IFC and Standard Chartered Pakistan Launch $400 Million Facility to Boost Trade & Working Capital
KARACHI, Pakistan – November 19, 2025 – The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Standard chartered Pakistan today announced a new $400 million risk-participation facility designed to bolster short-term trade and working capital access for Pakistani companies. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s financial sector and support its export-driven industries, contributing to enduring economic growth.
The facility will be available to major local corporations and exporters based in Pakistan, with the goal of increasing foreign exchange inflows.This latest commitment builds upon a previous joint $200 million facility established in December 2022, and formalized in September of this year. The doubling of the facility’s size signifies a deepened commitment to supporting Pakistani businesses.
“We are delighted to further solidify our enduring partnership with IFC through this groundbreaking agreement – a unique collaboration between IFC and Standard Chartered Pakistan,” stated Rehan Shaikh, CEO of Standard Chartered Pakistan.
Momina Aijazuddin, Regional Head of Industry of IFC’s Financial Institutions Group for the Middle East, Türkiye, Central Asia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, emphasized the importance of the partnership. “This new vital milestone in our strong, longstanding partnership with Standard Chartered reflects IFC’s deep commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s financial sector and supporting its export-driven industries,” she said.
Aijazuddin added that the expanded facility will “help unlock vital trade and working capital financing for businesses that drive growth, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s long-term economic resilience.”
The risk-participation facility is a key component of ongoing efforts to improve access to finance for Pakistani businesses, particularly those involved in international trade. By sharing risk with Standard Chartered, the IFC is enabling increased lending to companies that may otherwise struggle to secure financing, ultimately fostering economic growth and stability within Pakistan.
