Small, low interest loans to the poorest people can transform lives and level up communities, but traditional microfinance has never taken off in the UK. What’s more, Brexit dealt it a near-fatal blow.
GDP up, good; GDP down, bad? Not so simple, especially when assessing citizens’ wellbeing. Many alternative measures aim to fill that gap, but none can entirely replace GDP, writes our columnist – and in any case, the real issue lies deeper...
The UK is weary of social impact bonds. But, says Dr Chih Hoong Sin, exciting innovations in other parts of the world should inspire the country of their birth to take a fresh look at what they can achieve.
How does a social investment intermediary outlive shifting political winds, a global financial crisis, and much more? Matt Smith, CEO of Sheffield-based Key Fund, reflects on two decades of taking risks and staying true to the mission.
Are public sector accounts ‘materially misstated’? Our columnist gets anxious as he submerges himself in the alphabet soup of global public sector accounting standards – and proposes a simple addition to bring social value back to the surface.
The education offered to future business leaders, accountants and financiers is “deeply acultural, secular and exclusive”. Faith-based approaches could guide a new model – one that nourishes trust, respects nature and builds a sustainable economy.
Two central themes within Judaism – one that values every being as equal, one that calls on us to work for a kinder world – offer direction and a sense of humility, while collaboration across faiths provides 'spiritual fuel' to continue the journey.
Backing female-led businesses is a ticket to prosperity for everyone. As the world seeks solutions for post-pandemic recovery, it’s time for investors to put their money where their mouths are.
Faith-based investing is a small – though growing – portion of the world’s total assets under management. But 'alliances of goodness' between faith groups are starting to collaborate and allocate impact-first capital. How can they reach the peak?
