BETHESDA, Md., March 14, 2023 – Accion has been selected for the ImpactAssets 50 2023 (IA 50) list, a free publicly available, searchable database of impact investment fund managers for impact investors, family offices, corporations, foundations and institutional investors. Accion is featured in the Emeritus category, which recognizes impact fund managers who have been on the IA 50 for at least five years. This year marks the 11th time that Accion has been featured on the annual database.
Now in its twelfth year, the IA 50 continues to raise awareness of impact fund managers across impact areas, maturity, and geography, serving as a basis for deepening understanding of the field. Across all categories, a record 163 impact fund managers were included on this year’s list, totaling US$122.48 billion in assets, invested across a range of asset classes and impact themes.
“Accion is honored to be recognized by ImpactAssets for the 11th time, for our investments in companies that are addressing the needs of the world’s 1.8 billion financially underserved people,” said Michael Schlein, President and CEO of Accion. “As the world recovers from the pandemic and faces new economic shocks, we will continue to invest in inclusive fintechs that are providing innovative digital tools to help vulnerable populations build resilience and improve their livelihoods.”
“This year’s IA 50 showcase is a watershed, as the industry continues to allocate more investable assets into social and environmental solutions with both time-tested strategies and creative, new approaches,” said Jed Emerson, ImpactAssets Senior Fellow, IA 50 Review Committee Chair and Chief Impact Officer at AlTi Global. “Established funds continue to impress, while new funds are bringing fresh approaches and insights that move the needle in critical areas through impact investing.”
“What makes the IA 50 so special is its independent Review Committee, comprised of a diverse mix of industry veterans, expert practitioners and impact champions” said Margret Trilli, CEO and Chief Investment Officer at ImpactAssets. “Throughout the IA 50’s 12-year tenure, we have honed a rigorous application, analysis and scoring process to support the Review Committee in selecting interesting fund managers for the IA 50 directory. In doing so, the IA 50 has become a staple resource for investors to source impact investment ideas to consider for their own due diligence.”
Accion invests in products and services to benefit the world’s 1.8 billion financially underserved people, advanced through impact investment initiatives that today include Accion Global Investments, Accion Venture Lab, and the Accion Frontier Inclusion Fund, managed by partner Quona Capital. By making equity and quasi-equity investments in inclusive fintech startups, microfinance institutions, and other financial service providers, Accion helps to create well-run, mission-driven, and efficient organizations that achieve scale, impact, and returns.
About Accion
Accion is a global nonprofit committed to creating a financially inclusive world, with a trailblazing legacy in microfinance and fintech impact investing. We catalyze financial service providers to deliver high-quality, affordable solutions at scale for the 1.8 billion people who are left out of — or poorly served by — the financial sector. For more than 60 years, Accion has helped tens of millions of people through our work with more than 200 partners in 63 countries. More at accion.org.
About the ImpactAssets 50
The IA 50 is the first publicly available database that provides a gateway into the world of impact investing for donors and/or investors and their financial advisors, offering an easy way to identify experienced impact investment firms and explore the landscape of potential investment opportunities. The IA 50 is intended to illustrate the breadth of impact investment fund managers operating today, though it is not a comprehensive list. Firms have been selected to demonstrate a wide range of impact investing activities across geographies, sectors and asset classes.
The IA 50 is not an index or investable platform and does not constitute an offering or solicitation to buy or sell securities or a private placement, or recommend specific products. Nor is this an endorsement of any of the listed fund managers. It is not a replacement for due diligence. To be considered for the IA 50 2023, fund managers needed to have at least $25 million in assets under management, more than three years of experience as a firm with impact investing, documented social and/or environmental impact and be available for US investment. Additional details on the selection process are available here.
The IA 50 Emerging Impact Managers list is intended to spotlight newer fund managers to watch that demonstrate potential to create meaningful impact. Criteria such as minimum track record or minimum assets under management may not be applicable.
The IA 50 Emeritus Impact Managers list illuminates impact fund managers who have achieved consistent recognition on the IA 50.
About ImpactAssets
ImpactAssets is an impact investing trailblazer, dedicated to changing the trajectory of our planet’s future and improving the lives of all people. As a leading impact investing firm, we offer deep strategic expertise to help our clients define and execute on their impact goals. Founded in 2010, ImpactAssets increases flows of money to impact investing in partnership with our clients through our impact investment platform and field-building initiatives, including the IA 50 database of private debt and equity impact fund managers. ImpactAssets has more than $2 billion in assets in 1,700 donor advised fund accounts, working with purpose-driven individuals and their wealth managers, family offices, foundations and corporations. ImpactAssets is an independent 501(c)(3) organization.