The International Finance Corporation ( IFC ) announced a US$100 million investment in a green bond issued by Thailand’s Kasikornbank ( KBank ), the transaction is the IFC’s first direct investment in KBank and forms part of its strategy to accelerate sustainable finance in emerging markets.

The proceeds from the bond will be allocated to KBank’s growing portfolio of sustainable assets, including green buildings, electric vehicles and other low-carbon sectors. The instrument is also expected to contribute to job creation and technological innovation aligned with Thailand’s national climate objectives.

The IFC’s involvement will also extend beyond the capital investment. It includes technical cooperation with KBank on environmental and social safeguards, sustainability reporting and pipeline development for green and transition assets. The partnership aims to shift capital allocation across sectors linked to housing, mobility and infrastructure, areas critical to Thailand’s development.

In December 2025, KBank joined the Thai Sustainable Finance Taskforce and began piloting transition finance solutions targeting SMEs in hard-to-abate sectors, pointing to an expanding role for KBank in Thailand’s sustainable finance ecosystem.

The transaction also aligns with the World Bank Group’s strategic engagement with Thailand in the lead-up to the IMF–World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok scheduled for this October.

“This partnership will enhance our clients’ business capabilities in adopting low-carbon technologies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen global competitiveness and offer Thais greater access to green lifestyles, ultimately driving Thailand towards its net-zero target,” says Karin Boonlertvanich, KBank’s executive vice-president.

Allen Forlemu, the IFC’s regional industry director, adds: “By mobilizing capital towards sustainable assets, Thailand can mitigate risks and unlock new pathways for innovation, job creation and competitiveness.”