive experience in SRT transactions and supports its mission to promote responsible and sustainable lending. A potential second phase is also being explored, in which a leading global investor could take on part of IFC’s exposure, with additional participation from private investors in future SRT transactions.

Olivier Bélorgey, Deputy CEO and Finance Director at Crédit Agricole CIB, highlighted the partnership’s alignment with the bank’s long-term goals: “We are pleased to continue working on SRTs with partners like IFC and other investors committed to social and economic development. This transaction exemplifies our dedication to supporting socially relevant lending — a segment that’s part of our Group’s DNA.”

By enhancing financial connectivity between international investors and emerging market banks, the IFC–Crédit Agricole CIB deal will help sustain global trade flows and ensure businesses across developing economies gain the resources they need to grow, modernize, and compete in international markets.

About IFC

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a liveable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Stay Connected with IFC on social media

About Crédit Agricole CIB 

Crédit Agricole CIB is the corporate and investment banking arm of Crédit Agricole Group, the 10^th largest banking group worldwide by total assets in 2024 (The Banker, July 2025). With over 10,000 employees across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, the Bank supports large and mid-cap corporates and institutional clients, helping them meet both local and global financial needs. Crédit Agricole CIB offers a comprehensive range of products and services in capital markets, investment banking, structured finance, commercial banking and international trade. The Bank is a pioneer in climate finance, and a market leader in sustainable finance providing a full spectrum of solutions to all its clients.

For more information, please visit www.ca-cib.com

Press contacts:
Elena Gex (IFC) egex@ifc.org
Eric Pons (Crédit Agricole CIB) +33 (0)6 08 63 03 20 / eric.pons@ca-cib.com

SOURCE: Crédit Agricole S.A.