Impact investing

Impact investing is an investment strategy that seeks to generate not only financial returns but also positive social or environmental impacts. This approach to investing is part of a broader trend towards socially responsible investing and sustainable finance. Impact investing can be made in both emerging and developed markets, and targets a range of returns from below-market to market rate, depending on the circumstances.

Overview

Impact investing is characterized by the intention to address social or environmental challenges while generating financial returns. Investors in this field actively seek to place capital in businesses, non-profits, and funds that can harness the positive power of enterprise. The impact investing market offers diverse and viable opportunities for investors to advance social and environmental solutions through investments that also produce financial returns.

History

The term "impact investing" was coined in 2007, but the practice has been around for much longer. The roots of impact investing can be traced back to the early 20th century when religious groups and philanthropists began to align their investments with their values. Over the years, the concept has evolved, and today it encompasses a wide range of sectors and asset classes.

Key Characteristics

Impact investing is defined by several key characteristics:

Intentionality: The investor's intention to have a positive social or environmental impact through investments is essential.

Investment with return expectations: Impact investments are expected to generate a financial return on capital or, at minimum, a return of capital.

Range of return expectations and asset classes: Impact investments target financial returns that range from below market to risk-adjusted market rate, and can be made across asset classes, including but not limited to cash equivalents, fixed income, venture capital, and private equity.

Impact measurement: A hallmark of impact investing is the commitment of the investor to measure and report the social and environmental performance and progress of underlying investments.

Impact Measurement

Measuring the social and environmental performance of investments is a core component of impact investing. Investors use various metrics and frameworks to assess the impact of their investments. Some of the widely used frameworks include the Global Impact Investing Rating System (GIIRS) and the Impact Reporting and Investment Standards (IRIS).

Challenges

Despite its growth, impact investing faces several challenges:

Impact measurement: Developing standardized metrics and methodologies for measuring impact remains a challenge.

Market size and scalability: The impact investing market is still relatively small compared to traditional investment markets, and scaling successful impact investments can be difficult.

Balancing financial and social returns: Investors often face the challenge of balancing financial returns with social or environmental impact.

Examples

Impact investing spans various sectors, including:

Renewable energy: Investments in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.

Microfinance: Providing financial services to low-income individuals or those without access to typical banking services.

Affordable housing: Investments aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing.

Healthcare: Investments in healthcare services and products that improve access and quality of care.

Also see

• Socially responsible investing
• Sustainable finance
• Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG)
• Philanthropy
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR)