Coronation Merchant Bank has attracted $40million trade finance facility from International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. The partnership between the two entails both companies setting up a $40 million Trade Finance Guarantee facility. This partnership makes it the first time in five years that International Finance Corporation (IFC) will be contributing to the Nigerian market after putting a hold on its Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) in Nigeria in 2015. According to the international financier, GTFP extends and complements the capacity of banks to deliver trade financing by providing risk mitigation in new or challenging markets where trade lines may be constrained.
Through the partnership, Coronation Merchant Bank and International Finance Corporation, which is a member of the World Bank Group, intend to enhance inter-continental trade. It is expected to be a motivating factor to other international financiers as regards the private sector in the country.
Why this matters: IFC uses its influence, capital and expertise to create markets and opportunities where they are not existing and are needed the most. The corporation does these to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity in developing countries through private sector growth.
Speaking on the partnership, IFC Regional Industry Head, Financial Institutions Group for Europe and Central Asia, Vittorio Di Bello, said, “Increasing access to trade finance for local businesses is an important mechanism to support the development of the private sector in emerging markets. We expect this financing to help boost inter-continental trade and spur economic growth for the region.”
Banjo Adegbohungbe, Acting Managing Director of Coronation Merchant Bank said that, “The GTFP partnership is a critical milestone for us in our journey to become a leading financial institution in Nigeria. We are delighted to partner with the IFC in providing trade finance solutions to our customers and we assure all our clients of our continued support to enable them achieve their business objectives.” The international financier has often focused on the private sector in emerging markets, working with about 2,000 businesses worldwide.
