Impact investments grew at a 21% compound annual rate to US$448.2 billion over the past six years as investors increasingly sought measurable social and environmental benefits and “meaningful” outcomes, according to a survey by Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN).

The investments were up from $129 billion in 2019.

GIIN, a US-based impact investing industry group, polled 429 organisations, including investment advisory firms, corporate foundations and family offices, earlier this year.

According to Amit Bouri, the group’s co-founder and chief executive officer, impact investors are increasingly channelling capital into solutions that foster a more sustainable future, and prioritising sectors where it’s most needed, such as financial services, healthcare, housing and clean energy.

“Investors are increasingly allocating capital with the intention to generate measurable social and environmental benefits – delivering real-world outcomes and compelling financial returns, often outperforming traditional assets,” he says. “These investments generate meaningful outcomes, especially for people with lower incomes and limited access to essential services.”

Some 43% of survey respondents identified alignment with their organisational philosophy as the most important factor for impact investments, while 15% highlighted adherence to regulatory requirements.