ImpactAlpha, January 27 – Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) launched its Women’s Livelihood Bond series in 2017 to help low-income women in Southeast Asia transition to sustainable livelihoods. Proceeds raised through the bond offering are invested in financial institutions and social enterprises supporting women.
IIX raised $8 million for its first bond, and now $12 million for its second bond. The second bond was backed by Nuveen, Blue Orchard, and investors from Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
IIX has floated both bonds on the Singapore Stock Exchange support liquidity for investors and provide “additional comfort to investors due to the added reporting requirements of a public exchange,” an IIX spokeswoman told ImpactAlpha.
Rockefeller Foundation and USAID provided first-loss capital and loan guarantees to investors for both Women’s Livelihood Bond issuances.
IIX intends to launch its third this year. IIX hopes to eventually raise up to $150 million through the series.
