Contribute Information
Can you contribute information about this project?
Contact the EWS Team
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This summary covers an application made by Findeter S.A. (Findeter) to cover a lending facility proposed to be made available to Findeter by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. of the United States.,and other lender(s) yet to be identified.
MIGA's coverage has been sought in relation to a Non-Honoring of Sovereign Financial Obligations by a State-Owned Enterprise (NHFO-SOE) guarantee for up toUS$249.36 million[1]equivalent in COP to cover an up to approximately US$200 million equivalent COP loan with a tenor of up to 4 years.
MIGA's NHSOE instrument will be used to support Findeter's local lending operations with a focus on climate finance infrastructure projects that will foster and support green economic recovery in Colombia after the effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and lay out the basis for the stabilization, protection, and reactivation of the Colombian business base.
ENVIRONMENTAL CATEGORIZATION
Findeter provides financing to support infrastructure projects in Colombia. MIGA has a long-standing relationship with Findeter, having supported a previous project in 2014. For this project, the MIGA guarantee will mainly target Findeter's climate finance projects (in line with MIGA's climate finance methodology) such as renewable energy, water and sanitation, and urban mobility. Some of these projects could have significant environmental and social (E&S) risks and impacts, and as such, the portfolio is considered high risk. This project has thus been categorized as FI-1 under MIGA's Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability (2013).
Similar to other FI projects, the main E&S considerations for this project relate to Findeter's ability to identify, assess, and manage the E&S risks and impacts associated with its lending activities (through intermediary financial institutions) and the management of labor matters. MIGA analyzed the Findeter's portfolio for types of transactions, tenor, size, industry sectors, and exposure to MIGA's Exclusion List. MIGA also analyzed Findeter's E&S risk management procedures in line with the requirements of Performance Standard 1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts (PS1), and Findeter's labor practices in line with the requirements of Performance Standard 2: Labor and Working Conditions (PS2). The applicable E&S requirements for this project will be: (i) MIGA Exclusion List; (ii) applicable E&S laws and regulations in Colombia; and (iii) MIGA E&S Performance Standards.
As of December 31, 2021, loans to financial institutions (FIs) represented 86.9% of Findeter's portfolio, with direct loans to public institutions representing 13.1%. The main sectors supported include transport, education, housing and urban development, health, energy development, and water and sanitation. Findeter has no exposures to activities on the MIGA Exclusion List.
Findeter has an E&S management system (ESMS) and an E&S team responsible for the implementation of the E&S risk management procedures. Although Findeter lends through intermediary FIs, for facilities supported by development finance institutions such as MIGA, the E&S risk management of the underlying projects is handled by Findeter. The ESMS includes a detailed procedure for identifying, assessing, and managing E&S risks and impacts associated with final beneficiaries' activities. Key aspects of E&S risk management process include screening against Fidenter's Exclusion List (which is aligned with MIGA's Exclusion List); risk identification and categorization; assessment of compliance with applicable E&S laws and regulations and screening against the Performance Standards; and monitoring of E&S performance of projects. Where required, action plans are developed to address E&S gaps and E&S covenants are also included in agreements with final beneficiaries and the intermediary FIs. The E&S performance of projects is monitored periodically, with site visits conducted if required. Findeter also has a procedure for receiving and addressing E&S complaints and queries in line with PS1.
Findeter's emergency response procedures are in line with the requirements of PS1. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Findeter implemented physical-distancing and hygiene measures to minimize the risk of exposure for employees and clients.
Findeter's labor policies and procedures are compliant with the requirements of PS2. Amongst other aspects, Findeter has labor policies and procedures that address terms of employment, recruitment, renumeration, and benefits, grievance management, training, and occupational health and safety.
Findeter will be required to report periodically to MIGA on the implementation of the ESMS and application of the Performance Standards in relation to the climate finance portfolio supported by this project.
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT
The proceeds from the proposed MIGA-covered loan will be used by Findeter for on-lending to domestic commercial banks mainly directed towards multiple climate change infrastructure projects in support of Colombia's ambitious climate goals. The proposed Project also has the potential to demonstrate the financial viability of climate finance projects, encouraging the participation of domestic commercial banks in climate mitigation (and adaptation) projects. Furthermore, MIGA's credit enhancement coverage is expected to support the diversification of Findeter's funding sources and optimization of funding costs and tenors while contributing to the country's climate goals.
The proposed Project aligns with the WBG priorities in Colombia as detailed in the most recent Country Partnership Framework (CPF) FY2016-2021 which was updated through the Performance and Learning Review (PLR) from April 2019. The PLR envisage a deepening of WBG engagement in climate change, Maximizing Finance for Development, and gender. As such, climate change features in all three pillars of the WBG engagement strategy. Colombia has committed as part of its NDCs to a 51% GHG emission reduction by 2030 compared to business as usual and carbon neutrality by 2050. Meeting these commitments will require a rapid and far-reaching transitions, which the private sector will play a critical role.
The proposed Project is aligned with MIGA's FY21-23 Strategic Business Outlook under its strategic directions of responding to the COVID-19 crisis by supporting the economic recovery. The proposed Project is also contributing to MIGA's strategic priority of demonstrating leadership on global issues such as climate change.
[1]Amount of guarantee exceeds loan princpal to account for interest, MIGA premium and other costs
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
You can submit a request for information disclosure at: https://www.miga.org/contact/access_to_information
You can also request general information about MIGA and for information on guarantees by emailing: migainquiry@worldbank.org
ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF IFC/MIGA
The Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by an IFC or MIGA- financed project. If you submit a complaint to the CAO, they may assist you in resolving a dispute with the company and/or investigate to assess whether the IFC is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. If you want to submit a complaint electronically, you can email the CAO at CAO@worldbankgroup.org. You can learn more about the CAO and how to file a complaint at http://www.cao-ombudsman.org