Networking for Impact: A Guide for Affluent Investors
In a groundbreaking report compiled by the Centre for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth (CSP) at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, and the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative in the US, the importance of personal networks, reputation, specialised skills and knowledge, and community links in bringing about positive social and environmental change is emphasised.
The report, titled "The Investor's Guide to Multicapital Strategies," is based on 27 in-depth interviews with ultra-high-net-wealth impact investors from Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. One such investor is Michael Au, the chair of Toniic, a global network of high-net-wealth individuals, family offices, and foundations.
Au credits a chance meeting with Asian impact investing pioneer Annie Chen for his entry into the world of sustainable investing. Chen, the founder and chair of RS Group Asia, a Hong Kong-based family that's 100% dedicated to impact investing, spoke frequently and publicly about her firm's strategy. Au was convinced of the possibility of success in this field after meeting and witnessing Chen's journey.
The multicapital deployment strategy involves identifying the right partners for the deployment phase of impact investing, taking targeted actions, identifying an impact strategy, and addressing practical constraints such as time, returns, or risk. André Hoffmann, vice chairman of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche Holding, emphasises the importance of using all available tools to drive change when deploying multicapital strategies.
Hoffmann also underlines that wealth holders underestimate their influence and the guide provides pathways for them to contribute to a better world. Early life experiences and core values fundamentally shape how Hoffmann deploys all capitals. He is a co-founder of the CSP Foundation.
The report stresses the importance of incorporating systems awareness when deploying multicapital strategies. The interviewees of the report have provided various ways they incorporate systems awareness. Michael Au, chair of Toniic, highlights the importance of safe spaces and communities of trust for advancing conversations about impact investing.
The guide provides a framework for future wealth holders to deploy multicapital strategies to accelerate positive environmental and social impact. The CPS, which has trained thousands of investors and their advisors, will host training sessions this year for future wealth holders.
However, the report does not mention any new impact strategies or practical constraints addressed. It also does not mention any new framework, training sessions, or partnerships for future wealth holders. Au devotes significant time to his role at Toniic, and the four most important partners recommended by sustainable investors for implementing their impact strategy according to "The Investor's Guide to Multicapital Strategies" are not identified in the available search results.
Despite these gaps, the report underscores the importance of learning from others and creating a strong network for impact investors. It is clear that personal connections and a commitment to sustainable investing can lead to significant positive change.
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