The United States Agency for International Development is set to allocate $8-million Livelihood Bond for estimated 385,000 women in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam.
In a statement on Thursday, the US Embassy in Manila said that the bond, which was structured by the Singapore-based Impact Investment Exchange is expected to be listed on the Singaporean Exchange this month and will be the first social sustainability bond with a dual focus on social and financial returns, to be listed on a major stock exchange. “USAID is pleased to support the Women’s Livelihood Bond with this loan guarantee,” USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia in Bangkok deputy mission director Todd Sorenson said. “The bond will benefit women living in Association of Southeast Asian Nations states, particularly Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.” Read More.