Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When Was Direct Investment Funding Limited (DIFL) Formed?

DIFL was formed in 2020 , and became an incorporated company in 2022 in England and Wales with company number: 14560608 and Registered address at 100 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5NQ, United Kingdom.

What sectors of Financing does DIFL supports?

We focus on funding in the following sectors: Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Digital economy, Education and training, Energy, Forestry, Health and Life Science, Regional development, Trans-European Networks, Transport, Urban agenda, Water and Wastewater management, Science and Technology.

Is DIFL a finance Institution?

YES Direct Investment Funding Limited are Direct investors and possess relationship with major financial institutions around the globe.

How is the DIFL governed?

Because it is a financial service provider, the DIFL is governed by both public and corporate governance principles. It has four statutory bodies: the Board of Governors, the Board of Directors, and the Management Committee make the decisions, and the Portfolio Managers is in charge of project funding.

What type of projects does DIFL finance?

The DIFL supports projects that make a significant contribution to growth, employment, regional cohesion and environmental sustainability, in Europe and beyond.

Are there specific areas that DIFL does not finance?

Yes we do not finance projects in the following areas: 1) AMMUNITION AND WEAPONS, MILITARY/POLICE EQUIPMENT 2 ) PROJECTS WHICH RESULT IN LIMITING PEOPLE'S INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOM, OR VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS 3) PROJECTS UNACCEPTABLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL TERMS E.G: PROJECTS IN PROTECTED AREAS, CRITICAL HABITATS AND HERITAGE SITES, WITHOUT ADEQUATE COMPENSATION/MITIGATION 4) ETHICALLY OR MORALLY CONTROVERSIAL PROJECTS E.G: SEX TRADE AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE, SERVICES AND MEDIA; ANIMAL TESTING*); *) EXISTING LFTL PRACTICE; ACTIVITIES INVOLVING LIVE ANIMALS FOR EXPERIMENTAL AND SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES ARE ELIGIBLE INSOFAR AS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE "DirectIVE 2010/63/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL OF 22 SEPTEMBER 2010 ON THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS USED FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES” 5) ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED BY NATIONAL LEGISLATION (ONLY WHERE SUCH LEGISLATION EXISTS) E.G: GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMO); ABORTION CLINICS; NUCLEAR ENERGY; ETC. ALL THE ABOVE TYPES OF INVESTMENTS ARE EXCLUDED. MOREOVER, LOANS UNDER THE MANDATES MAY BE FURTHER RESTRICTED TO SPECIFIC SECTORS AND ACTIVITIES TO COMPLY WITH THE DIFL LENDING POLICIES, AS AGREED BY THE BOARD OF DirectORS, AS WELL AS PRIORITIES ATTACHED BY THE RESPECTIVE EU CO-OPERATION OBJECTIVES OR THE LENDING MANDATE .

Does DIFL offer project funding to an individual?

Yes we offer project funding to individuals with proper executive summary and project plans.

Who can benefit from an DIFL loan?

The DIFL's clients are public and private sector entities. Any project promoted must be in line with our eligibility criteria, and be financially and economically sound. We lend Directly to large individual projects. Promoters must provide a detailed description of their capital investment and prospective financing arrangements.

What are the eligible criteria to benefit from DIFL funding?

Eligibility
The DIFL finances projects in most sectors. Eligible projects contribute to economic policy objectives: Promotion of economic and social cohesion (development of poorer regions) in across the globe. Improvement of transport and telecommunications infrastructure (rail, air, road connections and bridges). Secure energy supplies - production, transfer and distribution, more efficient energy use, alternative energy supplies. Development of a competitive, innovative and knowledge-based economy. Investment in human capital (schools, universities, laboratories, research centres, hospitals etc.). Natural and urban environment schemes (water, waste, cleaner air, urban transport etc.). Development of small and medium sized enterprises. Industrial projects improving competitiveness. Projects that support external co-operation and development policies. The DIFL does not provide grants or venture capital. The Direct Investment Funding (DIFL) provides venture capital.

How does the DIFL approve a project?

A project appraisal is carried out by the our team of engineers, economists and financial analysts, and agent representatives within the region in close cooperation with the promoter. Criteria are typically tailored to each specific project. A report then goes from the Management Committee to the Board of Directors, who meet 5 times per year, for a final decision. Once they approve, then the approval goes to our legal department for evaluation of project-appraisal fees, legal service fees, commitment fee and non-utilisation fee. The approval documents are sent to portfolio managers for evaluation and negotiations, the next stage is the signing and collateral agreement, all collateral agreement must go through promoters bank to our intermediary bank for confirmation this can take a period of 30-45 days to complete, then the loans are granted for payment release and can be drawn down in one or more installments according to borrowers demand. An DIFL appraisal procedure can take anywhere between 8 weeks depending on the project scope, the degree of complication of an operation, and the efficiency of the appraisal process on the part of both the DIFL itself and the project promoter.

Can DIFL loans be combined with loans from other financial institution?

Yes. The DIFL’s contribution to a project’s cost is limited to 50% of the overall amount established during appraisal. The DIFL works with other financial institutions, either co-financing projects or in security structures.

What are the conditions for DIFL lending?

The DIFL provides loans running from approximately four to thirty years, depending on the economic life of the assets to be financed. The DIFL does not publish information on the financing terms and conditions of its loans, such as maturity, interest rates, collateral arrangement, and grace period, project information are limited to promoters only with a unique project number. This information typically forms part of the DIFL’s confidential relationship with its business partners

What are the DIFL's interest rates?

The DIFL can only make a specific quote for lending following a thorough appraisal of the project. Loan rates will also vary according to specific aspects such as currencies borrowed, amount, duration and timing of disbursement. As well as fixed interest rates, the DIFL can offer revisable and convertible rates, allowing for a change of interest rate formula during the life of the loan at predetermined dates or during predefined periods.

What are the loan disbursement procedures?

An approved DIFL loan facility can be drawn down in a number of installments according to borrowers demand. The maturity, repayment terms and amortization profile of each draw can be chosen by the borrower at the time of disbursement, facilitating active treasury management.

How do I apply for DIFL project loan?

Please send us an email via our contact us page using the form to fill your requirement and submit, then one of our staff will get back to you.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT FORM TO SEND YOUR QUERIES AND WE WILL BE GLAD TO ANSWER THEM PROMPTLY.