Where we come from: History of ProCredit

The ProCredit group is firmly rooted in its pioneering history in development finance. Formally speaking, ProCredit Holding was founded in 1998 as Internationale Micro Investitionen AG (IMI) by the consulting firm IPC and many of that company’s employees via ipc-invest (today’s ProCredit Staff Invest). Soon after the launch of IMI, further capital was provided by the DOEN Foundation, the Bolivian foundation ProCrédito, and the KfW Group. IMI soon became an important vehicle for communication among the shareholders. Therefore, it was natural for other IFIs, as well as other shareholders who were interested in the holding company, to take stakes in IMI. In 2004, IMI was renamed ProCredit Holding. Our business focus develops as our markets develop, but our vision of a fair financial sector has been constant since the beginning.

For details see below

  • Guarantee agreements with EIB

    PV project financing energy communities in Greece

    Introduction of the Plastic Strategy

    Continuous EDGE certification of head office buildings

  • ProCredit Direct
    Digital banking approach for private clients fully implemented

    First capital increase as a listed company (10% of share capital)

    First green bond placement for emerging countries with IFC for green investments by SMEs

    Publication of first group Impact Report following GRI Standards

  • Listing of ProCredit Holding shares on Prime Standard of Frankfurt Stock Exchange

    Group Code of Conduct replaces local banks’ versions

    Green finance approach fully implemented. All ProCredit banks apply the entire green lending and environmental and social risk management concept

    All ProCredit institutions certified under ISO 14001 or EMAS

    ESG Rating

  • Introduction of group-wide approach to HR

    Supervision by German banking authorities (BaFin and Deutsche Bundesbank)

    Start of semi-annual group-wide green seminars

  • SME finance
    In 2008, move from a product-oriented microfinance provider to positioning as the “Hausbank” for SMEs

    Banking license in Germany
    In 2009, implementation of German regulatory standards

    Environmental management
    Introduction of a group-wide comprehensive 3-pillar approach to EM

    EM policy and EM Unit at each bank

    In 2010, first environmental courses at the ProCredit Academies

  • Banking group
    In 2003, creation of ProCredit as a banking group with key shareholders IPC (investment arm has been transferred to Zeitinger Invest), DOEN, KfW, IFC and ProCredit Staff Invest

    ProCredit Academy
    In 2006, establishment of the ProCredit Academies in recognition of the need to develop and integrate local middle and senior managers

    ProCredit Holding
    Consolidation of ownership in ProCredit Holding and subsequent investment grade rating since 2004

    First green loans granted for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in 2006

    Environmental Exclusion List introduced group-wide in the banks’ Codes of Conduct in 2006

  • First microfinance bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina founded as a greenfield bank

    Foundation of IMI (now ProCredit Holding)

  • Origin
    Origin of ProCredit with IPC: Consulting of financial institutions in developing countries

Visit also: