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Association of Development Financing
Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) |
ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE
STANDARDS PROJECT
What is the EGS project?
The EGS is an 18-month, € 346,446-grant project that aims to support
ADFIAP’s “Greening of DFIs” Project through an EU-Asia Environmental
Governance Partnership that leads to the development and initial
application of Environmental Governance Standards (EGS) for member-DFIs.
The EGS will consist of the following:
a) For the internal application within DFIs, an Environmental
Performance Monitoring Program (EPM) that comprises of environmental
management policies, tools and instruments, which would enable them
to well manage their internal functions and operations;
b) As an external dimension, an Environmental Rating Standard for
Loan Appraisal and Project Finance (ERS) as a set of concrete
measures for integrating environmental issues in established risk
assessment procedures in lending to borrower-clients.
What are the objectives of the project?
-
To implement an institutional change
program in participating DFIs, as well as build their capacities
by installing and implementing the EGS in their institutions;
-
To implement the EGS in the
financial marketplace where participating DFIs and other
financial institutions operate;
-
To implement a communication plan to
share and advocate learnings gained from the proposed action;
-
To produce courseware learning
materials and handbooks, both in print and electronic versions,
reports and other relevant documentations.
Who will benefit from the project?
The main target group consists of ADFIAP’s 83 member-DFIs located in
37 countries spread across Asia and the Pacific region. Other
similar development-minded financial institutions within the
countries of these member-DFIs will also be invited to participate
in the training events under the project.
The project focuses on two sub-groupings:
-
Internally, the officers and staff
of ADFIAP member-DFIs, consisting mainly of the CEO, the CFO,
the designated environmental officers, heads of lending and
investment operations, bank loan appraisers/evaluators,
investment portfolio managers, the bank’s HRD and PR managers;
and
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Externally, the clients of the DFI,
consisting mainly of loan borrowers, investor-clients, and trade
and industry associations.
“Greenbanking” books published by the
project you can see
here
BDC
TO SERVE AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
As
approved by the Board and ratified by the General Assembly last May
in Colombo, Sri Lanka, ADFIAP's governance practice has been further
enhanced with the inclusion of Independent Directors in the Board.
Upon invitation of ADFIAP and the willingness of the Montreal-based
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to serve as one of three
Independent Directors in the Board, ADFIAP welcomes BDC’s
experience, expertise and contacts, specifically in the areas of
corporate governance, risk management and SMEs.
BDC
began as a Special Member of ADFIAP in 1986 and has been active in
the Association for the past years, in particular, contributing its
Executive Vice President, Ms. Edmee Metivier, as a speaker in ADFIAP
conferences.
BDC
will be represented in the ADFIAP Board by its President & CEO, Mr.
Jean-René Halde, who has more than 30 years of management experience
in the private sector. Since 1979, he has held CEO positions in
leading companies, including Métro-Richelieu Inc., Culinar Inc. and
Livingston Group Inc.
BDC
http://www.bdc.ca
is
a financial institution wholly owned by the government of Canada and
plays a leadership role in delivering financial, investment and
consulting services to Canadian small businesses, with a particular
focus on the technology and export sectors of the economy.
(More)
ADFIAP RESTRUCTURES MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
To
support one of the pillars of the 5-year ADFIAP Strategic Plan,
i.e., membership development, and upon the Board's recommendation
and the General Assembly's confirmation, during their separate
meetings in Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 8-10, 2006, the following
amendments to the existing provisions of Article 5 (on Membership)
of the ADFIAP Constitution have been ratified:
5.1
Membership shall be open to institutions engaged in the financing of
development in the industrial, service, or other productive sectors
of the economy.
5.2
The Association shall have the following types of membership:
(a)
Ordinary
(i)
Institutions in Asia and the Pacific engaged in the financing of
development as a significant activity.
(b)
Special
(i)
Regional or sub-regional institutions in Asia and the pacific;
(ii) International organizations with which the Association may
decide to establish and maintain a relationship under Article 4.
(iii) Other institutions within or outside the region may be granted
special membership with observer status by the ADFIAP Board of
Directors on a case-to-case basis. As such, entrance fees and annual
dues may be waived for a limited time.
(iv) Other institutions actively participating in the development of
Asia and the Pacific
(c)
Sponsor
(i)
Corporates and other commercial institutions or individuals that
support and endorse the purposes and programs of ADFIAP and are
willing to pay membership dues or contribution to Assist the
Association financially.
(c)
Associate
(i)
Institutions with provincial or state-wide operations on the
recommendation of a member-institution in that country.
(ii) Other financial institutions, including commercial banks with
units or departments that cater to development-oriented activities
such as but not limited to, small & medium enterprise banking,
environmental lending, trade finance, microfinance, housing finance,
etc.
(d)
Honorary
(i)
Individuals who have performed outstanding services in the field of
development banking, or who have been closely connected with the
profession of development banking, or have served ADFIAP for many
years, may be conferred with Honorary Membership by the General
Assembly.
(More)
MEMBERSHIP RISES 67 INSTITUTIONS
With the Board approval and the General Assembly's confirmation of
the membership applications of Bhutan National Bank Limited (BNBL),
SME Bank of Sri Lanka and Development Bank of American Samoa,
ADFIAP's total membership has increased to 67 members in 33
countries.
The
three new members were formally welcomed during the 29th ADFIAP
Annual Meetings on May 8-10, 2006 at the Grand Cinnamon Hotel in
Colombo, Sri Lanka.
BNBL is a financial institution engaged in all commercial banking
activities, such as accepting deposits, extending credit facilities
to its customers. It is licensed under the Financial Institutions
Act of Bhutan in 2002. It was converted from a unit trust company to
a commercial bank in 1997.
The
Bank aims to collaborate with the Association in the area of staff
and professional development. The key officers of the bank are Mr.
Kipcho Tshering, Managing Director and Mr. Tshewang Samdrup, General
Manager.
The
SME Bank of Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was established in
December 2004 and commenced its operations in July 2005 as a
state-owned development bank focused on supporting the small and
medium enterprise sector of Sri Lanka. It has been licensed as a
specialized bank authorized to do most banking activities including
equity investments, but not to operate demand deposits and checking
accounts.
The
Bank intends to cooperate with ADFIAP in human resource development,
information exchange on aspects of development finance, and in
facilitating networks with other institutions in Asia-Pacific on
enterprise development and support.
Mr.
Moksevi R. Prelis, Chairman and Mr. Uditha Palihakkara, Chief
Executive Officer, are the key senior persons at SME Bank.
The
Development Bank of American Samoa (DBAS) was established by the
American Samoa Government (ASG) through legislation in 1972 to:
"
Provide American Samoa with lending and investment facilities;
"
Assist in the promotion of private enterprises; and,
"
Meet the needs of developing the economy of American Samoa.
As
a development bank, DBAS intends to complement commercial banking
activity and acts as a "lender of last resort" in American Samoa.
The bank, however, operates strictly in accordance with sound
commercial banking practices in order to maintain continuity of
operations and financial strength. The bank also attaches due regard
to the general framework on the ASG's economic policies, plans and
priorities in implementing its financial (lending and non lending)
programs.
The
bank aims to collaborate with ADFIAP in the areas of staff and
professional development; information exchange on aspects of
development finance and industry benchmark.
The
bank CEO is Mr. Abe Utu Malae.
(More)
COLOMBO MEETINGS A SMASHING SUCCESS
Over 100 CEOs and top-level delegates from ADFIAP-member development
financing institutions as well as invited development organizations
worldwide were overwhelmed and awed by the degree of hospitality and
the quality of the events provided by the host-member, the DFCC Bank
for ADFIAP’s 29th edition of its Annual Meetings on May 8-10, 2006
in Colombo, Sri Lanka. “This year’s conference has brought the event
to a higher level…this may be difficult to surpass”, commented one
pleased delegate.
The
Meetings, which included the General Assembly Meeting, the
Conference Proper, the 63rd Board of Directors Meetings, the
Delegates meetings, the ADFIAP Awards presentation, and the ADFIAP
Expo, were all professionally-executed by the DFCC Bank’s organizing
group which gave their whole hearts and minds to the success of the
meetings.
The
main highlight of the event was the inauguration of the conference
by His Excellency Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, Prime Minister of Sri
Lanka, who stayed for a while to meet the delegates and had a group
photo with them. Other programs included the drafting of the Colombo
Consensus on Sustainability of DFIs, the ADFIAP Awards 2006, and the
CEO Award (please see separate stories).
Twelve (12) speakers from different institutions and countries
shared their views and insights on this year’s conference theme
“DFIs: Are they Sustainable?/Opportunities in Sustainable
Investments”. Presentation papers will be made available in the
Journal of Development Finance that will be published shortly. Other
information can be found at the conference website:
http://www.adfiap.org/conference
MEMBERS CRAFT "THE COLOMBO
CONSENSUS"
Led
by Chairman Amb. Jesus P. Tambunting, attending ADFIAP
member-institutions at the conclusion of the conference have
prepared and adopted the Colombo Consensus on Sustainability of DFIs
in realization of their role amidst the working environment they are
operating at present. The pronouncements also aim to guide member-DFIs
as they move forward into the future.
“THE COLOMBO CONSENSUS”
(Agreed and subscribed to by the Delegates to the 29th ADFIAP Annual
Meetings held on May 8 to 11, 2006 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in
Colombo, Sri Lanka)
Preamble:
WHEREAS the Association of Development Financing Institutions in
Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), the focal point of all development
banks and financial institutions engaged in the financing of
development in the region, recognizes that the Association and its
member-DFIs have to have a long-term view of the future and the
sustainability of their institutions as they face new challenges in
an ever-changing environment, do hereby consent to the following
declarations:
Consensus No. 1:
Role of DFIs in the Financial System.
RECOGNIZING that while each country’s financial system is unique and
appropriate to its own economic development, and that there is now
less clear distinction on the role and function between DFIs and
commercial banks, ADFIAP member-institutions agree that there is
‘room’ for both types of financial institutions to co-exist in the
‘market’ and that they should complement with each other in meeting
the sustainable development needs of the country.
Consensus No. 2:
DFIs and the Regulatory Environment.
CONSIDERING that DFIs in most countries have a specific mandate from
the State to play a prominent role in the economic development of
the nation, especially in providing funds for long-term projects and
strategic sectors where no commercial financial institution may
venture into, ADFIAP member-banks agree that there is need to
dialogue with regulatory agencies and to develop, in addition to
existing financial and prudential regulations applicable to general
banking activities, a definitive supervisory framework for DFIs.
Consensus No.3: DFIs
and Funding Sources.
REALIZING that there is a dearth in funding sources, particularly
long-term finance, for DFIs in many developing countries in view of
their governments’ ‘arms-length’ posture with them and own financial
difficulties, DFIs agree that they have to be resilient and adaptive
to this situation by convincing their governments to change their
charters, if applicable, for them to go into business areas where
they can have a competitive advantage based on their inherent
strengths. The DFIs also agree that they can survive without
concessionary finance if only States can provide them support
mechanisms and enabling policies to allow them to sustainably
operate in this kind of environment.
Consensus No. 4:
DFIs and Profitability.
EMPHASIZING the need for DFIs to be effective and sustainable
institutions, there is no doubt in the minds of DFI-members that
they have to be profitable and show financial strength and
stability. Profitability, however, in the context of DFIs means
balancing the attainment of their development mandate vis-à-vis
their financial performance. In essence, profit maximization may not
only be the overarching objective of the DFI.
Consensus No. 5:
DFIs and Sustainable Investments.
COMMITTING to its objective of being a mainstream institution in the
sustainable development arena, ADFIAP and its members will continue
to explore sustainable investments and other business opportunities
such as those dealing with the environment, small and medium
enterprises (SMEs), infrastructure, housing development, etc., as
well as to relate and partner with like-minded development
institutions around the world that will contribute to the attainment
of this goal.
(More)
MEMBERSHIP RISES
TO 66 INSTITUTIONS
With the Board approval and the General Assembly’s confirmation of
the membership applications of Bhutan National Bank Limited (BNBL)
and the SME Bank of Sri Lanka, ADFIAP's total membership has
increased to 66 members in 32 countries.
The
two new members were formally welcomed during the 29th ADFIAP Annual
Meetings on May 8-10, 2006 at the Grand Cinnamon Hotel in Colombo,
Sri Lanka.
BNBL is a financial institution engaged in all commercial banking
activities, such as accepting deposits, extending credit facilities
to its customers. It is licensed under the Financial Institutions
Act of Bhutan in 2002. It was converted from a unit trust company to
a commercial bank in 1997.
The
Bank aims to collaborate with the Association in the area of staff
and professional development. The key officers of the bank are Mr.
Kipcho Tshering, Managing Director and Mr. Tshewang Samdrup, General
Manager.
The
SME Bank of Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was established in
December 2004 and commenced its operations in July 2005 as a
state-owned development bank focused on supporting the small and
medium enterprise sector of Sri Lanka. It has been licensed as a
specialized bank authorized to do most banking activities including
equity investments, but not to operate demand deposits and checking
accounts.
The
Bank intends to cooperate with ADFIAP in human resource development,
information exchange on aspects of development finance, and in
facilitating networks with other institutions in Asia-Pacific on
enterprise development and support. http://www.adfiap.org/news.php#ADFIAP-CIPE-SCC-to-Hold
Mr.
Moksevi R. Prelis, Chairman and Mr. Uditha Palihakkara, Chief
Executive Officer, are the key senior persons at SME Bank.
(More)
ADFIM
TO HOST NOVEMBER BOARD MEETING
The
Association of Development Financing Institutions in Malaysia (ADFIM),
presently chaired by Dato’ Abdul Rahim Mohd. Zin, will be hosting
ADFIAP's 64th Board Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on November 29-30, 2006.
The meeting dates will also afford the members of the Board to
attend the 3rd CEO Forum on SMEs slated in the same Asian city on
November 27-28.
The
ADFIAP Board meets twice a year, with its first during the ADFIAP
Annual Meetings usually in the month of May to review the past
year's operation and the second in the month of November to approve
next year's business plans and budget. The Board Meetings are being
held in different cities in the Asia-Pacific region to enhance
networking among members as well as to know more of the countries
visited.
(More)
BOARD CONSTITUTES 3 PERMANENT
COMMITTEES
The
ADFIAP Board, in its 63rd Meeting in Colombo, has constituted 3
permanent working committees to enhance governance and allow for
active participation of its members. The three committees will each
be headed by the three present Vice Chairmen.
The
permanent working committees and their terms of reference are as
follows:
I.
Training Committee.
The objective of the committee is to guide the ADFIAP Secretariat in
formulating training programs for the Association and defining the
qualification standards for professional accreditation of
development bankers under the Institute of Development Finance's (IDF)
credentialing program.
The
duties and responsibilities of the Committee are to:
Approve training and professional development program and strategies
of the Association and guide the operations of the IDF;
Guide the Secretariat in defining the qualifications and standards
for professional accreditation for the conferment of the IDF
credentials;
Guide the Secretariat in formulating the course content of modules
of the training programs to be conducted;
Approve the conferment of professional credentials for Levels
1(Associate in Development Banking) & 2 (Affiliate in Development
Bank Management) and recommend the conferment of the credential for
level 3 (Fellow in Development Banking) to the BOD for approval;
Approve the applications for franchise of the credentialing program
by member-banks, other financial institutions, learning institutes,
and other training service providers;
Coordinate the training programs between ADFIAP with multilateral
financial institutions, international partners and other
organizations; and
Guide the Secretariat in raising revenue to support activities of
the Association, and review and recommend the budget of the IDF for
BOD approval.
II.
Finance Committee.
The
objective of the committee is to raise funds for the Association and
help improve its financial condition.
The
duties and responsibilities of the Committee are to:
Assist the Secretariat in expanding the Association's sources of
funds;
Find ways and means to enhance the budgeting and financial policies
of the Association;
Improve the financial standing of the Association; and
Review the Association's budget for the year.
III. Business Cooperation Committee.
The
main objective of the committee is to explore and create business
opportunities and ventures among member-banks.
The
duties and responsibilities of the committee are to:
Generate ideas for business cooperation among members;
Organize, through the Secretariat, business networking events;
Propose business ventures and seek partners and investors, including
non-members; and
Help manage the business ventures that will be consummated
(More)
ADFIAP & UK’s CDFA
TO COOPERATE
ADFIAP and the London-based Community Development Finance
Association (CDFA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on
February 17, 2006 in Dusseldorf, Germany to share their common
vision of building an international partnership and to make a
significant contribution in alleviating poverty along the intentions
of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Both associations desire to exchange best practices and develop the
capacity of organizations in both their memberships to deliver
finance and technical assistance to those most in need, thereby
pursuing a common sustainable development agenda.
ADFIAP and CDFA agree to jointly cooperate in the following programs
and activities:
Organize conferences and symposia on sustainable development and
poverty reduction issues such as, but not limited to, the
environment, micro, small and medium enterprise,
socially-responsible investment, and community economic development.
Jointly develop and promote training and capacity-building programs,
including production of resource materials to enhance the
professional and institutional capability of its members and other
financial institutions that share the same development objectives.
Organize exchange visits for their members, trainers, speakers and
staff to encourage strategic partnerships and business networking
among themselves and the constituencies they serve.
Explore other areas of cooperation such as information exchange,
publications, research and studies and website development.
The
CDFA is the trade association for community development finance
institutions (CDFIs) in the United Kingdom. CDFIs are sustainable,
independent financial institutions that provide capital and support
to enable individuals or organizations to develop and create wealth
in disadvantaged communities or under-served markets.
Ms.
Bernie Morgan, CDFA’s Chief Executive and Mr. Octavio B. Peralta,
ADFIAP Secretary General signed the cooperation agreement.
(More)
Octavio Peralta y Rommel Acevedo,
Secretary Generals of ADFIAD and ALIDE
ALIDE y ADFIAP firman Memorandum
of Cooperation
(City of Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, this 12th day of April,
2005)
WHEREAS, the Latin American Association of Development Financing
Institutions (ALIDE), and the Association of Development Financing
Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), share a common vision
that development financing is key to sustainable development.
WHEREAS, both regional Associations desire to help their members
achieve their business and development objectives.
In pursuance of the obovementioned premises, both Associations
hereby agree to jointly cooperate in the following programs and
activities.
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ALIDE and ADFIAP will co-organize
conferences and symposia on sustainable development issues such as,
but not limited to, the environment, small and medium enterprise
(SME), socially-responsible investment (SRI), and local economic
development (LED).
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ALIDE and ADFIAP will jointly
develop and promote training and capacity-building programs to
enhance the professional and institutional capability of its member-banks
and other financial institutions that share the same development
objectives.
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ALIDE and ADFIAP will organize
exchange missions for their members to encourage strategic alliances
and business networking among themselves and their clients.
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ALIDE and ADFIAP will explore
other areas of cooperation such as information exchange,
publications, research and studies.
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