Vikram Widge, an innovative leader with recognized expertise in climate and development finance, brings a global perspective to designing and deploying financial solutions to mobilize private capital for climate-smart development. He specializes in bridging public finance with capital markets and institutional and impact investors to effect the transformation to a low-carbon future that we need.
Vikram was until recently the global head of Climate Finance and Policy at IFC, member of the World Bank Group, and the largest development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. He has demonstrated global leadership, delivering several award-winning, first-of-their-kind products linked to debt capital markets, results-based finance, and sustainable development including the inaugural Forests Bond to address deforestation, and the forthcoming Breathe Better Bond to reduce urban air pollution. Vikram also oversaw IFC’s work on green bond standards, carbon pricing, climate risk and adaptation, climate-related metrics and analytics including reporting aligned with TCFD recommendations. He was also an Advisor to the Climate Finance Labs since their inception.
An experienced relationship manager with a track record in business development and structuring transactions, Vikram has worked in partnership with other development finance institutions, commercial banks, asset managers, corporates, climate funds, philanthropic foundations, and governments. He is also a frequent moderator and speaker on topics of climate finance, carbon pricing and markets, and mobilizing private capital.