In recent years, impact investing has experienced explosive growth around the world. An increasing number of investors hope to make a positive impact on society and the environment through their investment decisions. Consulting firms with professional knowledge and resources have become important drivers of the impact investing industry by providing services to investors, funds, and companies. This article will explore how major consulting firms promote the development of impact investing through research, employee training, new service offerings, and collaborations.
Consulting firms publish insightful impact investing research reports
Many top consulting companies, such as McKinsey, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Deloitte have set up dedicated teams to conduct in-depth research on trends, opportunities and challenges in impact investing. They frequently publish reports on topics like regional comparisons, emerging sectors, measurement methodologies, and predictions. These high-quality studies help validate impact investing as an asset class, provide benchmarks for investors, reveal market gaps, and build credibility for the industry.
Consulting firms actively train employees on impact investing
To better advise clients on impact investing issues, major consulting firms are training their own consultants on this novel field. BCG has developed an Impact Investing curriculum to teach its staff the fundamentals. Deloitte professionals can take an Impact Measurement and Management course. PwC has online learning focused on topics like impact strategies, metrics, reporting and assurance. By formalizing impact investing training, consulting firms expand their capabilities and credentials in this area.
Consulting firms create new service offerings related to impact investing
Consultancies have leveraged their expertise to create specialized new services to serve impact investing clients. For example, McKinsey has a service called Impact Evaluation and Design that helps investors determine impact objectives, set metrics, and monitor performance. Bain has developed diligence and benchmarking support targeted specifically at impact funds. Accenture offers impact investment portfolio optimization based on data and technology. These customized new offerings cater directly to the needs of clients involved in impact investing.
Consulting firms partner with impact investing networks and events
Finally, large consulting firms actively partner with key impact investing organizations and events to demonstrate their commitment. Examples include BCG sponsoring SOCAP, the largest impact investing conference, and KPMG supporting the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment. Deloitte and EY regularly produce thought leadership for the Global Impact Investing Network. Through these high-profile partnerships, consultancies showcase their impact investing capabilities and connections.
In summary, major consulting firms are playing an important leadership role in catalyzing the growth of impact investing across research, training, new services, and partnerships. Their size, credibility and professional capabilities have helped advance impact investing into the mainstream of investment and finance.