Social Enterprise – ImpactAssets50 provides view of growing impact investing landscape

Thursday, October 4, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO (TrustLaw) – A database of fund managers who invest for maximum social, environmental and financial impact shows that assets under management grew 15 percent compared to last year to $10.2 billion.

ImpactAssets, a nonprofit financial services company, compiles its annual ImpactAssets 50 (IA50) as a resource for advisors and investors seeking to respond to the growing demand for investment opportunities that deliver both financial and social or environmental returns.

“Impact investing is an enormous opportunity for people not only to get a return on their investment, but to also help make an impact on major societal needs at the same time, the two can go hand in hand, “ said Jed Emerson, ImpactAssets’ chief impact strategist and chair of the ImpactAssets 50 selection committee as he released this year’s IA50 at SOCAP 12, an annual conference dedicated to increase the flow of capital towards social good.

The list includes microfinance leaders such as Accion and the Grameen Foundation USA, as well as Calvert Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of the socially responsible investment company. But the list also includes mainstream firms such as Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Capital Access Funds Management.

Impact investments are investments made into companies, organisations and funds with the intention to generate positive measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return.

Source: Trust Law (link opens in a new window)

Categories
Education, Impact Assessment
Tags
impact investing, research