The loan, coursed through Australian Development Investments (ADI), will go to ARQ SME Finance, a female-led firm that serves the country’s “missing middle”—small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) too large for microfinance but too small for traditional bank credit.
ADI’s first PH investment
Announced at the 2X Global Summit in Manila, the deal marks ADI’s first impact investment in the Philippines. The summit brought together over 100 leaders from government, finance, and philanthropy to advance gender equality in business and investment.
“Australia is proud to partner with ARQ to help create more business opportunities for women and build economic growth that benefits women and men alike,” said Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown PSM.
Boosting equality
ADI is Australia’s flagship impact investment fund, designed to leverage public and private capital to tackle poverty and inequality. The loan also supports Australia’s broader “Investing in Women” program, which helps expand economic opportunities for women in the Philippines and across the region.
ARQ’s role
Founded by Filipina entrepreneur Abigail Tan, ARQ will use the loan to expand financing for businesses that embed gender equality in leadership, supply chains, workforce, and human resources practices.
“This investment is a catalyst for resilient, inclusive SME growth,” Tan said. “It enables ARQ to scale support for Philippine enterprises that embed gender equality, financial governance, and sound business practices.”
Australia’s move highlights the growing role of impact investment in addressing financing gaps and fostering inclusive growth in the Philippines. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
