Japan’s SBI Holdings, Inc. (hereinafter “SBIH”) and the Netherlands Development Finance Company (hereinafter “FMO”) have reached agreement to form a fund, which will be managed by SBI Ven Capital (Singapore), to invest in promising financial sector opportunities in emerging Asia. The fund will have a size of up to USD 80 million, with a first close target of USD 60 million (of which close to 85% has already been committed).
Bolstered by an increase in domestic consumption as well as an increase in intra Asian trade, emerging Asia is expected to continue growing at a healthy pace. High expected economic growth, ongoing structural reforms which may result in consolidation opportunities, socio-political intent to spur financial inclusion, as well as technological advances, all augur well for financial sector investments in emerging Asia.
So far, the SBI Group has made numerous financial sector investments in emerging Asia with high potential while, FMO provides debt and equity to more than 180 financial institutions in emerging markets (including to a number of financial institutions in emerging Asia). This fund will leverage both of SBIH’s and FMO’s extensive financial services platforms that include investment expertise in identifying and managing promising investment opportunities to capture high growth opportunities in this rapidly evolving sector, while adhering to client protection principles and to FMO’s exclusion list policies.
In addition to being one of the largest Japanese PE firms (with AUM in excess of USD 3 billion), the SBI Group is a leading global internet-based financial conglomerate. The SBI Group’s core businesses include Asset Management, Brokerage and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking and Insurance. As of March 31, 2012, the SBI Group consists of 140 companies (including consolidated partnerships, equity method affiliates and 6 publicly listed companies). SBI currently has investments in more than 13 countries across Asia.
About FMO
FMO is the bilateral private sector development bank of the Netherlands. It invests in the private sector, which can serve as an engine of sustainable growth in developing markets. To this end, it provides capital, knowledge and partnerships to ambitious entrepreneurs. With an investment portfolio of € 5.9 billion, FMO is one of the largest bilateral private sector development banks worldwide. Its focus is on three sectors which create a high development impact: financial institutions, energy and agribusiness, food & water. This focus enables FMO to offer tailor-made finance solutions, based on real expertise. In other sectors, it teams up with renowned partners to combine local networks, knowledge and experience. FMO believes that its approach will lead to lasting economic and social development, which will empower people to employ their skills and improve their quality of life.
For further information, please contact:
SBI Holdings, Inc,: Corporate Communications Dept., Tel: +81 3 6229 0126
FMO, : Corporate Communications Dept., Tel: +31 70 314 9924
