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 Overview
 On October 5, 2018, the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act was signed into law. This landmark legislation reformed and strengthened U.S. development finance capabilities into a new federal agency to help address development challenges and foreign policy priorities of the United States.

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is a modern, consolidated agency that brings together the capabilities of OPIC and USAID’s Development Credit Authority, while introducing new and innovative financial products to better bring private capital to the developing world. The U.S. will have more flexibility to support investments in developing countries to drive economic growth, create stability, and improve livelihoods.

DFC makes America a stronger and more competitive leader on the global development stage, with greater ability to partner with allies on transformative projects and provide financially sound alternatives to state-directed initiatives that can leave developing countries worse off.

DFC's investments focus on impactful **global development**, advancing **U.S. foreign policy**, and generating **returns for American taxpayers**.

What is U.S. International Development Finance Corporation?

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is the U.S. Government's development finance institution. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.

Is DFC part of the U.S. Government?

Yes. DFC was established in 2019 through the passage of the BUILD, or Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development, Act which strengthened and modernized American development finance. The BUILD Act combined the capabilities of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and the Development Credit Authority which had previously been housed in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Are DFC services taxpayer funded?

DFC is committed to generating returns for the American taxpayer through its investments in development.

Why is DFC important to the United States?

DFC advances American foreign policy and American commercial competitiveness. The investments DFC mobilizes serve as stabilizing forces in developing countries around the world, including some of the world’s poorest countries and regions affected by conflict. Investment in these markets also helps American businesses gain footholds in many of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

How does DFC support development in emerging markets?

**Debt Financing**Direct loans and guaranties of up to $1 billion for tenors as long as 25 years, with specific programs targeting small and medium U.S. businesses
	**Equity Investments**DFC direct equity investments can provide critical support to companies committed to creating developmental impact
	**Feasibility Studies**Support for the analysis of a potential DFC project
	**Investment Funds**Support for emerging market private equity funds to help address the shortfall of investment capital
	**Political Risk Insurance** Coverage of up to $1 billion against losses due to currency inconvertibility, government interference, and political violence including terrorism. DFC also offers reinsurance to increase underwriting capacity
	**Technical Assistance** Support to increase the developmental impact or commercial sustainability of existing DFC projects or develop potential DFC projectsWhich projects are eligible for DFC support?

All projects DFC supports must be based in countries where DFC is authorized to do business, meet DFC investment standards, and have a strong track record in the industry.

What types of projects does DFC support?

DFC supports projects in a variety of industries from critical infrastructure to power generation, healthcare, agriculture, technology, and financial services.

How is DFC different from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation?

Key changes include:

**Equity Authority** In addition to debt financing DFC has the ability to make equity investments, a tool widely used in development finance
	**A Higher Investment Cap** DFC has a total investment limit of $60 billion, more than double OPIC’s $29 billion investment cap
	**Technical Assistance and Feasibility Studies** DFC has new tools that will enable it to be more proactive in identifying and addressing development needs around the world
	**Increased Cooperation with the State Department and USAID** DFC supports and complements other U.S. Government tools that advance development and American foreign policy
	**Strong Focus on Lower-Income Countries** DFC is focused on promoting inclusive economic growth in the world’s least developed countriesHow is DFC’s approach to development different from that of the People's Republic of China?

DFC supports an economically viable form of private sector-led investment, offering a robust alternative to state-directed investment which often leaves countries saddled with debt.

Does DFC replace grant-based foreign aid?

No. DFC's work complements the work of U.S. Government aid programs.
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        U.S. International Development Finance Corporation1100 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20527Info@dfc.gov | +1 (202) 336-8400
                            
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