IFC Partners With Bank Pekao To Launch $250M Green And Blue Finance Bond Program Supporting Poland’s Sustainability Goals

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has partnered with Bank Pekao S.A., Poland’s second-largest bank, to launch the first stage of a long-term collaboration. Under this partnership, IFC is considering investing up to $250 million in a series of bonds to be issued by Bank Pekao. These potential investments, which are subject to commercial terms, corporate approvals, and market conditions, aim to strengthen the bank’s financing capacity, enhance the resilience of Poland’s banking sector, and support sustainability objectives.

The proceeds from the bonds will be fully dedicated to green projects, with a portion earmarked for blue finance initiatives, such as improving water efficiency. IFC’s involvement is expected to help Bank Pekao expand its climate-focused portfolio and increase access to financing for Polish companies, supporting projects in energy-efficient transport and buildings, sustainable water use, and wastewater management.

Dagmara Wojnar, Vice President of Bank Pekao’s Management Board, stated, “At Bank Pekao, we are proud to support Polish companies in their green transition. This partnership with IFC allows us to channel significant resources into projects that reduce climate impact, improve water management efficiency, and accelerate Poland’s journey toward a sustainable future.” Robert Sochacki, Vice President of the Management Board, added, “Investing in blue and green finance strengthens the competitiveness of our clients. By financing innovative projects in clean energy and water efficiency, we help businesses grow in a way that benefits the entire economy.”

Poland has set ambitious goals to transform its energy mix, aiming to significantly reduce its reliance on coal, which currently provides about 60 percent of the country’s electricity. Achieving this transition is estimated to require $449 billion in investment by 2050, more than half of Poland’s 2023 GDP, with a substantial portion expected from the private sector. Currently, green finance represents around 8 percent of Bank Pekao’s lending, highlighting significant growth opportunities. IFC is working with Poland’s private sector to help mobilize the investments needed to achieve the country’s energy transition objectives.

Ines Rocha, IFC Division Director for Europe, commented, “This landmark cooperation supports one of Poland’s key priorities: strengthening the resilience of its banking sector. By partnering with a systemically important bank like Pekao, we can unlock capital that reinforces financial stability while generating positive environmental impact.” IFC has been supporting private sector development in Poland for over 30 years. In fiscal years 2024 and 2025, IFC invested and mobilized $1.8 billion in the country, fostering innovation, accelerating the sustainable transition, and expanding access to capital for Polish firms.