This award recognises the work of Australian investment fund manager Metrics Credit Partners in creating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business loan product.

This product promotes economic access and inclusion by encouraging the development of Indigenous businesses and job creation through the provision of flexible and 'culturally appropriate' financing.

Although the product is still in pre-launch testing it has already delivered over AUD$200,000 ($136,000) to Indigenous businesses.

"This award is welcome recognition of extensive research by our sustainable finance team conducted over the past year to ensure we addressed the key barriers to finance faced by Indigenous businesses," says Alison Chan, investment director, sustainable finance at Metrics Credit Partners.

By providing greater access to finance to support the growth of Indigenous businesses, the firm aims to contribute to reducing inequality and drive a shift in the overall market.

Andrew Lockhart, managing partner at Metrics Credit Partners, added: "This is an innovative new product that promotes economic access and inclusion by making it easier for indigenous businesses in Australia to fund growth.

"Sustainability and diversity have been important themes for Metrics this year as we continually seek to improve our offering to borrowers and investors through initiatives that bring purpose and value to our stakeholders."