• It is the first social bond issued by a multilateral development bank in Colombia

   

BOGOTÁ – IDB Invest made history in Colombia’s capital markets by issuing a local currency bond dedicated to financing high-impact social projects, the first offering of its kind in the country by a multilateral development bank.  

Proceeds from the issuance will primarily be used to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—a strategic sector for economic growth—and promote formal employment in Colombia.

The bond, listed on the Colombian Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Colombia - bvc), totaled COP 100 billion (approximately US$25 million) and has a three-year tenor. It was issued under IDB Invest’s Sustainable Debt Framework in the social category and attracted participation from investors such as insurance companies, who accumulated 78.5%, investment funds (9.0%), trusts and consortiums (5.0%) and other legal entities (7.5%). Credicorp acted as lead arranger, with Pérez-Llorca and Gómez-Pinzón serving as legal advisors for the transaction.

By issuing in local currency, IDB Invest is facilitating access to financing in Colombian pesos and helping the country’s private sector boost economic growth.

“As the first multilateral to issue a local currency social bond in Colombia, IDB Invest is paving the way in the country’s capital markets, reaffirming our commitment to sustainable development and private sector growth. This transaction not only marks a financial milestone but also represents a firm commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as engines of growth and formal job creation,” said Orlando Ferreira, Chief Financial Officer at IDB Invest.

Andrés Restrepo Montoya, CEO of the Colombian Stock Exchange, stated: “The issuance of the first local currency social bond by a multilateral development bank marks a milestone for Colombia’s capital markets. At the Colombian Stock Exchange, we celebrate this transaction because it not only expands investment alternatives, but also channels resources to SMEs, which are key to economic growth and formal job creation in the country. This reaffirms that our market is ready to attract high-impact international issuers and strengthen its role as a driver of development.”

This transaction is part of IDB Invest’s strategy to strengthen its presence in local capital markets, following recent issuances in Mexican pesos, Brazilian reais, Dominican pesos, and Paraguayan guaraníes. IDB Invest has built a solid track record in sustainable local currency issuances, positioning itself as a key player in mobilizing capital toward projects with social and environmental impact. This aligns with its priority to offer local currency to clients, helping reduce exposure to exchange rate volatility and fostering more sustainable debt structures.

With this issuance, IDB Invest reaffirms its commitment to the development of local capital markets by offering high-credit-quality instruments that allow investors to diversify their portfolios.

Issuance Summary

About IDB Invest

IDB Invest is a multilateral development bank committed to promoting the economic development of its member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector. IDB Invest finances sustainable companies and projects to achieve financial results and maximize economic, social, and environmental development in the region. With a portfolio of $22 billion in assets under management and more than 400 clients in 25 countries, IDB Invest provides innovative financial solutions and advisory services that meet the needs of its clients in a variety of industries. Visit our website idbinvest.org/en.  

About bvc 

The Colombian Stock Exchange (bvc), a subsidiary of nuam, is the leading operator of capital market infrastructure in Colombia, with a presence across the entire value chain. bvc offers issuer services (issuance and support), trading (access, transactions, and registration), post-trade services (risk management, clearing, settlement, custody, and securities administration), and information services (market data and pricing) across equity, fixed income, derivatives, and FX markets, both transactional and OTC.