IRFC courts Japanese investors to diversify funding
A high-level delegation from the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) successfully concluded a strategic two-day External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) roadshow in Tokyo on February 26–27.
The initiative aimed to tap into the Japanese regional investor base to mobilise long-term funds at competitive rates while diversifying the corporation’s currency profile.The delegation, led by Deepa Kotnis, Executive Director (Finance), and Sunil Kumar Goel, Executive Director (Business Development), engaged in a series of intensive one-on-one meetings with leading regional investors.
The roadshow, facilitated by Mandated Lead Arrangers (MLAs) Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), is part of IRFC’s calibrated strategy to optimise borrowing costs.
During the interactions, the officials highlighted IRFC’s robust asset-liability management framework and its integral role in India’s railway infrastructure expansion. Investors reportedly showed keen interest in the corporation’s core financing business, citing its stable cash flow model and sovereign linkages as key attractions.
Beyond traditional railway financing, the delegation showcased IRFC’s recent foray into high-quality PSU and broader infrastructure exposures. This pivot reinforces the corporation’s evolving identity as a diversified infrastructure financing institution.
The strong response from the Japanese market underscores global confidence in IRFC’s credit profile, which continues to be rated at par with the Government of India by the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCRA).
The successful engagement is expected to bolster IRFC’s presence in the Japanese capital market, ensuring a steady stream of cost-effective, diversified funding to meet the growing requirements of India’s infrastructure sector.
