“There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.”
— Victor Hugo
Why Business needs to change
There is a growing chorus of prominent voices calling for business to play a proactive role in addressing social and environmental challenges at scale: Bill Gates calls for “creative capitalism”, Tom Friedman calls for a “green economy”, Al Gore and David Blood call for the “sustainable corporation”, and Muhammad Yunus calls for “social business”.
Australia, like many other countries globally has seen increased interest and activity in impact investment over recent years as business, governments and communities seek new solutions to enable an inclusive and sustainable society in the face of social and environmental challenges.
Impact investing is an investment approach that intentionally seeks to create both financial return and positive social or environmental impact that is actively measured.
Q&A with Giles Gunesekera — 2018 Cayman Alternative Investment Summit
Appears at 3m52s, 10m50s & 35m33s
At the 2018 Cayman Alternative Investment Summit, Giles spoke on the “Philanthropy & Impact: A New Model for A New Age” panel.
Aims of Global Impact Initiative
Global Impact Initiative works with business to create Impact Investments, seeking both a positive financial return and a positive social or environmental impact. The business works with sovereign wealth funds, central banks, insurance companies, corporations, pension plans, endowments, foundations, family offices, private banks and retail investors to create bespoke investment solutions in partnership with some of the world’s largest and most successful investment managers.
The business also works to improve financial literacy by engaging investors with their retirement savings so that they can live well in retirement but also create positive social change now with their savings.
Get in touch now to find out more.
About Global Impact Initiative
Giles is the Founder and CEO of Global Impact Initiative (GII). GII works with business to create Impact Investments, seeking both a positive financial return and a positive social or environmental impact. The business works with sovereign wealth funds, central banks, insurance companies, corporations, pension plans, endowments, foundations, family offices, private banks and retail investors to create bespoke investment solutions in partnership with some of the world’s largest and most successful investment managers. Giles believes that a structured, systematic and results orientated approach leads to profitable and sustainable change. GII is in the process of developing over 10 different impact investing mandates totalling over AUD$2.0 billion dollars.
About Giles Gunesekera
Giles has over 20 years experience of building and developing teams, businesses and distribution strategies for global enterprises. Giles has held senior roles in the financial services industry spanning recruiting, training, product, distribution and leadership.
Giles has received an Outstanding Alumnus award from Oxford for creating an innovative, profitable business that generates positive social impact. Giles is a delegate to the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment. Giles is a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia, Fellow of the School of Social Entrepreneurs, Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and Member of the Australian Institute of Training and Development.
Giles has a unique blend of leadership and business skills gained in the corporate environment married with financial and governance skills gained in the not for profit sector. Giles holds volunteer directorships in various not for profit organisations that address human rights including the rights of Persons with Disabilities, arts and sports. He is an Advisory Board Member of the Securities and Investments Institute of Asia Pacific and a Director of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) Foundation.
Giles has formal academic qualifications from Melbourne University, Monash University, the Financial Services Institute of Australia and Oxford University.
Our Services
(Click to view details)
• Business strategy• Distribution strategy
• Executive Coaching• Teaching and Facilitation
• Creation of bespoke Impact Investing solutions• Design & outcome measurement of Impact Investments
Resources
The following websites are useful sources of information on Impact Investing:
Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)
Projects
Below are some of the Global Impact Initiatives exciting projects.
Women and Girls
The Arts
Slum Rehabilitation
the Environment
Education
Infrastructure
Indigenous peoples
Clients & Partners
We Support
The Global Impact Initiative is delighted to be working with World Wide Generation on Project DeSlum, an innovative, life-changing project. This will be the first of many successful ventures that will help to eliminate poverty and empower millions of people. Please watch and “like” our video.
