LB Finance secures USD 45 Mn in strategic foreign funding
LB Finance PLC has secured USD 45 million in strategic funding from two leading Switzerland-based impact investors, responsAbility Investments AG and BlueOrchard Finance Ltd. This landmark transaction represents a significant milestone in LB Financeโs growth trajectory and reinforces international confidence in the Companyโs long-term vision and resilience.
The long-term senior debt facilities comprise a USD 20 million facility from responsAbility Investments AG and a USD 25 million facility from BlueOrchard managed funds. The funding reflects strong alignment between LB Financeโs strategic priorities and the investorsโ shared commitment to advancing inclusive financial access in emerging markets.
Commenting on the development, Niroshan Udage, Managing Director of LB Finance, stated,โThis partnership marks an important step forward in LB Financeโs journey. With the support of responsAbility and BlueOrchard, we are strengthening our capacity to channel much-needed growth capital to Sri Lankaโs MSME sector, which plays a vital role in driving employment and economic progress. The confidence placed in us by globally recognized impact investors reaffirms the strength of our strategy and our commitment to responsible, inclusive lending.โ
Access to stable and affordable foreign currency funding remains essential for expanding credit to under-served segments of the economy. This partnership enhances LB Financeโs funding base and liquidity position, enabling the Company to accelerate the expansion of its lending portfolio, with a strong focus on the MSME sector โ a key engine of Sri Lankaโs economic development.
The USD 45 million facility strengthens LB Financeโs balance sheet and positions the Company to scale its MSME financing operations more effectively. By increasing access to affordable credit for local enterprises, the Company aims to empower entrepreneurs, stimulate job creation, and contribute to broad-based economic recovery.
Ravi Yatawara, Executive Director of LB Finance, added,โSecuring this level of foreign currency funding in the current global environment underscores the strength of LB Financeโs fundamentals and our track record of prudent financial stewardship. These resources will allow us to deepen our reach among underserved businesses, particularly in sectors that support employment generation and export growth. We are grateful for the trust placed in LB Finance by responsAbility and BlueOrchard.โ
The partnership was formalized at AFIFORUM 2026 in Bangkok, where LB Finance leadership presented tokens of appreciation to representatives of both institutions.
BlueOrchard Finance Ltd, a member of the Schroders Group and the worldโs first commercial manager of microfinance debt investments, has deployed over USD 10 billion across 100 emerging markets since its establishment in 2001. responsAbility Investments AG is a Swiss impact asset manager specializing in private market investments in Financial Inclusion, Climate Finance, and Sustainable Food, aligned with the UN SDGs.
Source : Daily News