The Australian Embassy in the Philippines has announced a US$3 million (₱172 million) loan to ARQ SME Finance, a female-led lender, to boost access to capital for small businesses—particularly those led by women.
The investment, made through Australian Development Investments (ADI), marks ADI’s first impact investment in the Philippines and was unveiled by Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown PSM at the 2X Global Summit in Manila.
“The Philippines is home to extraordinary Filipina entrepreneurs—but many face barriers when they seek funds to grow their businesses,” Innes-Brown said. “Australia is proud to partner with ARQ to help create more business opportunities for women.”
The loan targets the “missing middle”—businesses too large for microfinance but too small for traditional banks—and is part of Australia’s broader gender equality efforts in the region. It complements existing programs like Investing in Women, which supports women’s economic participation in Southeast Asia.
According to the Embassy, the move underscores Australia’s commitment to inclusive economic development by using impact investment—a strategy that mobilizes both public and private capital to tackle poverty and inequality.
