Description

Interest in sustainable and responsible investments is moving to center stage for retail investors, financial institutions, corporate boards, government agencies, NGOs and executive teams interested in minimizing harm or maximizing the opportunity to improve social and environmental outcomes through return-seeking investments. This course examines the history of Impact Investing, by introducing students to the functions of capital markets and the values embedded in those markets. The course will explore investment vehicles and the ways that a range of impact investments can be deployed across asset classes. The class uses this analysis to explore the false dichotomy between ESG and Impact. Throughout the course, the cohort will explore the key metrics needed to assess various forms of value. Students will learn key developments in the industry and the economic forces and ethical challenges driving the pressure for companies to operate more sustainably and responsibly. Starting with the assumption that impact investors seek prudent positive impact, students will also examine the ways that retail investors can shape that impact. The students will come away from the class with an informed, personal definition of impact investment and the fundamental understanding to consider ways that impact investment can serve the issues that matter to them.