Standard Chartered Bank has entered into a collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the growth of the microfinance sector in Asia. This region-wide collaboration aims to improve access to financial services for the poor in ADB's developing member countries (DMC's).

Under this programme, Standard Chartered aims to originate and service a US$150 million portfolio of microfinance institutional loans across Asia.

ADB will share the risk via a risk participation and guarantee programme on this portfolio for up to US$75 million. This regional programme is intended to run till December 2018.

ADB’s support will enable Standard Chartered to extend additional credit to microfinance institutions that will in turn reach more unbanked individuals and finance additional micro enterprises and livelihoods.

Commenting on this innovative initiative, Peter Heidinger, Global Head, Financial Institutions Group at Standard Chartered, said, “Increasing access to financial services is core to the Bank’s approach to sustainable financing. This partnership with ADB will unlock more funding for microfinance and extend support to the sector when it is re-emerging from a difficult economic cycle. We expect this programme to benefit approximately 30 microfinance institutions in Asia.”

Philip Erquiaga, Director General of ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department said, “Our commitment to development and poverty alleviation takes centre stage in our long-term Strategy 2020. Microfinance is a key element, and this collaboration highlights our commitment of providing access to finance for the unbanked poor in ADB’s DMCs.”

Standard Chartered has been supporting the microfinance sector across Asia, Africa and the Middle East since 2005. As of December 2012, the Bank has financed US$970 million to 73 microfinance institution partners across 17 countries, impacting the lives of 6.4 million people, the majority of whom are women.