 The International Finance Corporation ( IFC ) is an international financial institution that offers investment , advisory , and asset management services to encourage private sector development in developing countries . The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington , D.C. , United States . It was established in 1956 as the private sector arm of the World Bank Group to advance economic development by investing in strictly for @-@ profit and commercial projects that purport to reduce poverty and promote development . The IFC 's stated aim is to create opportunities for people to escape poverty and achieve better living standards by mobilizing financial resources for private enterprise , promoting accessible and competitive markets , supporting businesses and other private sector entities , and creating jobs and delivering necessary services to those who are poverty @-@ stricken or otherwise vulnerable . Since 2009 , the IFC has focused on a set of development goals that its projects are expected to target . Its goals are to increase sustainable agriculture opportunities , improve health and education , increase access to financing for microfinance and business clients , advance infrastructure , help small businesses grow revenues , and invest in climate health . 
