DFC CEO Ben Black Discusses U.S. Economic Statecraft, DFC Financial Tools During Tulane Corporate Law Institute Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. International Development Finance Corporation CEO Ben Black discussed DFC's leading role in U.S. economic statecraft during a Tulane Corporate Law Institute panel entitled "M&A in the Government." The panel was moderated by Ann Beth Stebbins, Partner, M&A Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Joining CEO Black on the panel were James Danly, Deputy Secretary of Energy; Caleb Orr, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs; Bruce Andrews, Partner at Covington & Burlington LLP; and Benjamin Wilson, Managing Director and Head of Natural Resources M&A at J.P. Morgan.

On DFC's mission:

"Think of us as America's international deal team. [DFC] can invest across the capital structure and mobilize private capital to advance U.S. strategic and foreign policy interests. There are two main focal points. One, strengthening our allies and potential allies by moving the needle for their development. And two, delivering returns for the American people... We open new markets and opportunities for American businesses and workers, and we help secure and stabilize markets and supply chains."

On countering adversaries:

"Economic security is national security... Making sure we have resilient supply chains that are not subject to choke points by adversaries is crucial."

"Our recent reauthorization brought DFC from a $60 billion organization to $205 billion. On top of that, many of our biggest shackles were removed. So when it comes to critical minerals, energy, and telecom, we can invest almost anywhere. The key is making sure we're mobilizing private capital."

On DFC's Political Risk Insurance tool:

"One of our most powerful tools is Political Risk Insurance. When a country or a dynamic is too volatile for an investment, in terms of potential asset seizure or regulatory changes, DFC will write Political Risk Insurance... It's an incredibly important way to mobilize investment by the private sector into these countries."

On DFC's Maritime Reinsurance plan:

"We're working with Chubb, an elite underwriter, and a consortium of American insurers for this product. We're working closely with the Department of War, CENTCOM, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State, and the Department of Energy to make sure this product is ready to go, when and if the time comes that it is needed... We want to get energy, fertilizers, gas, refined products, through the Strait as soon as possible and stabilize the market."

On President Trump's leadership:

"We greatly benefit from the fact that President Trump is our most financially astute president. [He] recognizes the importance of economic statecraft, the power of U.S. capital markets, and that American prosperity is the engine that drives security and growth around of the world."

These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity.

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The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established in 2019 with bipartisan support under President Trump, is the international investment arm of the U.S. Government. DFC partners with the private sector to advance U.S. foreign policy and strengthen national security by mobilizing private capital around the world. DFC invests across strategic sectors including critical minerals, modern infrastructure, and advanced technology - fostering economic development, supporting U.S. interests, and delivering returns to American taxpayers.