Driving innovation through research
Key Recommendations from Research
Key Recommendations from Research
The note presents a number of recommendations for governments, regulators and for NDBs themselves stemming from the diverse panels and papers presented at the 2025 FiCS Summit.
The Finance in Common Summit 2025 in Cape Town provided a unique opportunity for researchers and think tanks, federated under a Global Research Network (GRN), to showcase the last advancements of their work on the role of Public Development Banks (PDBs) in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable growth or multi-faceted crises.
Development banks, and in particular national development banks (NDBs), have the potential to enhance their resources and achieve greater outcomes. Governments could mobilize them to contribute more significantly to the financing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which fundamentally entails promoting economic growth that is consistent with improved social and environmental outcomes. This requires not only implementing strong environmental and social safeguards in NDB’s procedures, but also actively seeking positive impacts by financing operations that enhance the effectiveness of the financial system.
Global research Network
The Global Research Network (GRN) on Public Development Banks (PDBs) is a collaborative initiative that brings together over 50 researchers and think tanks to advance knowledge on the role of PDBs in financing the transition to a sustainable future. Since its launch, the GRN has produced over 40 research papers, contributing to international discussions at events such as the G20, Finance in Common Summits (FiCS), and the upcoming the 4th International Financing for Development Conference (FfD4). The Network, structured around four work streams, provides evidence-based insights to inform policymakers, financial institutions, and development practitioners, fostering collective research and policy dialogue to drive impactful solutions to global development challenges.
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Private Sector Mobilization
The Private Sector Mobilization work stream of the GRN examines how Public Development Banks (PDBs) can enhance financial flows toward sustainable investments through innovative instruments. Key research areas include the use of blended finance, sustainability-linked bonds, de-risking mechanisms, and public-private partnerships. The work stream also explores PDBs’ capacity to structure efficient financial markets in emerging economies, regulatory incentives for private participation, and the role of PDBs as knowledge banks. By addressing these issues, the research aims to strengthen the link between public and private finance for global development.
Samantha Atttridge
Principal Research Fellow
Valérie Laxton
Senior Associate
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Sustainable and Solidarity Investments
The Solidarity and Sustainable Investments work stream of the GRN investigates how Public Development Banks (PDBs) integrate climate, biodiversity, and social objectives within the 2030 Agenda. Research focuses on green finance effectiveness, climate risk exposure, and PDBs’ alignment with environmental and social goals. Key areas include social equity, gender, and economic inequalities, as well as sectoral studies on energy, water, industry, and infrastructure. This work stream aims to provide technical insights to enhance PDBs’ impact on sustainability and their engagement with vulnerable communities.
Valerie Laxton
Senior Assiociate
Sarah Bendahou
Research Officer
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Global Financial Architecture
The Global Financial Architecture work stream of the GRN examines the evolving role of Public Development Banks (PDBs) within the international financial system. As PDBs gain prominence in global forums such as the G20, COPs, and IMF-World Bank meetings, research in this stream explores their Theory of Change, contribution to financial stability, debt sustainability, and governance dynamics. By addressing these critical issues, the work stream aims to provide evidence-based insights to inform the FiCS initiative and the global development finance agenda.
Ric Amansure
Senior Researcher
Régis Marodon
Senior Advisor
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PDB Analytics
The PDB Analytics work stream of the GRN focuses on generating and structuring data to deepen the understanding of Public Development Banks (PDBs) and their business models. Key research areas include refining PDB typologies, analyzing profitability and risk strategies, and exploring AI-driven solutions. This work stream also examines the role of public commercial banks, financial ratios, governance structures, and the provision of financial instruments and technical assistance. A core output is the development of a comprehensive PDBs Database in collaboration with INSE, AFD, and FERDI.
Jiajun Xu
Professor
Florian Léon
Research officer
PDB Database
The Institute of New Structural Economics at Beijing University and the French Development Agency have created the first comprehensive database on Public Development Banks (PDBs) and Development Financing Institutions (DFIs).
PDBs and DFIs are vital for addressing crises, tackling climate change, and driving global economic transformation. However, identifying these institutions and understanding their role remains a significant challenge. This database fills that gap, helping redirect resources toward sustainable development.
With most PDBs operating at national (52%) or sub-national (22%) levels, they play a key role in "last mile" banking, deeply rooted in local economies and communities.
Public Development Banks at a glance
530+ PDBs
in 2024
$23 Trillion
in assets
10 to 12%
of annual world investment
Where in the world are pbds?
SDG prospector
SDG prospector
The SDG Prospector is a unique tool designed to track and measure the contributions of Public Development Banks toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Faced with major social and environmental transitions, an increasing number of companies and institutions are called upon to account for the extra-financial impacts of their activities. The SDG Prospector applies artificial intelligence (AI) methods to map the alignment of public development banks (PDBs) to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An innovative solution to better understand the role of PDBs in sustainable finance.