An Introduction to Social Impact Investing

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to introduce the topic of social impact investing. For this purpose, the chapter accurately defines impact investments, analyzing the main features and identifying the `perimeter' and nature of SIIs. The market structure is analyzed focusing on: demand-side and supply-side organizations; intermediaries and other institutions involved in the SII market; regulation; and the SIIs market in numbers. Moreover, the chapter describes asset classes among which SII spreads and typologies of financial instruments employed. The topic of social impact measurement is discussed as well.