MSIG USA and MSI Japan Collaborate with IFC to Boost Lending in Emerging Markets

In a significant move towards enhancing financial access for underrepresented economies, MSIG USA, in conjunction with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited (commonly known as MSI Japan), has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This collaboration aims to expand lending capabilities in emerging markets, paving the way for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the capital they need for growth and sustainability.

A New Credit Facility

On February 24, 2026, MSIG unveiled their participation in a new insurance-backed credit facility orchestrated with the IFC, which is part of the expansive World Bank Group. This initiative is designed to bolster financial accessibility, particularly for SMEs and other sectors that demonstrate growth potential but face challenges in obtaining credit.

The newly established insurance policy represents a substantial $6 billion commitment, marking one of the largest credit insurance programs facilitated by a multilateral development organization. It enables up to $10 billion in fresh lending directed towards commercial banks and other key financial institutions within emerging markets.

Amplifying Lending through Risk Transfer

The core structure of this credit insurance policy is embedded within the IFC’s Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP). This innovative platform mobilizes private-sector participation to support development finance, effectively mitigating credit risks by transferring part of this burden to the insurance market. By doing so, the IFC can enhance its capital efficiency, thus allowing for additional lending in regions where access to long-term financing remains a significant obstacle.

Daniel Riordan, Head of Political Risk and Trade Credit at MSIG USA, expressed pride in the company’s role in promoting economic resilience. "Our commitment to fostering a vibrant society aligns perfectly with the capacity-building efforts of the IFC," he remarked. With MSIG's strong financial standing and regional expertise, the partnership is set to create substantial economic development opportunities.

Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Junichiro Mizukami, Managing Executive Officer at MSI Japan, echoed the sentiment of collaboration and sustainability, affirming the importance of working together to advance the global environment and society. This partnership not only seeks to create economic opportunities but is also aligned with broader goals of sustainable development, focusing on creating jobs and propelling growth in underserved markets.

Kevin Njiraini, Director of Syndicated Loans and Mobilization at IFC, praised the transformative potential of the insurance facility, stating, “This initiative underscores how private insurers can unlock larger investments, catalyzing lending to SMEs in emerging markets.” The initiative embodies a strategic effort to leverage private-sector capabilities in driving economic advancement in regions where conventional financing is often scarce.

Future Directions for MSIG

For MSIG, this initiative marks its inaugural involvement in an IFC MCPP Credit Insurance facility, building on a legacy of support for structured risk transfer solutions. With robust underwriting competencies and a global reach, MSIG stands equipped to navigate the complexities of cross-border credit exposures, ensuring alignment with IFC’s due diligence and risk management protocols.

As businesses worldwide continue to navigate the challenges of economic fluctuation and uncertainty, initiatives like this highlight the pivotal role that insurance partnerships can play in fostering financial inclusion and empowering growth in emerging markets.

In conclusion, this partnership between MSIG USA, MSI Japan, and the IFC encapsulates a forward-thinking approach to economic development, illustrating how collaborative efforts can generate meaningful impacts in communities that critically require financial support.