London, 27 February 2026. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has been recognized as the Best Issuer for ESG-Linked Medium Term Notes (MTNs) at the Global Capital MTN Awards ceremony in London yesterday. The recognition underscores IFAD’s success in positioning itself as a new ESG issuer mobilizing private capital at scale to advance sustainable development outcomes for rural populations.

 

The Global Capital MTN Awards are the only comprehensive awards dedicated to the MTN market, with winners voted by market participants. This year’s award reflects the industry’s recognition of IFAD’s commitment to impact and transparency in issuing ESG?linked MTNs that channel private capital from impact investors into measurable development results.

 

“Being recognized as the Best Issuer for ESG?linked MTNs in 2025 is an extraordinary honour for IFAD which entered capital markets only recently. The recognition is even more meaningful by being included alongside seasoned institutions such as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration,” said Diane Menville, Associate Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer at IFAD. "Receiving the award under the ESG-linked MTN's category highlights the strong positioning and important mandate of IFAD. Ultimately, it reflects the fundamental purpose of entering financial markets: mobilize investments to transform rural economies and build food security and stability.”

 

Since it entered capital markets in 2022, IFAD has progressively engaged with a broader investor base and partnered with renown impact investors around the world. IFAD has been successful in engaging with private asset managers as well as public investors such as central banks, mutual insurance companies and publicly supported pension funds which all have strong ESG profiles, aligning their financial requirements with their focus on sustainable goals, including the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

 

The strength of IFAD’s credit rating - AA+ credit from Fitch and AA+ with positive outlook from S&P - has been a key factor in ensuring highest quality issuance.

 

IFAD issues only “use of proceed” bonds, as all the funds raised from capital markets are directed towards high-impact investments in smallholder farmers, rural communities, and local agribusinesses across developing countries.

 

Since its inaugural issuance, IFAD issued thirteen bonds for a total of US$1.1 billion. Bonds are issued under IFAD's Sustainable Development Finance Framework, launched in 2021 and aligned with the Sustainability Bonds Guidelines published by the International Capital Market Association.

 

IFAD is currently implementing more than 190 ongoing programmes in over 90 countries, with US$22.8 billion in investments reaching over 200 million rural people.  - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/27 February 2026 - - -