Bladex and Finanzauto Close ESG Syndicated Loan to Promote SME Development in Colombia

Syndicated Loan Details - Bladex successfully closed a syndicated loan of USD 53 million and COP 60,000 million for Finanzauto S A BIC, a leading Colombian automotive finance company [1] - The loan was structured and led by Bladex, with participation from eight prestigious regional financial institutions [2] Finanzauto's Strategic Focus - The loan proceeds will enable Finanzauto to deepen its strategy of granting loans for MSME development, with a strong focus on ESG standards [3] - Finanzauto aims to strengthen the logistics and operations of MSMEs, which are considered the economic engine of Colombia [3] Finanzauto's Market Position - Finanzauto has over 50 years of experience and is a benchmark in Colombia's non-bank financial market [4] - The company is the first non-bank financing company in Colombia to obtain B certification and holds a local rating of AA- by BCR Ratings [4] - Finanzauto is the main financier in Colombia for productive public service, cargo, passenger vehicles, and vans [4] Bladex's Role and Commitment - Bladex's participation in the loan underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth in Latin America [5] - The operation brought together eight new counterparties, diversifying Finanzauto's funding sources [5] - Bladex continues to support companies like Finanzauto that integrate sustainability standards into their business models [5] Finanzauto's Sustainability Initiatives - Finanzauto is implementing a triple-impact value model: economic, social, and environmental [6] - The company is consolidating its sustainable financing portfolio, focusing on key areas such as access to cleaner vehicles, working capital, health, and education for small carriers and MSMEs [6] Leadership Perspectives - Santiago Cleves Bayón, General Manager of Finanzauto, highlighted the loan as a milestone in the company's history, aligning with shared values of sustainability, governance, and social responsibility with Bladex [7] - Bladex reinforces its role as a facilitator of growth and development in Latin America, promoting projects that contribute to the region's economic well-being [7] Bladex's Background - Founded in 1979, Bladex's mission is to promote foreign trade and regional integration [8] - The bank has offices in Panama, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, and a representative license in Peru [8] - Bladex is listed on the NYSE (BLX) and has a shareholder base including central banks, state banks, and representative bodies from 23 Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as institutional and private investors [8]