In June 2026, several CSOs compiled the following briefing to address how IFC can ensure a more socially and environmentally responsible approach to indirect finance.
This builds on our previous briefing, citing 15 years of CSO monitoring and research on IFC’s financial intermediary investments.
Our analysis draws on what we consider to be good policies at peer institutions, useful practices adopted by IFC which should be codified in the new safeguard, and approaches to avoid.
This briefing includes:
1. What IFC can learn from the World Bank’s ESS9 on FIs
2. Strong policies and good practice on FIs at other MDBs
3. Recommendations for integrating elements of IFC’s 2023 Guidance Note into the new safeguard
4. Issues relevant to FIs that require further attention across the Sustainability Framework