International Finance Corporation (ABCs of the IFIs Brief)

This brief on the International Finance Corporation is one of a suite of policy briefs that provides basic background information and practical analysis of the financial and governance issues facing the international financial institutions.

The IFC is a multilateral financial institution that provides financial and technical assistance to the private sector in middle- and low- income countries. Unlike other international financial institutions, the IFC operates on a commercial basis and invests exclusively in for-profit projects that promote poverty reduction and development. Increasingly, the IFC is investing in the world’s poorest countries and fragile states that have few private investors. IFC investments support a range of activities including agribusiness, manufacturing, health and education,microfinance programs, and infrastructure development.