Stephen Tobin

Considerations for lenders to infrastructure assets

Lenders continue to structure financing packages to minimise the risk of default. However, wider risks now need to be in focus as the pace of investment in infrastructure increases. There are many different estimates of the amount of investment required in global infrastructure and energy assets. Each country has a different starting point and a different need – but trillions of dollars of investment per year for a sustained period is anticipated, with a significant amount provided by debt. With the rise of private and institutional debt providers alongside active export credit agencies, development finance institutions, wealth funds and commercial debt, the sources of debt capital are expanding to meet demand. In light of that increased debt, this article considers key issues for lenders funding infrastructure projects.