BlueMark

NEW: In our fifth edition of Making the Mark—Making the Mark V—we dive deep into the "how" of impact investing. Inside, you'll find: ▷ Data and insights from 111 verifications for clients managing $234 billion in combined impact assets  ▶ The 2024 Practice Leaderboard, welcoming four new investors with best-in- class impact management systems and practices  ▷ A new series of analyses on unique market segments (i.e.; investor types and asset classes), focusing on their adoption of key impact practices ▶ A preview of a new benchmarking service from BlueMark called the Fund ID, currently in its pilot phase, designed to address the growing demand for evaluating fund-level impact performance We hope these data and insights not only advance a greater understanding of market expectations for investors, but also offer a way for our community to assess whether these expectations are being met. While we know many impact investors are just getting started, we see signals of an industry that is rapidly maturing. Please enjoy Making the Mark V, available for download here: https://lnkd.in/gyfWVpGB

What hurdles do asset allocators (LPs) face in evaluating impact asset managers (GPs)? BlueMark and CASE at Duke went straight to the experts to uncover the truth. From decoding complex impact metrics to clarifying their roles, LPs shared their top expectations for post-investment reporting and disclosure. 🔎 Ready for some insider knowledge? Swipe to discover what LPs think makes a difference in impact reporting and disclosure post-investment. #impactinvesting #sustainablefinance

Since its founding in 2018, Circulate Capital has invested in high-potential companies dedicated to diverting mismanaged plastic waste from the environment to support a circular economy in Asia and Latin America’s high-growth markets. As the global waste crisis intensified, Circulate Capital expanded its investment strategy to include disruptive innovations across value chains. To navigate these complex challenges and drive scalable impact, Circulate Capital relies on an effective Theory of Change (ToC), which aligns its comprehensive investing approach with clearly defined impact objectives. What sets Circulate Capital’s ToC apart?  ➡️ An evidence-based strategy ➡️ A clear investment rationale ➡️ An integrated investment approach aligned with measurable impact outcomes Discover more about BlueMark’s engagement with Circulate Capital, including their spot on BlueMark’s 2024 Practice Leaderboard and their innovative ToC, below. #impactinvesting #sustainablefinance #circulareconomy

Evaluating the impact credentials of a fund manager is consistently cited as a challenge for LPs looking to invest. What credentials matter most, and how can LPs assess whether a fund is set up to meet its stated objectives? We believe it begins with accountability. Through our work delivering over 210 verifications, we've identified four pillars of impact accountability: strategy, governance, management, and reporting. Assessing fund-level impact credentials is crucial for understanding the impact investing market. It also underscores the need for a consistent assessment framework that allows investors to compare the strategies of funds across various themes and objectives. Interested in learning more about these pillars? Check out the full blog post on our website, which includes key questions practitioners can ask to strengthen the rigor of their impact investing approach (link in the comments). #sustainablefinance #impactinvesting

At BlueMark, we verify what matters. But, matters to whom? Our clients. All of our offerings are developed based on customer feedback and insights, developed to address specific needs and challenges faced by those who are committed to creating and implementing credible impact investing strategies. If you’re wondering which BlueMark service is right for your firm, or if you've ever asked yourself, "What exactly are those BlueMark seals about?," you can swipe to explore the things we talk to clients about all day, every day. You can also visit our website which includes insights from 200+ completed verifications: https://lnkd.in/dx5WZBGW

📊 Peer benchmarking can serve as a powerful research and learning tool for investors looking to improve their impact management practices and processes. In the data sample below, we compare the relative adoption of key impact practices across investor type, asset class, and target geography. 🔎 But what is the benefit of these bespoke, segment-driven benchmarking exercises? For one, they provide a means for investors to develop a clear understanding of their market position, allowing them to craft compelling and context-rich narratives that resonate with their most important stakeholders. These custom data cuts can be tailored to different market segments and peer groups, including those outlined below, as well as target financial return, investment strategy, and impact themes. What other data cuts would be most valuable to you or your team? Comment below!

BlueMark's Tristan Hackett recently spoke with David Bank at ImpactAlpha to discuss whether fund managers are prepared to set and meet impact performance targets. The conversation highlighted findings from BlueMark's Making the Mark report, which revealed that only 42% of clients require impact performance targets as a condition for their investments. Tristan noted that while there are valid reasons this practice isn't yet widespread in impact investing, there are also some questionable ones. Read on to uncover the reasons behind these trends, key steps fund managers can take to improve target-setting, and how BlueMark is piloting solutions to ensure fund managers stay on track and deliver on their promises. https://lnkd.in/gqskjQMs

BlueMark is thrilled to announce a significant milestone this week—surpassing 200 client verifications, representing investors overseeing a combined $324 billion in impact AUM. Scaling impact will require increased capital allocation into strategies that aim to generate positive social and environmental results. With 200+ verifications behind us, BlueMark is proud to contribute to this evolution by strengthening trust in the sustainable and impact investing markets. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners and clients for their unwavering support. Onward and upward! #impactinvesting #sustainablefinance

Our last Favorite Finding comes from Aparna R., one of BlueMark's Associates working across the firm to address clients' impact data and verification needs. When asked what she was most eager to see coming out of Making the Mark, she spoke about the improvements noted in soliciting end-stakeholder feedback, noting, "It's often difficult to know how impact is being experienced by beneficiaries unless we actively seek out their perspectives." To learn more, flip through Aparna's reflections below and be sure to download Making the Mark V: https://lnkd.in/gyfWVpGB

BlueMark has partnered with the Intentional Endowments Network to develop a first-of-its kind tool that enables #endowments and #foundations to compare their sustainable and impact investing approaches to peer institutions and earn recognition for their commitment to strong practices. To learn more, explore the recent coverage of the Endowment Impact Benchmark in Pensions & Investments: https://bit.ly/3SwM3KY IEN is seeking 15 endowments to participate in a second pilot program, and is accepting applications through the end of September. Interested in participating? Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gzQptVmn #impactinvesting #sustainablefinance