Michael Hurley

Impact market surges 40% to $715 billion, GIIN says

The global market for investments made with an intent to generate measurable positive impact alongside financial returns grew by about 40% to $715 billion last year, according to estimates by the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN).

Ford Foundation to issue $1bn in social bonds in response to Covid-19

The Ford Foundation is set to issue bonds worth $1 billion with a 'social' label, in a departure from the organisation's usual avenues of fundraising, according to a report by The New York Times.

Impact debt fund poised to raise €400m

The manager of a debt fund that links the cost of its lending to pre-agreed environmental and social 'key performance indicators' (KPIs) has said the fund is poised to attract €400 million ($455 million) in commitments.

SDG bond issuers 'strongly encouraged' to comply with ICMA principles

Issuers of bonds that claim to align with one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been "strongly encouraged" to also align with the relevant set of bond principles administered by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).

200% rise in Swiss impact investments signals 'new era'

Last year saw investments that target measurable positive social or environmental impact alongside returns more than treble, taking the total to about CHF50 billion ($52 billion), according to a survey of Swiss investors.

Investments with positive impact intent top $2trn, says IFC

The total amount of funds invested with the aim to generate positive social or environmental impact are already likely to be between $2.1 trillion and $3.5 trillion, according to estimates by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Covid-19-recovery impact fund launched in South Africa

Ninety One has launched a debt and equity impact fund to support South Africa's recovery from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

People Moves 5 June: JP Morgan, Global Environment Facility, NN Investment Partners, Breedon Group, Triodos, Yielco, European Lab Steering Group, Severstal, Trillium

TPG Rise Fund invests in US financial inclusion startup

Mobile banking company Varo Money has closed a $241 million funding round, which included investment from TPG's Rise Fund.

SoftBank to launch $100m fund to invest in 'people of colour'

SoftBank plans to launch a $100 million fund to invest in "companies led by founders and entrepreneurs of colour", it said in a note to employees.