Montreal (Quebec), 3 June 2026 – Canada’s bilateral development finance institution, FinDev Canada, announces the signing of a USD 50 million loan to Banco ABC Brasil S.A. (“Banco ABC Brasil”), a leading bank providing financial products and services to middle, corporate, and institutional banking clients. The commitment will support inclusive economic growth in Brazil.
The loan, which is part of a USD 125 million syndicated facility led by IDB Invest will enable Banco ABC Brasil to provide essential financial services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including women-owned or led SMEs (WSMEs) in the Northeast and Amazonia regions.
SMEs play a critical role in supporting Brazil’s economic growth, contributing approximately 62% to the country’s total employment. However, they face significant barriers due to high interest rates and limited access to financial services. To help strengthen financial inclusion, FinDev Canada will direct 70% of the loan proceeds towards Banco ABC Brasil’s lending activities targeting SMEs.
Women account for 31% of the entrepreneurial landscape, yet they face disproportionate barriers in accessing financial products and services. To support Brazil’s commitment to advancing women’s economic participation, FinDev Canada will direct 30% of the loan proceeds for women owned SMEs.
In addition to a dedicated lending program for WSMEs, Banco ABC Brasil is committed to supporting gender equality within its operations through various efforts, including gender pay gap reporting and women’s professional development opportunities.
FinDev Canada’s investment strengthens Canada’s strategic positioning with Brazil, the third largest economy in the Americas and Canada's most important trading partner in South America measured by bilateral merchandise trade. This reflects a strong and growing economic relationship between both countries, and advances Canada’s development priorities.
“This partnership reinforces FinDev Canada’s presence in Brazil and supports a leading financial institution in providing financing for sustainable development, in line with its Sustainable Finance Framework. Through this commitment, we are enabling private sector development, promoting gender equality, and strengthening long-term economic partnerships,” said Paulo Martelli, VP and Chief Investment Officer, FinDev Canada.
"We are very pleased to begin our relationship with FinDev Canada, a reference development finance institution in sustainable development. This operation is an important milestone for Banco ABC Brasil and reinforces our commitment to expanding support for the small and medium-sized enterprise segment. By aligning our business objectives with sustainability criteria, we are not only strengthening our capacity to offer credit, but also actively contributing to productive inclusion in Brazil,” Eduardo Pinus, MD CIB & FIG, Banco ABC Brasil.
About FinDev Canada
FinDev Canada is a development finance institution that invests in emerging markets to deliver development impact, financial returns, and shared economic prosperity. We provide debt, equity, blended finance, technical assistance, and advisory across infrastructure, agribusiness, and the financial industry in developing economies—to support development through the private sector.
About Banco ABC Brasil
Banco ABC Brasil is a multi-service bank specialized in offering a diversified range of financial solutions for companies. Listed on Level 2 of Corporate Governance of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3), it is one of the few banks in the country supported by an international controlling shareholder while maintaining local autonomy. In 2024, the year it celebrates its 35th anniversary, the bank introduced its new market positioning, based on the attributes of solidity and client relationships. Guided by the belief that human relationships create value, it inspired the concept of ROR (Return on Relationship), a way to enhance business and brand success by addressing clients’ needs and fostering long-term bonds of loyalty and trust. In addition, its client-focused approach has led ABC Brasil to expand its portfolio, which now includes insurance brokerage, energy trading, credit recovery, and investment banking.
Media Contact
FinDev Canada: Media@findevcanada.ca