Overview
ACFL Capital’s Structured Project Finance platform provides institutionally aligned capital solutions for large-scale, bankable projects across infrastructure, energy, industrial development, real estate, and commodity-linked assets. We focus on disciplined execution, risk mitigation, and governance-led financing rather than speculative development capital.
Our approach is designed for experienced sponsors seeking a financing partner that understands both commercial realities and institutional requirements. Transactions are structured to meet international underwriting, legal, and compliance standards from inception through disbursement.
Disciplined Execution
Our approach ensures rigorous project management, prioritizing timely delivery and adherence to financial and regulatory frameworks for reliable outcomes.
Comprehensive Risk Mitigation
We implement robust risk assessment and management strategies, safeguarding investments and enhancing project viability for all stakeholders.
Sector Diversity Expertise
Our financing solutions span energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors, leveraging deep market knowledge to optimize project success and returns.
Our Project Finance Mandate
ACFL Capital engages selectively in projects that demonstrate strong fundamentals, credible sponsorship, and clear execution pathways. We typically support transactions with total capital requirements of USD 50 million and above, including standalone projects and structured portfolios.
Our mandate prioritizes:
Bankable project structures
Experienced sponsors and operators
Transparent capital deployment
Financing Structures
ACFL Capital structures a comprehensive range of project finance solutions, providing full-stack financing that combines debt and equity to support institutionally bankable projects. Our structures are designed to align capital deployment with project risk profiles, cash-flow dynamics, and long-term execution requirements. By integrating multiple layers of capital within a single coordinated framework, we reduce fragmentation, streamline decision-making, and enhance certainty of funding.
Debt components typically include senior secured facilities and structured instruments tailored to project revenues and milestones. Equity participation, where appropriate, is structured as preferred or strategic equity to ensure alignment with project performance while preserving sponsor control. All financing structures are supported by independent underwriting, legal structuring, and insurance-backed risk mitigation, ensuring disciplined execution and institutional credibility.
PROJECT FINANCE MODUS OPERANDI
At ACFL Capital, every project follows a disciplined and transparent path to ensure that funding is delivered responsibly, securely, and in alignment with global best practices. Below is the structured roadmap clients can expect when engaging with ACFL Capital for project finance mandates.
Step 1 – Submission of Financing Request Letter (FRL)
Project sponsors begin by submitting a Financing Request Letter (FRL) that includes:
- Executive Summary of the project
- Five-year Pro Forma financials
- Capital Injection Strategy (CIS)
- Use of Funds (UoF)
- Proof of Funds equal to 2% of the total financing request
This requirement demonstrates sponsor commitment and readiness to cover underwriting, legal, and insurance-related costs.
Step 2 – Document Submission & Initial Review
ACFL Capital’s Executive Board reviews the FRL and supporting documentation to assess:
- Project feasibility and commercial viability
- Strategic alignment with ACFL Capital’s financing mandate
- Preliminary financial and risk considerations
Only projects meeting institutional criteria advance to the next stage.vestment integrity throughout project lifecycles.
Step 3 – Introductory Meeting
Qualified sponsors are invited to present their investment decks. Discussions focus on:
- Financial metrics and projections
- Execution milestones and timelines
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Key deliverables
If the presentation is satisfactory, ACFL Capital issues an Engagement Agreement together with an indicative Term Sheet.
Step 4 – Due Diligence & Underwriting
Independent underwriters conduct comprehensive due diligence, including:
- Corporate and legal due diligence
- Verification of financials
- AML, KYC, and compliance checks
- Risk evaluation aligned with World Bank, IMF, and Interpol standards
Estimated timeline: 15–20 business days.
Step 5 – Underwriting Report Review
Upon satisfactory review, preparation of the Financing Agreement begins
Full underwriting reports are shared with ACFL Capital, the Geneva-based Advisory Committee, and the project sponsors
Identified concerns are addressed collaboratively
Step 6 – Engagement with Financial Partners
Once the Engagement Agreement is executed and underwriting completed, sponsors are introduced to ACFL Capital’s approved financial and insurance partners. This stage includes:
- Completion of performance guarantee application forms
- Establishment of an escrow account to hold the approved financing
Disbursement is subject to fulfillment of all contractual conditions.
Step 7 – Issuance of Key Documents
Upon approval by financial and insurance partners, ACFL Capital issues:
- Ready, Willing & Able (RWA) Letter
- Proof of Funds (PoF)
- Bank Comfort Letter (BCL)
These documents confirm ACFL Capital’s readiness and capacity to fund the project.
Step 8 – Legal Structuring & Facility Documentation
ACFL Capital, together with independent legal counsel, oversees full legal structuring, including:
- Drafting and negotiation of the Facility Agreement
- Integration of the insurance wrap and performance guarantee
- Appointment of sponsor-side independent legal counsel
- Finalization of security packages, covenants, and disbursement conditions
Funding proceeds only after full execution of all legal documentation.
Step 9 – Issuance of Performance Guarantee
Prior to disbursement, the sponsor must issue a Performance Guarantee in favor of ACFL Capital:
- Issued by an approved financial institution or insurer
- Covering sponsor obligations, milestones, and Use of Funds compliance
- Valid for the full financing tenor, with extension provisions if required
Failure to issue the guarantee constitutes a condition precedent breach.
Step 10 – Disbursement of Funds
Following verification of the Performance Guarantee, ACFL Capital disburses funds strictly in accordance with the Facility Agreement:
- Milestone-based tranche releases
- Escrow-controlled disbursement mechanisms
- Third-party verification prior to each release
- Ongoing AML, KYC, and compliance monitoring
This controlled process ensures transparent deployment, capital protection, and disciplined project execution.
Insights from Successful Project Financing
Discover our structured finance process designed to guide you from initial assessment to project execution with clarity and confidence.
Risk Mitigation & Insurance
Risk mitigation is central to ACFL Capital’s project finance philosophy. All approved transactions incorporate insurance-backed structures, typically in the form of performance guarantees issued by approved insurers or financial institutions.
These instruments:
- Protect capital against execution risk
- Enforce sponsor accountability
- Support institutional confidence
- Enable controlled disbursement
Insurance is integrated directly into the legal and financial structure of each facility.
Governance & Oversight
All project finance mandates are subject to multi-layer governance oversight.
This includes:
- Independent underwriting and technical reviews
- Legal structuring by third-party counsel
- Review by ACFL Capital’s Geneva-based advisory committee
- Ongoing compliance monitoring post-disbursement
Governance ensures alignment with AML, KYC, sanctions, ESG, and international regulatory standards throughout the project lifecycle.
Disbursement & Monitoring
Capital is disbursed on a milestone-based basis, aligned with agreed Use of Funds schedules and verified project progress.
Key features include:
- Escrow-controlled disbursement mechanisms
- Third-party verification prior to tranche release
- Ongoing financial and operational reporting
- Rights to suspend or restructure facilities in case of material deviation
This approach safeguards capital while supporting disciplined project execution.
Sponsor Requirements
Project sponsors are expected to:
- Demonstrate financial and operational capability
- Provide full transparency and documentation
- Engage independent underwriting and legal services
- Assume responsibility for third-party professional costs
- Issue performance guarantees prior to disbursement
ACFL Capital does not charge access or placement fees. All sponsor costs are tied strictly to third-party services
Initiate Your Structured Finance Journey Now
Discover how ACFL Capital’s expertise in structured project finance can empower your large-scale ventures. Engage with our platform to access tailored funding solutions designed for disciplined execution and risk management.