The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that it will provide up to $10m for a private equity fund that aims to expand microfinance and small bank lending to poor, underserved groups across the region. ADB's Board of Directors approved the equity stake in the ShoreCap II Fund. It will invest in microfinance institutions and small business banks in both Asia and Africa, with ADB's contribution solely for use in its developing member countries. According to ADB, the fund - which will be managed by Equator Capital Partners, an independent fund management company registered in the US - will take equity stakes in regulated, small lenders with high growth potential who can reach neglected groups such as women entrepreneurs and rural microenterprises.

Key target markets will include Bangladesh, the People's Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

ADB said the goal is to take minority stakes in companies with investments of $2m to $10m each, and to exit holdings over an average of five years, with Asian investments making up about half the fund's total portfolio.