IMPACT Awards judges chose impact asset manager Finance in Motion as this year's winner of the 'Impact initiative' category for Europe, for the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE).
Advised by Finance in Motion, EFSE aims to foster economic development and prosperity in south-east Europe and the Caucasus by extending financing to banks for loans to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Since being launched in 2005 by German development bank KfW, the fund has established credit lines with more than 80 banks and financial institutions in eastern and south-eastern Europe and accruing €1 billion (just over $1 billion) in assets under management.
During 2024, the fund has achieved a number of milestones, including a €100 million investment from UK-based asset manager M&G, the launch of a dedicated blended finance vehicle to invest in the reconstruction of Ukraine, and ongoing financing of more than 80 banks and financial institutions throughout the region.
"As a pioneer of blended impact finance, we are proud of this award," said Jasminka Begert, EFSE fund director at Finance in Motion. "Innovative blended finance models are an essential key to channeling capital to where it is most urgently needed through the cooperation of public and institutional investors."
"EFSE is a prime example of our mission: to promote growth and financial inclusion, especially in emerging markets, through the interaction of public and institutional investors – and to do so with the highest standards in impact management," said Sylvia Wisniwski, managing director at Finance in Motion.
Jessica Eistrand, client relationship manager at Lapposand, which nominated Finance in Motion, added: "Since 2009, Finance in Motion has stood out as a pioneer and leader in impact investing. As a dedicated impact fund manager, they expertly manage funds that tackle key challenges within specific sectors across emerging markets.
"Through their platform of blended finance vehicles, Finance in Motion creates investment opportunities in which both public and private investors can come together, ensuring safe and meaningful investments for all, while efficiently channelling capital to where it's most needed. For financial investors, being offered a safe gateway and diversified access to assets and markets otherwise unreachable by capital markets - is a key advantage."
