Briefing, 2026
Published by: Urgewald e.V.
IFC Trade Finance: Why an Independent Evaluation Is Overdue
The International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) trade finance portfolio has at least tripled since 2016, yet its development and climate impacts remain largely unexamined. The World Bank Group’s Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) has not evaluated IFC’s flagship Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) since 2013, while other trade finance programs have never undergone an independent evaluation.
A new urgewald briefing highlights critical gaps in transparency, accountability and evidence of development impact, alongside concerns about continued fossil fuel financing. It calls for a comprehensive independent evaluation of IFC’s entire trade finance portfolio to assess its contribution to sustainable development, its alignment with the Paris Agreement and its environmental and social performance.