Landmark partnership to boost trade and investment in Southeast Asia

IFM Investors and the Australian Government have agreed to a landmark partnership that will support investment, economic growth and development across Southeast Asia.

The agreement, announced today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum in Kuala Lumpur, will see Export Finance Australia (EFA) provide $175 million for IFM Investors’ Private Credit capabilities to partner with Asian businesses that we believe have strong growth potential.

The partnership aims to unlock greater Australian capital flows into Asia, a region that represents a significant share of global output, is home to major trade partners, and continues to demonstrate sustainable growth supported by a rising middle-class demographic.  

The initiative aligns with the Australian Government’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, and will leverage Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility funding to enhance investment across the region.  

Through this strategy, IFM Investors will target lending across a broad range of sectors reflecting regional economic activity, including industrials, manufacturing, services, energy and real assets. The approach is designed to support the aspirations of Asian businesses that we believe have strong growth potential and contribute to the region’s future growth.  

Separately, IFM has also announced its intention to open a Singapore Office, reinforcing the commitment to the region.

Australia’s superannuation system is one of the fastest-growing and reliable pools of long-term capital globally, creating new opportunities for investments that help drive strong long-term net returns and economic growth.

Quotes attributable to IFM Co-Head APAC Diversified Credit Hiran Wanigasekera 

“This partnership reflects IFM Investors’ confidence in Asia’s long-term growth story and our commitment to supporting the region’s economic growth.”  

“By working closely with the Australian Government, we aim to help deliver significant benefits to Southeast Asian economies while creating attractive opportunities for Australian institutional and superannuation capital that grows the retirement savings of Australian workers.”  

For media queries, please contact: 

Patrick Lane – 0437 884 010 | [email protected] 

About IFM Investors 

IFM Investors is a global asset manager, founded and owned by pension funds, with capabilities in infrastructure equity and debt, private equity, private credit, real estate and listed equities. Our purpose is to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people.

With assets under management of approximately $264.3 AUD billion (as at 30 June 2025), we serve over 750 institutional investors worldwide. IFM operates from 13 offices across Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.