Michael Hurley

Hamilton Lane targeting $400m for second impact fund

US private markets investor Hamilton Lane is targeting a $400 million fundraise for its second impact fund - a sum four times larger than it is reported to have raised for its first such fund.

Blue like an Orange invests in Brazilian solar

Impact investment manager Blue like an Orange has provided BRL 106 million ($19 million) in mezzanine financing to Brazilian solar energy generation company Órigo Energia.

Plant-based investment platform launches deal-sourcing service

An online platform has been launched to identify investments in companies providing 'plant-based solutions', across market segments like seafood, meat & dairy alternatives, 'cruelty-free' cosmetics, bio-based materials and 'ethical' fashion.

2DII consults on system 'to design sound climate impact strategies'

2° Investing Initiative has launched a consultation on an 'impact management system' it claims can help financial institutions design "scientifically sound climate impact strategies".

Banks with $29trn in assets pledge to set 2050 'net zero' targets

A group of banks with about $28.5 trillion in assets has joined a UN-convened 'Net Zero Banking Alliance', and in doing so pledged to "align operational and attributable emissions from their portfolios with pathways to net-zero by 2050 or sooner".

News round-up: BlackRock, Eurazeo, CBL, COP26 and Standard Chartered

Choose carefully when seeking China climate opportunity, warns WTW

Institutional investor allocations to China could represent as much as 20% of 'growth' portfolios within 10 years - but strong active asset management will be required if investors are to avoid harming the sustainability profile of portfolios, says Willis Towers Watson (WTW).

Chinese financial institutions 'faced with grave climate risks', says central bank

Chinese financial institutions "are faced with grave risks and should begin their green transition right away", according to the governor of the country's central bank.

Lightrock takes 10% stake in South Pole

Impact investment manager Lightrock has bought a 10% stake in climate-themed project developer South Pole for a "double-digit-million-euro" sum.

Covid-19 a catalyst for real estate impact strategies, Schroders says

The fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated a "fundamental shift towards strategies which generate a positive social and environmental impact", particularly among real estate investors, according to Schroders.