Netherlands-based insurance group Achmea’s investment unit, Achmea Investment Management, and asset manager ILX Management announced a partnership aimed at providing an emerging markets debt impact vehicle for Dutch pension funds.
According to the companies, the new platform is being proposed to meet the growing ambition of institutional investors to generate both financial returns and positive societal impact through their investments.
Manfred Schepers, CEO of ILX, said:
“By connecting public and private capital more effectively, we contribute to sustainable development in emerging markets while creating attractive investment opportunities for long-term investors.”
The new proposed platform will provide institutional investors with access to private credit and loans originated by multilateral development banks (MDBs) and development finance institutions (DFIs), supporting the financing of companies and projects aimed at advancing sustainable economic development in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).
The majority of the portfolio will consist of loans with an explicit impact objective and a measurable contribution to social development, the companies said.
Under the agreement, Achmea will contribute its experience in supporting clients address issues including climate change, biodiversity restoration, health, and equal opportunities, while ILX will provide its expertise in private debt investments in EMDEs and its relationships with development finance institutions.
Maureen Schlejen, Chair of the Executive Board of Achmea IM, said:
“With ILX, we have found a partner with unique expertise, experience, networks, and access to investment opportunities in emerging markets. Together, we are developing a solution that helps pension funds and other institutional investors achieve both their financial and societal objectives.”
