CreditAccess Grameen 2025
Introduction
Swedfund invests USD 20 million as a loan to India’s leading microfinance institution CreditAccess Grameen Ltd.
The loan will contribute to empowering primarily low-income women across India, largely in rural areas, to participate in the economy. This in turn will spur job creation and local development.
Read more in our press release: Swedfund continues to support women’s economic empowerment across rural India
Facts
SDG in focus
No Poverty
End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Sector
Financial inclusion & MSME financing
Swedfund’s investments in Financial Inclusion are made in regulated banks and microfinance institutions in order to increase access to debt capital for entrepreneurs, MSMEs and low-in come earners, or in local investment platforms, local companies or through so-called private equity funds to increase access to equity capital for MSMEs.
Value creation
Impact
The investment expands access to formal credit for underserved, lowincome women in India, enabling incomegenerating activities and supporting local economic development. By improving women’s access to finance, the investment strengthens women’s economic empowerment and contributes to reduced inequalities.
Additionality
The investment is financially additional by providing longterm capital in a challenging operating environment, supporting expanded access to credit for underserved communities in India. Swedfund also adds value by strengthening environmental and social practices, reinforcing the focus on women’s economic empowerment, and supporting robust impact management and monitoring.
ESG
Requirements
In line with Swedfund’s Policy for Sustainable Development, the portfolio company is required to materially comply with, inter alia: (i) all internationally recognised human rights (ii) the EDFI harmonized exclusion list and EDFI Fossil Fuel Exclusion List, (iii) local environmental, health & safety and labour laws and regulations, (iv) applicable IFC Performance Standards, (v) the ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the ILO’s Basic Terms and Conditions of Employment.
ESG Risk
E&S risk categorisation is High Risk (FIB), based on potential environmental and social risks and impacts inherent to the contextual risks in the target country.
ESG Mitigation Measures
Swedfund works with the company to further develop its environmental and social management systems, strengthen customer protection practices, and enhance the company’s anticorruption management system.
Applicable IFC Performance Standards
IFC Performance Standards (PS) 1-4 are applicable.
Whistleblowing channels and Grievance Mechanism
Swedfund’s whistleblowing services can be used by employees, contractors and others at Swedfund, and by the companies and funds in which Swedfund invests. The complaints mechanism can be used for all types of complaints concerning Swedfund and Swedfund’s portfolio companies, but not for complaints concerning individuals as a result of restrictions arising from data protection legislation. 🔹 Link in website footer.
Other investments within
Financial Inclusion & MSME Financing