Funding Policy and Practice
It is anticipated that undisbursed commitments under signed loan agreements will be disbursed as goods and services are delivered or progress on projects is achieved, the average period of disbursement being typically two years. The Corporation expects to fund these commitments near the time of disbursement by issuing principally debt instruments in international capital markets at commercial rates of interest, while generally attempting to match debt maturities and currencies with those of its loans at the time of commitment. As a result of the above funding practice, EDC cannot determine the cost of funding its loans at the time of commitment.
Funding Experience
Prior to 1972, all EDC cash requirements were funded from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. In 1972, EDC began issuing short-term notes in the Canadian money market; in 1979, U.S. dollar short-term notes in the United States money market; in 1985, Euro-Treasury notes in Europe; and in 1988, Registered Claims in Europe. In 1997, EDC launched a European commercial paper program which replaced the Registered Claims program. In 2014, EDC launched a Mexican Short Term Debt Certificates Program which it cancelled in 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the limit for short-term borrowing was USD 14.0 billion.
In 1976, EDC began a program of capital market borrowings. Since then, medium- and long-term notes have been issued in Canadian, United States, European and Asian and Antipodean capital markets. At December 31, 2022, EDC had outstanding borrowings in the medium- and long-term private and public capital markets of approximately CAD 37 billion.
Borrowing Limits
EDC’s borrowings are limited to an amount equal to fifteen times the aggregate of its current paid-in capital and its retained earnings determined in accordance with the previous year’s audited financial statements. At December 31, 2022, this limit was CAD 162.5 billion, with EDC’s outstanding borrowings equal to CAD 50.6 billion.
Debt Record
EDC has always paid promptly, when due, the full face amount of the principal of and interest on every direct obligation issued by it and every indirect obligation on which it has been required to implement its guarantee.
Cash Management Activities
Cash balances are maintained in the form of interest bearing bank deposits. Surplus funds are invested in securities in accordance with conditions as prescribed by the Minister of Finance. At December 31, 2022, cash amounted to CAD 275 million and marketable securities amounted to CAD 9,539 million.
EXPORT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Financing Services
EDC provides various types of financing services in support of Canadian exporters and investors.