In a landmark agreement poised to reshape the financing landscape for global infrastructure and clean energy, Apollo Global Management and Standard Chartered PLC have announced a $3 billion partnership to accelerate investments in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.
The collaboration highlights the increasing demand for capital to support the energy transition and next-generation infrastructure development.
Central to the partnership is Apterra, a specialist infrastructure debt platform owned by Apollo. Standard Chartered has acquired a minority stake in Apterra, bolstering its investment origination capabilities.
The partnership will leverage Apterra’s expertise in originating and structuring infrastructure transactions and Standard Chartered’s robust global banking network to mobilize financing for critical projects worldwide.
“This partnership underscores the unprecedented capital demands of the global industrial renaissance,” said Jim Zelter, co-president of Apollo Asset Management, in a statement. “Together, we aim to accelerate financing in next-gen infrastructure and sustainable power, building on our long-standing relationship with Standard Chartered.”
A Strategic Union for Sustainable Growth
The partnership aligns with Apollo’s Clean Transition Capital strategy, which funds clean energy, climate-related projects, and infrastructure. Over the last five years, Apollo has directed more than $40 billion into these areas, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
With the addition of Standard Chartered’s extensive expertise in cross-border infrastructure financing, the partnership is expected to scale these efforts significantly.
Bill Winters, group chief executive of Standard Chartered, emphasized the synergies between the two firms. “This collaboration allows us to leverage our combined expertise to fund sustainable growth and address critical global challenges. By joining forces with Apollo, we can expand our geographical reach and scale the size of projects we support, particularly in regions like Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.”
Apterra: A Rising Force in Infrastructure Debt
Apterra, launched in 2023, has already executed more than $4.8 billion in transactions, positioning it as a key player in the infrastructure financing sector. Led by Co-CEOs Ralph Cho and Michael Pantelogianis, the platform is poised for further growth with the backing of Standard Chartered.
Samuel Feinstein, partner at Apollo and President of ACT Capital, noted the strategic importance of the partnership. “This collaboration is a significant step forward for Apollo’s Clean Transition business and our broader Infrastructure Credit platform. We are thrilled to welcome Standard Chartered as an equity partner in Apterra and look forward to expanding our work together.”
Mobilizing Capital for Global Infrastructure
As part of the agreement, Standard Chartered will provide ACT Capital with a senior secured credit facility, enabling the deployment of project finance and infrastructure loans.
While financial terms of the minority equity stake acquisition remain undisclosed, both firms have expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to address the growing demand for sustainable infrastructure financing.
Henrik Raber, global head of global banking at Standard Chartered, remarked, “This partnership represents a unique opportunity to further enhance our capabilities in infrastructure financing, particularly in high-growth markets. Our collaboration with ACT Capital and Apollo will help mobilize capital for critical projects that align with our commitment to sustainability.”
A Model for Future Collaborations
The partnership between Apollo and Standard Chartered underscores the rising importance of public-private collaborations in addressing global infrastructure needs. With their combined expertise, the firms aim to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy while supporting the development of critical infrastructure worldwide.
As energy transition financing continues to gain momentum, the partnership could serve as a blueprint for future collaborations between global financial and investment institutions.
