Purpose has lately become a buzzword for investors and companies alike. Whether ‘mission-oriented’ investing excites you or makes you want to run for the hills, aligning your wealth with your values and interests can bring rich rewards—not just for you but for society as a whole.

Give and grow

Historically, wealthy individuals have often made a difference through philanthropy, donating large sums of money to various causes. From combating climate change to fighting poverty, wealthy philanthropists have led the charge on issues that are important to them and, more broadly, the world.

Philanthropy remains a powerful tool for those looking to give back. Many wealthy families are motivated by a desire to make a positive difference in the world. This desire has only grown in recent years as global challenges like environmental crises and social inequality take centre stage.

However, doing good doesn’t always mean compromising on financial returns. The rise of impact investing has created opportunities for investors to pursue financial returns while also making a meaningful impact on society.

Investing for a better world

The rise of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing has allowed investors to align their financial portfolios with their values. ESG criteria help investors choose companies that operate sustainably, treat their workers fairly, and govern themselves ethically. This strategy not only helps the planet and people, but it can also deliver strong financial returns.

A report from Barclays, Investing for Global Impact¹, found that 68% of ultra-high-net-worth private investors with an average of $730 million in assets felt that philanthropy and impact investing should be used in tandem to generate impact. Indeed, 58% of respondents said they are already seeking to coordinate their portfolios to tackle common aims and themes.

The rise of these strategies reflects a growing trend towards purpose-driven investing. More investors are realising that wealth isn’t just about creating financial value—it’s also about creating positive social and environmental outcomes.

What’s your impact?

Impact investing is a personal journey for many investors. Some choose to focus on causes that align with their values, while others look to make a broader societal impact. No matter what your motivation is, aligning your wealth with your purpose can be an incredibly enriching experience.

Modern purpose-driven investors have abundant ways to make a difference. Whether through direct investments in sustainable companies, funding social enterprises, or aligning entire portfolios with ESG principles, there’s an opportunity to combine financial returns with societal benefits.

By adopting a clear-minded strategy that looks at wealth holistically, investors can create a lasting legacy. This approach balances both the needs of the world and your own circumstances, making it a deeply personal process. The challenge lies in balancing a wide breadth of factors, from what the world needs to your own financial goals.

Aligning your wealth with your values

If you’re interested in aligning your wealth with your values, it’s important to take a strategic approach. Start by identifying the causes and issues that matter most to you. Then, look for opportunities where your financial portfolio can support those causes without sacrificing returns.

Impact investing doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. You can begin by allocating a portion of your wealth to purpose-driven investments and increase that share over time. Whether you’re focusing on climate change, social justice, or other causes, making a difference through your wealth is within reach.

We’re here to help

If you want to explore how to align your wealth with your values, our advisers are ready to guide you. Reach out today to discuss how impact investing and ESG strategies can help you make a difference while growing your wealth.

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¹ https://privatebank.barclays.com/insights/2023/january/investing-for-global-impact/#:~:text=’Investing%20for%20Global%20Impact%3A%20A%20Power%20for%20Good’%20report&text=The%20latest%20report%20surveyed%20nearly,and%20where%20the%20hurdles%20lie