lendf

lendf is an international development finance institution focused on expanding access to credit for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in developing regions. It operates by mobilizing concessional capital and blending it with private funding to catalyze lending by local financial institutions. The organization prioritizes financial inclusion, gender and climate considerations, and local economic development.

lendf is governed by a board of directors representing contributing countries and major donors. It has a professional secretariat, an independent risk and compliance function, and advisory committees for regions and sectors. The head of lendf serves as CEO, reporting to the board.

Programs and activities: lendf provides long- and medium-term credit facilities to partner banks and microfinance institutions. It offers credit guarantees to reduce collateral requirements, technical assistance to borrowers and financial institutions, and blended finance to attract private capital for higher-impact projects. It also supports capacity building, data collection, and impact reporting.

Impact and reception: By offering patient capital and risk-sharing tools, lendf seeks to increase loan volumes and lower interest rates for underserved segments. Independent evaluations reference increased access to finance and job creation in pilot regions, while critics note dependence on donor funding, governance complexity, and challenges in measuring social impact.