In brief: A free database of impact investors

Impact investing most commonly focuses on reducing global poverty, addressing income inequality, and solving climate change. That’s according to private markets impact managers featured in an annual listing compiled by the non-profit investor ImpactAssets.

Now in its 11th year, the IA50 assessed 143 private markets firms managing nearly $117 billion in assets. If you are an allocator looking for impact managers, the database is worth a look.

ImpactAssets’ ranking includes some of the most commonly reported focus points among impact managers:

• Clean technologies and alternative energy solutions addressing climate change – 18 percent
• Micro-financing and insurance options providing low-income financial services – 16 percent
• Investment strategies supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives – 12 percent

Impact managers’ broader goals are to target these most-cited UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• No poverty – 15 percent
• Reduced inequality – 13 percent
• Economic growth – 12 percent
• Climate action – 9 percent

Jed Emerson, senior fellow at ImpactAssets and chair of the organisation’s review committee, said in a statement that the IA50 represents a “dramatic expansion” of private markets impact investing and “shines a light on the breadth and diversity of impact fund managers”.