Steven Serneels

Co-founder & Chair, Impact Finance Belgium
Photo by Shiv 28

Investing with Positive Impact: Still Relevant in a Shifting World?

In an era of geopolitical turbulence and the erosion of long-standing institutions, one question looms large: Is investing for positive impact — for people and planet — still relevant today? The answer is not only “yes,” but “more than ever.” Despite shifting political winds, policy backlashes, and market volatility, the case for embedding impact alongside risk and return has never been stronger.

Photo by Sonika Agarwal

Investing with Positive Impact for People and Planet: still relevant in today’s geopolitical and economic context?

Impact investing emerged as a third pillar alongside return and risk, aiming to generate financial profits while creating positive social and environmental outcomes. Initially driven by philanthropy, impact investing has evolved into a sustainable business model, attracting mainstream investors. Two main strategies exist: focusing on minimizing harm (cfr. responsible investing) and actively driving positive impact (cfr. sustainable and impact investing).