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SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
My guest today is Sugandhi Matta, Chief Impact Officer at ABC Impact – the largest Pan-Asian impact-dedicated private equity fund, with nearly $900 million in AUM.Sugandhi began her career focused on growth and returns — first at Temasek, and later at Actis. But after a breast cancer diagnosis in her early thirties, she returned to work with a new question: What if she could apply her investing skills to businesses solving real problems?That question led her to LeapFrog Investments — and eventually to ABC Impact, where she became one of the founding partners. From the ground up, she helped build a fund that integrates impact into every step of the investment process, from deal screening to reporting.Today, ABC Impact invests across four themes:Climate and water solutionsFinancial and digital inclusionBetter health and educationSustainable food and agricultureSugandhi leads the firm's impact team. They developed a proprietary system rooted in the five dimensions of the Impact Management Project and tailored to ABC's sectors.The internal language centers on three Cs: consistency, comparability, and communicability. It's a disciplined approach – built to align intention, data, and outcomes across the portfolio.Sugandhi's goal is to hold impact to the same standard as IRR.However, she points out that the burden of proof is often uneven. Expected returns are taken at face value. Impact is asked to justify itself at every turn. Because investors don't yet trust its metrics the way they trust financial ones.The double standard isn't just about data. It's about gender, too.As one of the few female investment leads in Asia's private equity ecosystem, Sugandhi has had to thread her way through what she calls the “quiet skepticism” – the unspoken assumptions around risk appetite, ambition, or expertise.Even now, she's often the only woman in the room with GPs or LPs. She doesn't lead with gender, but she's aware of how it plays out. The skepticism is often unspoken, but present.Over time, she's learned not to internalize it. Instead, she focuses on the work, knowing that – fairly or not – being a woman in this space can mean having to prove yourself just a little more.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:ABC Impact websiteABC Impact LinkedInSugandhi Matta LinkedInABC's 2020 Impact ReportABC's 2024 Impact ReportInsights from Dalberg and ABC Impact's User-Centered Study—SRI360 interviews mentioned:
The Do One Better! Podcast – Philanthropy, Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship
Mark Fawcett, Chief Executive Officer of Nest Invest, explores how the UK's pension system has been transformed to serve a broader and more economically diverse workforce. Nest is the largest multi-employer pension fund in the UK, and it handles the retirement savings for nearly one-third of the UK working population. Nest Invest is the asset manager of Nest. Fawcett offers a compelling narrative about scale, access, and purpose-driven financial management. Nest's core mission revolves around building financial resilience for all—an ambitious approach to investing that transcends the narrow goals of simple wealth accumulation. Fawcett discusses the profound impact of automatic enrollment, which dramatically expanded pension participation from just 10–15% of the UK workforce prior to its introduction to over 80% today. This shift has redefined the retirement outlook for millions, particularly low- to moderate-income earners, many of whom face significant income volatility and limited financial literacy. Fawcett emphasizes the behavioral finance insights that underpin Nest's strategy. By minimizing the cognitive burden of financial decision-making, Nest has made pension saving feel less like an anxiety-laden obligation and more like a manageable, automated part of life. A large majority of members remain in these default options, insulated from daily market turbulence, thanks to highly diversified investments across public and private markets. Importantly, Fawcett also touches on the risks of both under-saving and over-saving. While many need encouragement to set aside more for the future, especially in the absence of emergency savings, others—particularly those closer to the poverty line—might unintentionally sacrifice present well-being for an uncertain future. Through sidecar savings initiatives and employer collaborations, Nest is investigating ways to improve short-term financial stability without undermining long-term retirement planning. A significant part of the conversation also centers on Nest's role in sustainable investing. The organization has embedded ESG principles directly into its default investment strategies—not as niche options, but as a core part of its offering. From renewable energy and infrastructure to affordable housing and UK enterprise investment, Nest Invest is demonstrating that doing well financially need not come at the cost of doing good. The returns, as Fawcett notes, have been competitive, underscoring the false dichotomy between performance and purpose. This episode offers not only a powerful vision of inclusive finance but also actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and employers seeking to build systems that foster dignity, stability, and opportunity for all. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
My guest today is Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter, Co-Founder of IMPAQTO and General Partner at IMPAQTO Capital. Michelle is a human rights lawyer by training, a fund builder by calling, and one of the most compelling system-reimaginers I've ever had on the show.Michelle's journey has taken her from a small apartment in Quito to the halls of Oxford and the UN — and back again. What she learned along the way is that real change doesn't come from reports or elite institutions. It comes from being close to the problem — and the people.Back in Quito, Michelle started where many great entrepreneurial stories begin — with no office, no plan, just an instinct that something better could exist. Over a hundred coffees with local founders, she kept hearing the same themes: isolation, lack of support, funding that didn't fit.In response, she created IMPAQTO, Ecuador's first coworking space for social ventures, not because she had a real estate vision, but because people needed a place to belong. “They weren't paying for square meters,” she said. “They were paying to not be alone.”From there, IMPAQTO grew — into an accelerator, a research platform, a voice in policy. But the biggest problem persisted: no capital. Or rather, the wrong kind of capital.Local businesses needed $10K–$500K. They didn't want to sell equity. They wanted to grow on their own terms. Too big for microfinance, too small for venture. “That's the missing middle,” Michelle said. “That's where we live.”So in 2021, she launched IMPAQTO Capital, a revenue-based investment fund designed not to chase unicorns but to nourish sustainable growth. Michelle described it not as alternative capital, but as capital that's appropriate for the context they're operating in.Rather than chasing foreign LPs, her team went local. They raised over half their first close from Ecuadorian and Andean-region families — people with lived experience inside the very systems the fund aims to change. “Our investors aren't impact tourists,” she said. “They're system insiders.”What Michelle is building isn't just a capital vehicle. It's an ecosystem intervention — a cultural shift that treats belonging as a precondition for growth, and care as critical infrastructure. She's also a co-founder of CLIIQ, a regional research and advocacy platform focused on unlocking catalytic capital for women-led businesses.At IMPAQTO Capital, every deal is evaluated not just on returns, but on whether it preserves the dignity and agency of the founder. Every exit includes a “cap party” — a ritual of closure and celebration that says: You did it. You paid us back. We're done. And we're proud.There's a lot to learn from Michelle. About capital. About leading with trust and care. About staying rooted in a place and still seeing the whole system.But mostly, about how change happens — not from the top down, but from the inside out. Slowly. With proximity. And with people who never forgot where they started.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:IMPAQTO Capital websiteIMPAQTO Ecosystem BuilderMichelle Arevalo-Carpenter websiteMichelle Arevalo-Carpenter LinkedIn
How can fixed income investors tackle the uncertainty over the outlook for growth and inflation? How will concerns about government finances play out ? Where are interest rates heading? Jayesh Mistry, Absolute Return Portfolio Manager, makes the case for an absolute return approach, with flexibility to benefit from different sectors within global bond markets.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Impact investing isn't just a trend – it's a fundamental shift in how one approaches long-term investing, an approach that focuses on resilience and responsibility. Join Steve and Eugenia Koh, Standard Chartered's Global Head of Sustainable Investing, as they discuss core characteristics of these investments that set them apart from conventional ones. Speakers:- Steve Brice, Global Chief Investment Officer, Standard Chartered Bank- Eugenia Koh, Global Head of Sustainable Investing, Standard Chartered BankRead our full report to find out more https://av.sc.com/corp-en/nr/content/docs/wm-thematic-report-impact-investing-profit-with-purpose-05-june-2025.pdf
Amid market doubts over the US's exceptionalism, where can investors seeking diversification turn? Is a ‘re-awakened' Europe an alternative? In this edition, Nadia Grant, Head of Global Equities, shares her views and investment ideas with Chief Market Strategist Daniel Morris.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
This spring, I had the chance to talk with four incredible guests, each with a different take on what it really means to put money to work and invest in line with your values.Across late March and April, we explored climate-smart timber, social finance powered by dormant bank accounts, fully impact-focused wealth advising, and how catalytic capital is reaching places most firms won't go.Here are the featured guests, along with links to their full interviews.Yasemin Saltuk Lamy, Head of Investment Strategy at Legal & General (L&G)Yasemin's path into impact investing started at J.P. Morgan, where she helped build the firm's Social Finance unit from scratch. At the time, even defining the term “impact investing” took months of debate. “We spent four months just on the word ‘intent,'” she told me.That focus on intent stuck with her – from J.P. Morgan to Omidyar to BII – where she helped lead the Catalyst Portfolio, growing it from $300 million to $1.6 billion. Her work was all about finding places where capital didn't naturally flow, and designing structures that would pull others in.Full episodeStephanie Cohn Rupp, Former CEO of Veris Wealth PartnersVeris Wealth Partners is one of the only wealth management firms out there that's 100% impact. No ESG sideline, no separate division. The whole firm is built around aligning portfolios with values.Another thing that stood out in my conversation with Stephanie was how methodical their process is. It starts with what they call “impact discovery” – getting into the client's mission, history, beliefs – and then building an investment policy around that.Full episodeStephen Muers, Chief Executive Officer of Better Society Capital (BSC)Stephen brings a systems lens to social finance, and that comes from experience. After years inside the UK government tackling big issues like energy policy, housing, and justice reform, he saw firsthand how strategy alone doesn't shift systems.At BSC, the mission isn't just to make good investments. It's to make social investment possible at scale.But BSC isn't trying to maximize its own portfolio. The goal is to grow the entire social investment market. Over the past decade, they've helped expand it twelve-fold across the UK. And yet, it still isn't enough. The capital's growing – but not at the pace the problems demand.Full episode Bettina von Hagen, Managing Director & CEO, EFM Investments & AdvisoryAt EFM, forests are managed as long-term, living assets. It's not just about timber – it's about carbon, conservation, and communities, all managed through a single strategy. The question isn't “how much can we harvest,” but “what's the best outcome for this acre?”EFM's approach is built on the five Rs: rotation, retention, reserves, restoration, and relationships. It's how they manage over 200,000 acres with just 11 staff and 90 contractors – by treating each forest like a custom portfolio.Sometimes that means harvesting. Sometimes it means carbon storage or tribal access. The goal is a forest that's more valuable ecologically, socially, and financially than it was before.Full episode—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK
In this week's episode, Damien takes a look at ethical and sustainable investing, explaining the FCA's new fund labelling rules (SDR) and shares some of the best free tools that can help you find investments that match your values.Next, Andy explains how some energy customers who had prepayment meters wrongly installed could receive up to £1,000 compensation. Then, with the energy price cap due to fall, Damien looks at the latest fixed-price energy deals and how much you can save.Finally, Damien reveals a simple 'hack' that allows you to switch your Cash ISA between providers via the click of a button, ensuring you can secure a competitive interest rate.This episode is sponsored by Coinbase - Visit Coinbase* to learn more. Crypto comes with unique risks, take 2 minutes to learn moreCheck out this week's podcast article on the Money to the Masses website to see the full list of resources from this week's show(00:00) - Money to the Masses Podcast Episode 506 (08:11) - Understanding Sustainable Investing (15:03) - Navigating Ethical Investment Tools and Resources (18:48) - Evaluating Ethical Investment Performance (20:24) - Investigation into Prepayment Meters and Compensation Agreement (24:20) - Energy Price Cap Update (26:37) - Cash ISA HackFollow Money to the Masses on social media:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/moneytothemassesFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/moneytothemassesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/moneytothemasses Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@moneytothemassesYou may already compare products and services online and make purchases but by doing so via our dedicated page you might not only save money but could also earn cashback or take advantage of exclusive offers for MTTM listeners.Every time you use a link on the page we may earn a small amount of money for our podcast. We only use affiliate links that give you an identical (or better) deal than going direct. Thank you for being an incredible part of our community. Your support means the world to us.Support the show by visiting and bookmarking our dedicated podcast page:Money to the Masses Dedicated Podcast Page - Click to support the showLinks referred to in the podcast:S&P Global Rating ToolFidelity Investment Finderii Ace 40 ListMorningstar Fund Screener ToolEthical Performance Analysis (Managed Portfolios from Nutmeg, Moneyfarm and Wealthify)Energy customers to get up to £1,000 compensationShould you fix your energy tariff? Cheapest fixed-price energy tariffs in the UKIf a link has an * beside it this means that it is an affiliated link. If you go via the link, Money to the Masses may receive a small fee which helps keep Money to the Masses free to use.
Justin Donald has been called the Warren Buffett of Lifestyle Investing by Entrepreneur Magazine. He's a master of low-risk cash flow investing, teaching new investors how to generate passive income and gain financial independence. Justin is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book The Lifestyle Investor, the host of The Lifestyle Investor podcast, and a top-rated keynote speaker. In this classic episode, Justin joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to discuss how he built his investment portfolio, how to get started in personal investing, investing myths, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Geopolitical pressures are forcing Europe to develop an autonomous defence capability. Listen to George Ferguson Senior Analyst for Aerospace, Defence and Airlines at Bloomberg Intelligence, and Andrew Craig, Co-head of the Investment Insight Centre talk about prospects for the European defence sector.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
This 4-in-1 compilation episode is about capital that doesn't flow on its own. It has to be pushed into places with no pitch decks and no polished management teams. The places where spreadsheets say “too risky,” but the need is obvious to anyone paying attention.This is capital for the common good, yes – but it's also capital that works. These aren't grants. These are investments with measurable returns and track records to prove it.In this episode, we revisit conversations with four guests who've built the policies and portfolios to make this kind of capital move.Jenn Pryce, President and CEO of Calvert Impact CapitalJenn describes Calvert Impact Capital as a bridge between retail capital and the places banks won't go – solar in Sub-Saharan Africa, affordable housing in the U.S., even sovereign bonds too small for Wall Street to care about. With over $2.5 billion raised, their flagship Community Investment Note is accessible for as little as $20.For Jenn, community investing isn't about beating the market – it's about redefining it. “We've learned the risk isn't where people think it is,” she says. By working through local intermediaries and building data-driven track records, Calvert helps prove what's possible.Full episodeBen Rick, Co-Founder of Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC)Ben left the City not because he couldn't succeed there – but because he did. After years at Goldman, UBS, and Lehman, the returns stopped justifying the worldview. “Surely there's something I can do that's better than this,” he told himself.That became Social and Sustainable Capital, a private credit fund lending to UK charities – no shareholders, no profit motive, but plenty of contracts to deliver critical services.SASC backs groups supporting domestic abuse survivors, people with disabilities, and youth exiting care – organizations with steady revenue but little access to traditional finance.Full episodeStephen Muers, Chief Executive Officer of Better Society Capital (BSC)Stephen Muers came to Better Society Capital after a high-level government career – and brought with him a systems brain. At BSC, the mission isn't just to make good investments. It's to make social investment possible at scale.BSC operates at the wholesale level, backing funds that then invest in frontline charities, social enterprises, and mission-driven lenders.BSC is also focused on market transformation. In 10 years, they've helped grow the UK social investment market 12-fold. And yet, it still isn't enough.Full episodeStewart Langdon, Partner and Co-Head of South Asian Investments at LeapFrog InvestmentsStewart joined LeapFrog early, back when the firm was still raising its first fund. He came in to help move serious capital into places most investors overlook – India, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia – and do it in a way that actually reaches people.LeapFrog started with insurance. Not because it was easy, but because it mattered. Health shocks, accidents, lost assets – these were the things pulling families back into poverty. Then came credit. Then healthcare. Same model each time: back companies already trusted in their communities, and help them grow.Full episode—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK
Listen to Karen Azoulay, Head of Real Assets, as she tells Chief Market Strategist Daniel Morris that investing in infrastructure fits well with the efforts of the European Commission and governments to boost spending and innovation. The asset class's stable and predictable cashflows can also offer downside protection, she argues. For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Portfolio Manager Sid Jha delves into the value of investing in environmental strategies for sustainable growth. Such strategies can provide diversification when financial markets are volatile and uncertainty over the economic outlook is rife.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.----------------------------------------In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder & CEO of Acumen on her global journey that led her from the world of international banking to the heart of social entrepreneurship—beginning in Rwanda, and now reaching 650+ million lives through Acumen's work around the world.From Chase Bank to Kigali: A Journey Rooted in EmpathyJacqueline's journey began not with a grand strategy, but with a moment of clarity while working in Rwanda in the late 1980s, where she helped launch one of the country's first microfinance institutions.There, she witnessed how markets could be harnessed to empower individuals—especially women—but also saw how fragmented and fragile traditional aid systems were."Access isn't enough; capability is key."That idea would eventually become Acumen.The Founding of Acumen: Bridging Markets and PhilanthropyFounded in 2001, Acumen was created to tackle what Jacqueline calls "the blue flame" space—the gap between pure philanthropy and market-driven capitalism. Acumen uses “patient capital” to invest in entrepreneurs solving problems in energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, and workforce development."We need to reframe what risk means in investing."Acumen has since invested over $150 million into companies that have impacted millions of people in low-income communities across Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the U.S. But the goal isn't just scale—it's systemic change.What It Takes to Build Markets That Work for the PoorJacqueline explains that creating sustainable impact requires far more than capital—it demands a deep understanding of local contexts, cultural norms, and the lived experiences of the communities being served."The status quo exists for a reason; change is hard."She emphasizes that real progress depends on:Entrepreneurial courageLong-term thinkingCollaboration with governments and civil societyAcumen works to build "markets with moral imagination", where value creation doesn't come at the cost of human dignity or environmental degradation.Education, Circular Impact, and the Future of Social EntrepreneurshipAnother major focus of Acumen is education. Through the Acumen Academy, they've trained over 1,800 social enterprise leaders, equipping them with tools in moral leadership, storytelling, and systems thinking.Jacqueline envisions a circular economy of impact investing, where capital flows to and from communities, creating sustainable, inclusive systems over time."Resilience and moral imagination are essential qualities for social entrepreneurs."She sees the future of impact rooted in innovative partnerships—between private and public sectors, startups and institutions, and across geographies.A Legacy of Courage and CompassionAs Jacqueline looks ahead, her message is clear: we need a new moral framework for capitalism—one that measures success not just in returns, but in human dignity and long-term value for society.Her story is a reminder that systems can change, markets can heal, and entrepreneurs—when supported with the right kind of capital and community—can solve the world's most pressing problems. ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
A discussion around the impact of President Trump's tariffs on climate-related investments. Featured are Tiffany Agard, Sustainable and Impact Investing Strategist Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office, and Glen Yelton, Global Head of Sustainable Investing Services with Invesco. Host: Daniel Cassidy
Guy Davies, CIO of Fundamental Equities and Deputy Head of Investments, talks to Daniel Morris, Chief Market Strategist, about his outlook for equity markets amid expectations of further volatility and a persistent lack of clarity on the outlook for economies and central bank policies, notably in the US.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
What do horse manure, pilot school, Paulownia trees, and billion-dollar investments have in common? Steve Distante. In this episode of On The Homefront, Jeff Dudan sits down with Steve Distante—impact investor, founder of Vanderbilt Financial Group, and author of Entrepreneur Land. From starting his first hustle selling horse poop to building a sustainable empire focused on purpose over profit, Steve opens up about leadership, culture, and navigating risk as an entrepreneur. Discover how he turned frustration with corporate greed into a mission to change the world through sustainable finance. He shares lessons from building a 400-acre Paulownia farm, stories about entrepreneurial betrayal, the DNA of impact-driven businesses, and how to harness your full potential at any stage in life.
What do horse manure, pilot school, Paulownia trees, and billion-dollar investments have in common? Steve Distante. In this episode of On The Homefront, Jeff Dudan sits down with Steve Distante—impact investor, founder of Vanderbilt Financial Group, and author of Entrepreneur Land. From starting his first hustle selling horse poop to building a sustainable empire focused on purpose over profit, Steve opens up about leadership, culture, and navigating risk as an entrepreneur. Discover how he turned frustration with corporate greed into a mission to change the world through sustainable finance. He shares lessons from building a 400-acre Paulownia farm, stories about entrepreneurial betrayal, the DNA of impact-driven businesses, and how to harness your full potential at any stage in life.
Send us a textThis week, I will share the simple process I used to move my investments to a more socially responsible index fund including the steps I followed and the mistakes that I made!Links from today's episode:How to choose the best index fund | Forbeshttps://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/how-to-choose-the-best-index-fund/ ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:Episode 76 The Surprising Truth About What ESG Investing Actually Means (recorded before the 2024 rebranding of this show)Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:Website https://www.progressivepockets.comTwitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts Work With Me:Email progressivepockets@gmail.com for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.The information provided in this podcast is for general entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional financial advice. We make no guarantees about the accuracy or applicability of the content. Consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial planning decisions.Support the show
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
My guest is Romina Reversi, Managing Director and Head of Sustainable Investment Banking Americas at Crédit Agricole CIB — one of the banks that helped write the very rules of the green bond market, and has stayed near the center of gravity ever since.Romina's path into banking didn't start with a mission to change the world. It started with a love of math — and a drive for precision — that took her from the University of Michigan straight onto JP Morgan's derivatives desk.She worked in equity structuring and sales, building a technical foundation and a strong client ethic. As she puts it, “All bankers know the product. But how do you actually serve your clients? That's the real work.”The pivot came in 2015. Romina took what she describes as a ‘leap of faith.'She moved from derivatives into a new and mostly uncharted part of the bank: ESG debt capital markets. Back then, most CFOs and treasurers hadn't heard of green bonds. Frameworks barely existed. She and a few others were flying around the world with a handful of PowerPoint slides, trying to explain what this market even was.In her own words, “There was no playbook. We were literally inventing how to pitch.”That blank page became her blueprint. Over the next several years, she helped structure more than 500 sustainable debt transactions — including Apple's first green bond and Uruguay's step-up, step-down sustainability-linked bond, the first of its kind in the world.Romina joined Crédit Agricole in 2021. It's a bank with deep roots in agriculture and a reputation as one of the earliest movers in green and sustainable finance. And today, she's building out their Americas operation with the same mix of ambition, nuance, and rigor that brought her success at JP Morgan.For Romina and her bank, sustainability is more than branding — it's ‘truly ingrained in their DNA.'Now leading the Americas team, Romina operates across the entire investment banking suite — bonds, loans, M&A, IPOs, ESG advisory, and beyond.Her mandate isn't just to sell green products. It's to embed sustainable thinking across structures. To know when a KPI isn't credible. To tell a client when the deal they want to do isn't in their best interest.Romina is thoughtful about risk. Transparent about pushback. And unafraid to challenge linear definitions of impact. For her, transparency itself — giving investors a clear view into where their capital is going — is a form of additionally.In a market still grappling with backlash, confusion, and greenwashing fatigue, Romina is defining what credible, innovative, and client-aligned sustainable finance can look like.In this conversation, we talked about using AI for biodiversity tracking, about injecting sustainability into private credit, about financing for nuclear and hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel, and much, much more…Tune in and find out what it means to be a sustainable banker for the next decade — not just a dealmaker, but a translator, a teacher, and a strategist.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Romina Reversi LinkedIn- CA CIB Twitter- CA CIB Website
Damien Fournier and Lionel Gomez, Co-Heads of Private Equity, discuss the benefits and risks of private equity, as well segments such as venture capital and distressed investments, with Daniel Morris, Chief Market Strategist. They highlight the agility private equity brings in the current market and economic environment and discuss the opportunities in themes such as healthcare and energy transition.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Send us a textToday's episode is the last installment of the first ever climate month here at Progressive Pockets. Did you enjoy the series?So far we have discussed how to deal with climate anxiety, how to create an outdoor space that's sustainable but cute, how to move your cash to a more climate friendly bank. Today let's chat about how to make our retirement accounts a little more earth friendly.Whether you are a new investor or more advanced and working with a financial advisor, you'll walk away from today's episode with some ideas on how to make your investments a little more environmentally sound.Links from today's episode:Fossil Free Fundshttps://fossilfreefunds.org/ ICYMI another episode you might enjoy:Episode#142 Conscious Travel and TourismLove the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:Website https://www.progressivepockets.comTwitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts Work With Me:Email progressivepockets@gmail.com for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.Easy Ways to Support the Show1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//Support the show
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.----------------------------------------Welcome to Episode 88 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I'm joined by Medea Nocentini, Senior Partner at Global Ventures and Founder of C3 – Companies Creating Change, about scaling impact across the Middle East and Africa.Medea brings a unique blend of corporate strategy, venture capital, and impact entrepreneurship. At Global Ventures, she invests in growth-stage startups transforming emerging markets through technology.As founder of C3, a B Corp-certified social enterprise, she has supported over 300 impact-driven startups across 27 countries, helping them raise more than $550 million to date.In this episode, we discuss:The evolution of impact investing in the Middle East and AfricaKey challenges and opportunities for startups in frontier marketsHow C3 builds scalable programs to support foundersThe role of partnerships and ecosystem-building in driving long-term impactLet's dive in. ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
Galvanize Climate Solutions' Joe Sumberg and CBRE Chief Sustainability Officer Rob Bernard share insights on achieving high returns through sustainable investment strategies. · Profitable Sustainability: Commercial real estate investment strategies that integrate today's sustainability and decarbonization technologies can enhance returns.· Economic Opportunities: There is high occupier demand for green buildings, presenting investment opportunities.· Technological Integration is the key: Using energy-efficiency systems and AI can enhance the operating performance and value of real estate assets.· Strategic Market Focus: Regulatory frameworks and government incentives can increase the appeal of sustainable investment strategies in certain markets.
Daniel Morris, Chief Market Strategist, sits down with Olivier De Larouziere, CIO of Fixed Income, to discuss some of the recent moves in global bond markets. Olivier reminds listeners that one things hasn't changed, namely the number one performance driver for fixed income remains carry.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
My guest today is Hadewych Kuiper, Managing Director at Triodos Investment Management — a pure-play impact investing firm since day one, with a 30-year track record of turning capital into systemic change.However, Hadewych didn't arrive in finance with a grand plan to change the system. Her journey began in a small town in the north of the Netherlands, where she was raised in a Protestant household that blended structure with a quiet rebellion against rigidity. Her childhood was grounded, shaped by time in nature, and marked by her parents' early divorce — a rupture that taught her independence before most children even understand the concept. From an early age, she absorbed values that now form the spine of her leadership: directness, responsibility, and a refusal to look away when something doesn't make sense.Hadewych studied business administration at Erasmus University, and she didn't set out to change the finance world. But after a decade in corporate consulting, a simple question kept surfacing: what's the point? That question — and her drive for clarity, integrity, and purpose — eventually led her to Triodos just as the 2008 financial crisis hit.While big banks crumbled under complex products, Triodos stood firm, having never invested in what they didn't understand. That same principle guides them today: if it's not clear, it's not worth the risk.Today, Hadewych leads Triodos Investment Management, a €6 billion AUM firm built on that same philosophical foundation — but with a far broader mandate. The firm invests across five key transitions: energy, food, resources, societal systems, and well-being.These aren't just ESG and Impact categories — they're deeply connected areas that drive real, systemic change. Triodos made its first wind energy loan in 1986, right after Chernobyl. It began investing in financial inclusion in 1994, before microfinance was a formal asset class. Today, it's working with UNICEF to pioneer child-lens investing — developing a framework to assess companies based on their impact on future generations. Its portfolio includes solar-powered irrigation in Africa, seaweed protein startups in Europe, and financial institutions in Latin America that have grown from NGOs into regulated banks.At Triodos, every investment must show not just expected returns, but why it matters. Whether it's private equity, debt, or listed markets, the approach stays consistent: clear minimum standards, concentrated portfolios, and strong alignment between values and outcomes.And yes, it walks away when deals don't align, even if the financial return looks good. Especially then. Because “all money has impact — every euro, dollar, or pound. The question is whether it's positive or negative, and whether you're conscious of it.”Few firms can claim a 30-year track record of pure-play impact investing. Even fewer have helped define the field and publish their standards for others to use. Triodos has done all of that — and more. They're on a mission to make impact investing the new normal. It's an ambitious goal — and this episode shows what it takes to get there.Tune in to find out!—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:Triodos WebsiteTriodos LinkedInHadewych Kuiper LinkedIn
Equity flows to exchange-traded funds diverged earlier this year, with outflows from US ETFs but inflows to European, emerging market and China ETFs. These and other topics feature in our quarterly ETF podcast with Daniel Morris, Chief Market Strategist, and Daniel Dornel, Head of ETF Research. For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
Today's guest is Nasir Qadree, Founder and Managing Partner of Zeal Capital Partners – a venture platform based in Washington, D.C., that's reimagining how capital flows by focusing on inclusion, economic mobility, and systems change.Nasir was raised in Atlanta between two very different worlds – one shaped by his hardworking mother and the other by his father's presence among Atlanta's elite. He grew up acutely aware of who gets access to opportunity and who doesn't. That contrast became his driving force.After earning his degree from Hampton University, Nasir entered the finance world during the 2008 crisis, working at Goldman Sachs and later State Street. But the turning point came when he co-owned a small café that became an informal hub for EdTech founders. He realized he wanted more than just returns – he wanted to drive change.A fellowship with Education Pioneers led to a data role in Connecticut's Department of Education, then to Village Capital, where he led global edtech investments. At AT&T, he managed a $400 million impact portfolio.By 2020, he was ready to build something of his own.He launched Zeal right in the middle of the pandemic, driven by a clear but radical idea: the way we allocate capital is broken. Too much money ends up in too few places — and in the hands of too few people.Zeal's answer is inclusive investing: a five-pronged framework that reimagines how, where, and who we invest in — starting with building diverse fund teams, backing overlooked founders, expanding beyond traditional VC hubs, focusing on sectors that drive economic mobility, and measuring real-world impact.It focuses on three key areas for driving systems change: fintech, health equity, and the future of learning and work. But this isn't about feel-good metrics. Zeal targets 3–4x net gross returns and outperformance.Nasir believes — and the data supports — that diverse teams outperform because they see more. They solve bigger problems. And they go where others don't. Zeal now has $186 million in AUM, with a growing reputation as one of the boldest emerging managers in the country.And for Nasir, this is personal. When he sits across from a founder who's been overlooked, he sees himself — someone who's been on both sides of the tracks and deserves to belong in every room.And that belief isn't just his mantra. It's Zeal's entire investment thesis.Tune in to hear how Nasir is rewriting the rules of venture capital — and why inclusion isn't charity. It's a profitable strategy.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Nasir C. Qadree:LinkedInInstagram- Zeal Capital Partners:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramX (Twitter)- Kauffman Foundation's white paper: ‘Access to capital for Entrepreneurs: Removing Barriers'- ‘Race Influences Professional Investors' Financial Judgments'
Impact investing – making investments for a positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return – is seeing growing interest from investors, even in a world where many types of sustainable investing face scepticism. Berenice Lasfargues, Sustainability Integration Lead, talks to Chief Market Strategist Daniel Morris about the features of this approach that seeks to invest in companies offering, for example, education tools for dyslexic children or affordable housing.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
A newly re-energised Europe, lifted by more concerted efforts to address lacklustre growth faces a fresh blow as US plans to re-engineer global trade threaten to sap investor and consumer confidence. Listen to Mario Pietrunti, Senior European Economist, as he explains the direct and indirect effects to Chief Market Strategist Daniel Morris. For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.----------------------------------------Welcome to Episode 87 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Andy Kuper, Founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, a pioneering firm that has reshaped how global capital can drive profit with purpose.Dr. Andy Kuper, founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, has redefined how private capital can create meaningful change. Since launching the firm in 2007, Kuper has led with a bold vision: to deliver "Profit with Purpose" by investing in businesses that generate strong returns while solving real-world challenges across Asia and Africa.
The Trump administration has an infamously dim view on sustainability, but what does this really mean for the landscape of sustainable investing? Melanie Beyeler, Senior Portfolio Manager at New Capital, talks to Moz about why it's not necessarily all bad news for the segment, and what sustainable investing opportunities may arise out of the new global dynamic. Our host, Moz Afzal:https://bit.ly/31XbkTROur guests:Melanie Beyelerhttps://bit.ly/4cuNGBKEFGAM:https://www.newcapital.com/Important disclaimersThe value of investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise, and past performance is no indicator of future performance. Investment products may be subject to investment risks involving, but not limited to, possible loss of all or part of the principal invested. 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SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
In this episode, I'm talking with Bettina von Hagen, Managing Director & CEO of EFM Investments & Advisory. Since founding Ecotrust Forest Management 20 years ago, she's been redefining forestry investment – consistently beating traditional market-rate returns while protecting ecosystems, communities, and future generations.Bettina grew up in politically turbulent Lima, Peru, with a scholar father, an artist-entrepreneur mother, and a childhood shaped by earthquakes, curfews, and curiosity. Her love of systems thinking began with a trip to the Galápagos Islands at age 14 and eventually led her to study evolutionary biology before pivoting to business.After earning her MBA at the University of Chicago, Bettina entered the world of commercial banking in the Pacific Northwest – right in the middle of the timber wars. But instead of picking a side, she asked a different question: How do we meet essential needs – like timber – without compromising ecosystems or future generations?That question led her to Ecotrust, a nonprofit focused on conservation-based development. There, she helped launch Craft3, a triple-bottom-line lender, and Beneficial State Bank. But the real spark came in 2004, when she co-founded EFM within Ecotrust to pioneer sustainable forest investing.By 2008, she bought a stake in the company and stepped in as CEO.EFM now manages 200,000 acres and nearly $500M in assets, with a staff of just 11 people and a vast network of contractors. Their model isn't just about timber. It's about carbon credits, conservation easements, water protection, salmon runs, tribal partnerships, and restoring degraded ecosystems.Bettina's forestry strategy is built on what she calls the Five R's:Rotation: Letting trees grow longer for higher-value wood.Retention: Leaving 10–30% of trees to support soil, seedbanks, and habitat.Reserves: Protecting special ecological areas, like salmon-bearing streams.Restoration: Rebuilding habitat, especially in fire-prone and aquatic systems.Relationships: Partnering with tribes, local communities, and land trusts.EFM's forests generate revenue through multiple streams. When timber prices dip, they don't rush to harvest – instead, they “store value on the stump.” Trees continue to grow, becoming more valuable over time. Carbon markets make this kind of patience financially viable.By deferring cuts, selling carbon offsets, or securing conservation easements, EFM creates liquidity without compromising ecological integrity.The results speak for themselves. Every fund exit has outperformed the NCREIF Timberland benchmark, and every acre under EFM's care becomes more ecologically and socially valuable over time.Forests don't have to be sacrificed for growth. In Bettina's hands, they are growth.Tune in to hear how she's building a forestry model that works – for investors, ecosystems, and future generations.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Bettina LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettina-von-hagen/- EFM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/efminvest/- EFM Website: https://efmi.com/
A popular investment strategy targeting market-neutral exposure involves an overweight exposure to convertible bonds in combination with an underweight in the underlying equity that the bonds typically convert into. Skander discusses with Chief Market Strategist Daniel Morris how these strategies can appeal to investors looking for less risk and less volatility in their portfolios.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
What do the latest import tariff announcements from the Trump administration mean for emerging economies and companies around the world? Here, with a first assessment, Zhikai Chen, Head of Global Emerging Markets, shares his views on the impact for Asian and emerging market (EM) economies and companies with Chief Market Strategist Daniel Morris.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
European securitised assets, backed by loans, mortgages and other categories of (consumer) credit as collateral, offer investors a source of diversification from other forms of credit such as corporate debt. Listen to David Favier, Head of Structured Credit, as he discusses the ins and outs of asset-backed securities and their role as a diversification asset in a broad fixed income portfolio with Daniel Morris, Chief Market Strategist.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Send us a textAre you ready for climate month at Progressive Pockets? Let's talk about dealing with climate anxiety. Let's dig into banks and retirement accounts that actually care about the environment. Let's talk about sustainable landscaping... that's still cute.Sound good? Subscribe to Progressive Pockets wherever you listen to podcasts.Love the book recos on this show? Check out the Progressive Pockets Bookshelf:https://bookshop.org/shop/progressivepockets As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, Progressive Pockets will earn a commission if you make a purchase.Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:Website https://www.progressivepockets.comTwitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts Work With Me:Email progressivepockets@gmail.com for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.Easy Ways to Support the Show1. Send this episode to someone you know! Word of mouth is how podcasts grow!2. Buy me a coffee (or a soundproof panel!) https://buymeacoffee.com/progressivepockets 3. Leave a 5 star rating and review for the show!//NO AI TRAINING: Any use of this podcast episode transcript or associated show notes or blog posts to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style or genre as this content. The author reserves all rights to license uses of this work for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models//Support the show
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
Today's guest is Stephen Muers, CEO of Better Society Capital – the UK's leading social impact-led investor. His path to impact started long before his career, shaped by his upbringing in a Quaker family rooted in values of equality, social conscience, and integrity.Before stepping into the world of impact investing, Stephen spent years in the UK government working on complex policy challenges like prison reform, energy, and child poverty. But no matter how solid the strategies, he saw firsthand how culture often stood in the way of real progress. That realization led him to seek change from a different angle – at Better Society Capital — the UK's leading social impact investor, formerly known as Big Society Capital.Founded with £400 million from dormant UK bank accounts (yes, really) and £200 million from the four main UK high street banks, BSC was built on an ambitious mission: not to grow its own assets, but to grow the entire UK social impact investment market.Since 2011, that's exactly what they've done — helping expand the market twelve-fold to over £10 billion. This capital now fuels social purpose organisations tackling everything from homelessness and domestic abuse to mental health and fuel poverty.Stephen stepped into the CEO role shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, juggling remote leadership and homeschooling his son — because why not tackle systemic change during a global crisis?Today, he leads BSC's work across four strategic verticals: Social and Affordable Housing, Social Lending, Social Outcomes, and Impact Venture.Along the way, they're also proving a critical point: impact and returns aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, some of BSC's most successful investments are delivering both — solid financial performance and deep social impact. A reminder that social investing, done right, doesn't mean sacrificing returns.As Stephen puts it, “The trade-off between social and financial returns is not linear.” And maybe that's the real takeaway here — the future of finance won't be about choosing sides. It'll be about building markets where solving problems is part of the profit model, not separate from it.Tune in to hear how BSC is making that future a reality.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. In my interviews, I cover everything from their early personal journeys to insights into how they developed and executed their investment strategies and what challenges they face today. Each episode is a chance to go way below the surface with these impressive people and gain additional insights and useful lessons from professional investors.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Stephen Muers LinkedIn- Better Society Capital LinkedIn- Better Society Capital Website- ‘Culture and Values at the Heart of Policy Making: An Insider's Guide'
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.----------------------------------------Welcome to Episode 86 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I'm joined by Howard Fischer, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of Gratitude Railroad, to discuss his journey from Wall Street to impact investing and how Gratitude Railroad is building a community-driven approach to fund entrepreneurs creating lasting social and environmental change.Prior to his work in impact investing, Howard spent over 30 years in traditional finance as the Founder and CEO of Basso Capital Management, a hedge fund specializing in convertible securities.He previously held senior trading roles at Smith Barney, Drexel Burnham Lambert, and Cohen Feit & Company, and began his career as a Certified Public Accountant in both public and private sectors.Howard currently serves on the boards of 1% for the Planet, The Carbon Underground, and the Garrison Institute's Compassionate Leaders in Finance program.He also advises BrightEdge, the investment fund of the American Cancer Society, and has held board positions with DoneGood, Builders Fund, Atlas Impact Partners, and Blackdirt Capital.He holds a B.S.E. in Accounting and Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and was a Fellow in Harvard University's Advanced Leadership Initiative in 2013 and 2014. ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
My guest today is Stephanie Cohn Rupp, Chief Executive Officer of Veris Wealth Partners — one of the first impact-only wealth management firms in the world, and one of the rare few that has been majority women-owned or led since day one.Stephanie was born in the U.S. and raised just outside Paris by parents who did medical missions in underserved communities. She learned early on that work should serve a bigger purpose. That belief shaped her path — from microfinance in Central Asia to leadership roles at the Omidyar Network, Toniic, and Threshold Group.But what she really wanted was a firm fully aligned with her mission — a place where impact wasn't just a side offering but the whole point.That's exactly what she found at Veris. They weren't just any firm – Veris was one of the first impact-only wealth management firms in the world. Majority women-led, deeply mission-driven, and at the time – looking for their next CEO.It was a perfect match! Stephanie stepped in, and today, she leads a team managing $2.3 billion in assets, all dedicated to an ambitious goal – to create a more sustainable, equitable, and just world. Veris focuses on four core impact themes: climate solutions, sustainable agriculture, racial and gender equity, and community wealth building. They use a holistic approach, integrating environmental, social, and governance factors across all asset classes.Unlike most firms, Veris doesn't just offer impact investing – it operates as an impact investment itself. They hold themselves to the same standards on diversity, equity, climate, and inclusion that they expect from the investments they make.It's not always easy with the current political backlash against ESG in the USA and climate denial still making headlines.Yet despite these headwinds, Stephanie has no dilemma - impact investing is here to stay. Because climate challenges, inequality, and injustice aren't going anywhere. And will eventually affect us all.So tune in and let Stephanie show you that impatience for change is actually the best growth engine around.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes. In my interviews, I cover everything from their early personal journeys to insights into how they developed and executed their investment strategies and what challenges they face today. Each episode is a chance to go way below the surface with these impressive people and gain additional insights and useful lessons from professional investors.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Veris Website - Veris LinkedIn - Stephanie LinkedIn
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
My guest today is Yasemin Saltuk Lamy, Head of Investment Strategy at Legal & General (L&G), a London-based multinational financial services and asset management company. And believe it or not, her investment journey started when she was only 18.Back then, she had been dreaming of studying in Senegal to experience a French-speaking African economy. But then, the University of Pennsylvania's study abroad office made her an offer she couldn't ignore: a $12,000 scholarship to study in Scotland.For most students, that would have been a no-brainer – they would have spent it on books, rent, or maybe a bit of travel… But Yasemin saw it as an investment opportunity.She did the math, figured she could live on $6,000, and put the rest into high-growth equities. It was 1998, the height of the dot-com boom. Her investment skyrocketed – until the bubble burst. Long story short, it took nearly a decade just to break even.It was a tough experience at such a young age, but a powerful one. Watching markets rise and fall, she realized she wanted to understand the bigger picture – how economies impact people's lives.And she had a strong background for that. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Yasemin grew up between two worlds. After a military coup d'état, her parents moved the family to the U.S., settling in Rhode Island.Every summer, she returned to Turkey, experiencing firsthand the stark economic contrasts between her two homes. In the U.S., she valued independence and opportunity. In Turkey, she saw the power of family networks and community-driven economies.But it wasn't until she moved back to Turkey as an adult that she truly felt the financial instability of inflation. She then abandoned her plan to pursue a Ph.D. in pure mathematics and instead studied financial mathematics at King's College London.After starting out as a high school math teacher, Yasemin moved into finance, bringing with her a strong focus on leadership and impact. At J.P. Morgan, she helped launch the Social Finance Team, and later at British International Investment, she led the Catalyst Portfolio – using catalytic capital to de-risk investments and crowd in private capital for emerging markets and climate projects.Now at Legal & General, she's focused on bridging institutional capital with sustainable investments. She's using her experience with catalytic capital to make high-impact projects – especially in climate resilience and infrastructure – less risky and more attractive to traditional investors like pension funds and insurers.In this interview, Yasemin breaks down how catalytic capital is transforming impact investing and why pension funds have a duty to invest in the right things to protect long-term asset value.The future of finance isn't just about returns – it's about reshaping the system to work for people and the planet. Tune in to hear how Yasemin is making it happen.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- L&G website- Yasemin LinkedIn
In the wake of International Women's Day on Mar 8, Amantia Muhedini from the UBS Chief Investment Office was joined by Will Pomroy of Federated Hermes for a discussion around US companies pulling back workforce diversity and inclusion policies, along with how investors are separating noise from actual change at the company level. Featured is Amantia Muhedini, Sustainable & Impact Investing Strategist Americas, UBS Chief Investment Office, and Will Pomroy, Head of Impact Engagement - Equities and Lead Engager Small & Mid Cap Equities, Federated Hermes. Host: Daniel Cassidy
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
My guest today is Jyotsna Krishnan, the CEO and Co-Founder of EPIC World focused on empowering what she has termed "the unseen middle." Jyotsna leads initiatives to change the financial systems for entrepreneurial households in India, creating replicable models for other regions that share similar market dynamics, like Latin America.She recognized great potential in a segment that comprises 247 million households. According to EPIC World's estimates, there is a $100 trillion opportunity over the next 20 years to serve Indian entrepreneurial households and harness their economic vibrancy.Educated at top institutions, Jyotsna Krishnan honed her financial expertise at HSBC but felt limited in impact. To drive real change, she joined Elevar Equity to support entrepreneurial households directly.(Sandeep Farias, founder and managing partner of Elevar Equity was my guest in one of the previous episodes. Listen in to learn more.)Often overlooked as the "bottom of the pyramid," these households were in fact dynamic risk-takers, problem-solvers, and creators of multiple income streams during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite their economic potential, they lacked access to quality healthcare, education, financing, and business services, mainly because businesses didn't figure out how to serve them effectively.That's when EPIC World was born. Founded by partners from Elevar Equity and a co-founder skilled in deep tech and data, it acts as a scaling engine. It bridges the gap between businesses, investors, and entrepreneurial households by offering deep market intelligence, real-time data, and aligned capital strategies. Their goal is to help 50 companies scale up to become blue-chip firms that serve these entrepreneurial households, recognized as key drivers of India's growth.And the numbers showing the market's potential are staggering: Entrepreneurial households in India alone contributed $8.8 trillion in transaction volume in 2023, and this figure rose to $10 trillion in 2024, with the potential to grow tenfold over the next 20 years.Tune in for this interview with Jyotsna to learn more about the palpable change she's making and how inclusive economic practices can genuinely uplift entire communities, creating new leaders from those who were once misunderstood, undervalued, and overlooked.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Jyotsna Krishnan LinkedIn- EPIC World Twitter- EPIC World Website- Book: Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh: India's Lonely Young Women And The Search For Intimacy And Independence- Episode #72 with Sandeep Farias
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
Robert Kraybill is a well-known name in the impact investment space who has created innovative financial products that channel capital into improving livelihoods across emerging markets, particularly in South and Southeast Asia.But his journey didn't start there.Robert's first big career move was at Morgan Stanley. Fresh out of Princeton, he was ready to take on the world of investment banking. But before he even made it to his orientation session, he met Durreen Shahnaz – the woman who would later become his wife and, more importantly for this story, the founder of Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) and a global leader in social impact investing. Starting as a banker at Morgan Stanley, Robert later led investment banking for Wasserstein Perella & Co. in Singapore and then transitioned to private equity at Marathon Asset Management, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region. Then came 2008. The financial crisis hit, and Robert saw firsthand that it "exposed the hollow promise of traditional finance's claim to make the world better through efficient capital allocation." He knew there had to be a better way. So, he pivoted – to impact investing.Fast forward to today, and he's Chief Investment Officer at IIX, a Singapore-based enterprise that helps mission-driven businesses grow and scale their positive impact. In their words, they “build pathways to connect backstreets of underserved communities to the Wall Streets of the world”. Alongside his wife, he is transforming financial systems and developing innovative solutions that drive women's empowerment, climate action, and community resilience. Through IIX and the IIX Foundation, their work has mobilized over $250 million in private-sector investment and positively impacted more than 100 million people worldwide.His team pioneered the Women's Livelihood Bond (WLB) series, a first-of-its-kind financial product that channels investment into women-focused enterprises across emerging markets. But they didn't stop there. After proving the success of the Women's Livelihood Bonds, they created Orange Bonds – an investment framework designed to standardize and scale gender-lens investing, just like Green Bonds did for climate finance.In this episode, Robert takes us through the evolution of the WLB Series and the birth of Orange Bonds. He also explains the mechanics of blended finance – where catalytic capital de-risks investments to attract large-scale institutional funding. We also talk about IIX's Values Impact Measurement Tool, their Risk-Return-Impact philosophy, and their ambitious goal: creating one billion sustainable livelihoods by 2030.Join us to discover why the future of impact investing isn't just green – it's turning orange.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:- Robert Kraybill LinkedIn - IIX LinkedIn - IIX Website - The Defiant Optimist: Daring to Fight Global Inequality, Reinvent Finance, and Invest in Women
In this episode, Eloise Goulder, head of the Data Assets & Alpha Group at J.P. Morgan, chats with Andrew Howard, head of Sustainable Investing at Schroders Asset Management. They discuss the recent drivers of sustainable investing -- from a regulatory, industry concentration, macro landscape, and data availability perspective. They also explore changes in underlying sustainability risks facing the economy, and how these trends can be incorporated into the underlying investment thesis. This episode was recorded on November 7, 2024. The views expressed in this podcast may not necessarily reflect the views of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co and its affiliates (together “J.P. Morgan”), they are not the product of J.P. Morgan's Research Department and do not constitute a recommendation, advice, or an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or financial instrument. This podcast is intended for institutional and professional investors only and is not intended for retail investor use, it is provided for information purposes only. Referenced products and services in this podcast may not be suitable for you and may not be available in all jurisdictions. J.P. Morgan may make markets and trade as principal in securities and other asset classes and financial products that may have been discussed. For additional disclaimers and regulatory disclosures, please visit: www.jpmorgan.com/disclosures/salesandtradingdisclaimer. For the avoidance of doubt, opinions expressed by any external speakers are the personal views of those speakers and do not represent the views of J.P. Morgan. © 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Company. All rights reserved.
We discuss the European Union Omnibus regulations, along with Trump administration executive orders that have attracted attention to the sustainability landscape. Featured in-studio are Amantia Muhedini, Sustainable & Impact Investing Strategist Americas with the UBS Chief Investment Office, and Dan Roarty, Chief Investment Officer of the Sustainable Thematic Equities team at AllianceBernstein. Host: Daniel Cassidy
What does 2025 hold for sustainable investing? Jason Mitchell talks to Hortense Bioy, Morningstar Head of Research, about how sustainable investing has reshaped asset flows over the last several years; what the suspension of the net zero initiatives could mean for investors; and why sustainable investing can survive Trump 2.0.
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.----------------------------------------Welcome to Episode 85 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I'm joined by Matt Eldridge, Executive Director of Realize Impact, on using Donor Advised Funds to innovate impact investing.Impact investing is often perceived as complex, requiring a balance between financial returns and social good.Realize Impact eliminates these barriers, providing a streamlined process that enables individuals, foundations, and donor-advised funds (DAFs) to invest in high-impact ventures while maintaining financial sustainability.How It WorksImpact investing through Realize Impact is facilitated via the Philanthropic Investment Grant (PHIG)—a simple and effective way to direct capital toward high-impact ventures.By recommending an investment and providing matching capital, donors can amplify their contributions while supporting meaningful change.Realize Impact simplifies impact investing into three steps:Grant Recommendation – Investors recommend an impact investment through a grant from a DAF, foundation, or personal funds.Due Diligence & Investment – Realize Impact conducts research, reviews terms, and executes the investment in debt, equity, or revenue-based funding.Returns & Reinvestment – 99% of the investment returns are donated back to the investor's recommended DAF, foundation, or nonprofit for reinvestment.This model allows investors to support impactful projects without the complexities of direct investment management.What is a Donor Advised Fund?A Donor Advised Fund is a philanthropic giving vehicle that allows donors to contribute funds, receive immediate tax benefits, and then recommend grants to eligible charities over time.Think of it as a charitable savings account, where individuals or families set aside funds dedicated to philanthropic purposes.These funds are managed by sponsoring organizations, such as community foundations, universities, or specialized charitable organizations, which administer the DAF on behalf of the donor.Unlocking Capital for Global SolutionsSignificant capital remains idle in donor-advised funds and foundations. Realize Impact mobilizes these funds into ventures addressing key global challenges such as:Climate change – Investing in renewable energy and sustainable business models.Economic empowerment – Supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs with access to capital.Social equity – Financing housing, education, and healthcare initiatives.By actively deploying philanthropic capital, Realize Impact maximizes both financial and social returns.Transparent Fee StructureRealize Impact offers a straightforward, affordable pricing model:$500 flat fee for investments of $10,000 or more.No fee for investments under $10,000 (though returns are not re-donated).This ensures accessibility while maintaining financial sustainability.Redefining Impact InvestingContrary to the belief that impact investing sacrifices returns, Realize Impact proves that financial and social benefits can align.By reinvesting returns into donor-advised funds and nonprofits, the organization amplifies the impact of every dollar. ----------------------------------------Thrive in the Impact Economy.Join 20k+. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and curated products that drive the Impact Economy. Our mission is to highlight and celebrate the founders, creators, investors, and conscious brands shaping the future of conscious business and philanthropy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.com
In the latest Better Money Better World podcast episode, Daniel is joined by Brian Wayne, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of CurvePoint Capital. CurvePoint Capital is a private investment firm dedicated to advancing climate-focused innovation. Founded in 2024, it is committed to generating attractive returns for investors while fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future. Brian shines the spotlight on the missing middle in capital for middle-stage companies. By filling a capital gap in the investment landscape, CurvePoint aims to balance risk and reward uniquely, driving significant environmental and economic progress. Tune in to hear how CurvePoint's approach to debt financing offers flexibility and lower costs compared to traditional equity. Brian shares his approach to balancing capital, risk, and return expectations, emphasizing the goal of getting invested money back with interest and equity upside.
Peter Krull is the Director of Sustainable Investing of Earth Equity Advisors, an RIA based out of North Carolina that oversees approximately $200 million in assets under management for 250 client households. What sets Pete apart is his ability to grow his firm by helping clients align their portfolios with their personal values, turning investments into a reflection of the businesses they want to support. He achieves this while maintaining well-diversified, market-aligned portfolios that are prudently allocated to sound businesses. Listen in as Pete shares how his sustainable investing approach focuses on identifying sectors and companies poised for future success, differentiating it from socially responsible and ESG investing by taking a bottom-up, forward-looking perspective. He explains how he uses a combination of industry insights, quantitative metrics, and third-party evaluations to construct client portfolios with a mix of equities and fixed-income investments that align with sustainability criteria while meeting clients' risk tolerances. Pete also discusses how serving a well-defined niche has expanded his business opportunities, enabling him to attract clients who want their investments to support the future they envision, and how merging with a larger firm has allowed him to scale his offerings and reach even more like-minded investors. For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/419