The Asian Development Bank (ADB) lends to and invests in developing countries of Asia and the Pacific to reduce poverty and build infrastructure. It opened in December 1966 with 31 members and now has 69, of which 50 are from the region. India was a founding member and is among its largest borrowers. Its president has always been Japanese.
Key facts
- Opened 19 December 1966 with 31 members; 69 members today (50 regional); India joined in 1966. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- President: Masato Kanda, who succeeded Masatsugu Asakawa in February 2025. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Every ADB president so far has been Japanese; Japan and the United States are its largest shareholders.
Why exams ask about it
Headquarters, founding year and the president's nationality are the standard questions.