Achmea IM and ILX join forces for impact investing in emerging markets

Achmea Investment Management ("Achmea IM") and ILX Management ("ILX") are partnering on a new investment vehicle for Dutch pension funds. The proposed strategy will provide access to loans originated by multilateral development banks (MDBs) and development finance institutions (DFIs), supporting the financing of companies and projects that promote sustainable economic development in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). The majority of the portfolio will be composed of loans with an explicit impact objective and a measurable contribution to societal development.

Through this new investment partnership, Achmea IM and ILX aim to meet the growing ambition of institutional investors to generate both financial returns and positive societal impact through their investments.

Achmea IM is a leading Dutch impact investor with approximately € 16 billion in impact investments. A dedicated team of ten professionals supports institutional investors in the development, management, and monitoring of impact portfolios. Through its proprietary impact framework, rigorous due diligence, transparent reporting, and extensive fiduciary management experience, Achmea IM helps clients address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity restoration, healthcare, and equal opportunity.

ILX specialises in private debt investments in EMDEs and currently manages a portfolio of more than € 1.5 billion on behalf of leading Dutch and Danish pension funds. Through its strong relationships with international multilateral development banks (MDBs) and local development finance institutions (DFIs), ILX gains access to high-quality investment opportunities that support private sector development, sustainable economic growth, and positive social impact. This enables ILX to invest in the real economy of these markets.

Combining financial returns and societal impact
According to Maureen Schlejen, Chair of the Executive Board of Achmea IM, demand for investments that combine financial performance with societal impact continues to grow: “With ILX, we have found a partner with unique expertise, experience, networks, and access to investment opportunities in emerging markets. Together, we are developing a solution that helps pension funds and other institutional investors achieve both their financial and societal objectives.”

ILX also sees significant opportunities in the partnership. Manfred Schepers, CEO of ILX, commented: "Together with Achmea IM, we can make our investment strategy available to a broader group of institutional investors. By connecting public and private capital more effectively, we contribute to sustainable development in emerging markets while creating attractive investment opportunities for long-term investors."