Impact Investing

"Impact investing" is defined as investing with the intent to generate positive, measurable social and/or environmental benefits alongside a financial return. This represents a radical departure from "traditional investing" which is focused exclusively on (risk adjusted) financial performance. Interest in impact investing is growing around the world; Singapore has highlighted impact investing among the core set of competencies for professionals in the financial sector. To this end, this course provides students with a hands-on experience of impact investing as it is practiced in the market today. The course has been developed in collaboration with leading impact investors who will support the course through guest lectures. To simulate the impact investing environment, student groups will work on an investment project spanning most of the course that requires applying concepts such as impact measurement and structuring investments. BF3121 is targeted at motivated students with demonstrable interest in sustainable investing broadly and impact investing more specifically. This is a high-workload class; students are expected to adequately prepare the material before class and actively participate in discussions. Much of the course includes interacting with industry practitioners and professional behavior is required throughout.