ADFIAP is the focal point of all financial institutions engaged in the financing of development in the region. It was established on October 1, 1976 with 31 original charter signatories under the auspices of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) which remains as a Special Member of the Association. ADFIAP has at present, 72 institutions in 35 countries. The ADB is a Special Member of the Association. ADFIAP is also a founding member of the World Federation of Development Financing Institutions (WFDFIs) composed of similar regional associations in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. ADFIAP is a non-government organization (NGO) in consultative status with the United Nation's Economic and Social Council. The permanent secretariat of ADFIAP is based in Manila. ADFIAP’s website may be accessed at: www.adfiap.org

As a membership service organization, ADFIAP provides, among others, business networking opportunities as well as access to capacity-building programs, conferences, seminars and training events. ADFIAP also publishes a regular newsletter, a professional journal on banking and other thematic publications.

Using the ADFIAP’s expansive reach and network worldwide, it has promoted business cooperation among members and has advocated sustainable development issues in the area of environmental due diligence, local economic development through SME promotion, and socially-responsible investment as well as corporate governance issues.

ADFIAP has, in its roster of members, other specialized financial institutions such as SME banks, trade finance institutions, house finance companies, investment organizations aside from the fact that many of our members have subsidiaries and affiliates undertaking other financial services such as leasing, merchant banking, venture capital, etc.