Georg Inderst

Institutional Investment in Infrastructure in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies

This study discusses the role of institutional investors in financing infrastructure in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). It analyzes the present level of involvement as well as the future investment potential of new financing sources such as public and private pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign wealth funds. Current investment volumes are still low, but interesting, practical examples can be found in a range of countries and projects. International and domestic investors apply a variety of investment approaches in developing countries, using different equity, debt and fund instruments. This overview can yield some lessons for policy makers and investors. There are (more or less) favorable pre-conditions for successful private-investor involvement, and different models work in different situations, depending on the development stage and the institutional environment. Four types of “leadership models” are therefore described for international and/or domestic investors seeking to spearhead infrastructure investment in EMDEs.

Institutional Investment in Infrastructure in Developing Countries: Introduction to Potential Models

The link between infrastructure and economic growth is widely acknowledged -- as is the infrastructure gap, which can act as a break on growth in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). Since the global economic and financial crisis, the challenges of raising financing for infrastructure projects in EMDEs are also well known. The challenges come from stretched government finances and restrictions on global bank lending. Hence much attention has been focused on the potential for institutional investors as a growing potential source of financing. This paper argues that infrastructure projects can potentially deliver long-term returns, but investments, particularly in EMDEs need to be carefully structured to meet the needs of both sides. The paper first considers the existing types of institutional investors and their potential for filling the infrastructure financing gap. The challenges of adjusting asset allocations, particularly toward EMDE infrastructure, are discussed and examples of projects where institutional investors have been involved are given. Finally, the paper considers a range of models for the involvement of institutional investors in EMDEs and makes initial proposals for how to determine which model fits best in a particular country context.

Incorporating environmental, social and governance factors into fixed income investment

This research report is the result of a partnership between the World Bank Group (WBG) and Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) of Japan, initiated by the World Bank Groups President, Jim Yong Kim, and GPIFs Chief Investment Officer, Hiro Mizuno. The aim is for the World Bank and IFC – member of the World Bank Group focused on the private sector – and GPIF to collaborate on initiatives that promote strategies for including environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions across asset classes. Ultimately, the goal is to direct more capital towards sustainable investments and leverage the private sector to achieve the scale of investment needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.