IFC invests a US$ 75 million convertible loan in SeABank
Summary
Specifically, in line with IFCs approach to addressing climate risks, SeABank will also commit to not funding new coal-related activities. This will help contribute to Vietnams climate targets including phasing out coal-fueled power generation by 2040 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This commitment by SeABank will be a condition for IFCs consideration to convert this loan to common shares within the next five years.Before this, in 2021, IFC and 5 international investment funds including Banque Internationale de Commerce-BRED, BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund, KASIKORNBANK PCL, OPEC Fund for International Development, and responsibility Investments AG provided a financial package of US$ 220 million to SeABank for purposes of increasing financial assistance to SMEs, especially women-owned businesses and expanding climate finance. The new US$ 75 million convertible loan shows IFCs acknowledgment of SeABanks performance, credibility, and commitment to expanding its SME reach-out and addressing climate challenges in Vietnam.Being an existing client of IFC, SeABank has adopted an environmental and social management system to manage E&S risks of SMEs lending and climate financing activities. With IFC support under this investment, SeABank will, among others, continue enhancing its E&S practices and performance to align with the Banks strategy and its stakeholders expectations, including applying IFC Performance Standards to higher E&S risk activities.The IFC PSs is an international benchmark for identifying and managing E&S risk in 8 areas including Risk Management, Labor, Resource Efficiency, Community, Land Resettlement, Biodiversity, Indigenous People, and Cultural Heritage.