U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America’s development bank. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. They invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology projects. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights. DFC makes America a stronger and more competitive leader on the global development stage, with greater ability to partner with allies on transformative projects and provide financially-sound alternatives to state-directed initiatives that can leave developing countries worse off.   Overview The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is a modern, consolidated agency that brings together the capabilities of OPIC and USAID’s Development Credit Authority, while introducing new and innovative financial products to better bring private capital to the developing world. The U.S. will have more flexibility to support investments in developing countries to drive economic growth, create stability, and improve livelihoods. DFC's work takes a Triple Aim approach as investments focus on impactful global development, advancing U.S. foreign policy, and generating returns for American taxpayers. What is the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation? The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), launched with bipartisan support in 2019, mobilizes private investment to projects in emerging markets that support development, advance American foreign policy, and improve lives. DFC provides tools like financing, political risk insurance, and support for emerging market private equity funds when sufficient commercial financing cannot be obtained. Projects supported by DFC build critical infrastructure and expand access to key services such as healthcare, technology, and small business financing. All DFC projects adhere to high standards on the environment, human rights, and worker rights. Is DFC part of the U.S. Government? Yes. DFC was established in 2019 through the passage of the BUILD, or Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development, Act which strengthened and modernized American development finance. The BUILD Act combined the capabilities of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the Development Credit Authority which had previously been housed in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Why is DFC important to the United States? DFC advances American foreign policy and American commercial competitiveness. The investments DFC mobilizes serve as stabilizing forces in developing countries around the world, including some of the world’s poorest countries and regions affected by conflict. Investment in these markets also helps American businesses gain footholds in many of the world’s fastest-growing markets.