Annapurna Finance Private Limited (AFPL), a leading Micro and SME finance institution in India, has successfully raised $109.5 million through a multilateral syndicated social loan facility under the External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) framework. The deal was exclusively arranged by Standard Chartered Bank (SCB).
A Social Financing Initiative
The loan facility was structured under a Social Financing framework and reviewed by S&P Global. It included contributions from 10 financial institutions based in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The social framework aligns with Annapurna’s mission to enhance financial inclusion in rural areas.
The deal also features a green-shoe option, enabling Annapurna Finance to raise an additional $40 million if needed.
Focus on Rural Women
Annapurna Finance plans to use the funds to extend credit to microfinance borrowers, with a specific focus on rural women and underserved populations. This initiative is aimed at broadening access to financial services, boosting economic participation, and driving development in underbanked regions of India.
“This transaction is a major milestone for us,” said Gobinda Chandra Pattanaik, Managing Director of Annapurna Finance. “The participation of financial institutions from diverse regions reflects confidence in our financial inclusion efforts. These funds will help us provide credit to rural and underserved communities while improving our asset-liability management and diversifying funding sources.”
Supporting Financial Inclusion
Since its establishment, Annapurna Finance has focused on empowering small businesses and individuals in rural areas. This recent funding will enhance its ability to serve economically weaker sections of society, particularly women.
By raising significant capital under the ECB framework, Annapurna continues to establish itself as a key player in promoting financial inclusion and supporting economic growth in India’s rural areas.
