Place-based opportunities: when should investors proceed and when should they wait? – Kirsty Hewitt

At our recent Place Lens Community Interest Group meeting, Investors for Purpose hosted a candid discussion centred around what funds should look for when making place-based investment decisions, and actions they can take to avoid any potential negative consequences. Place-based investing is undergoing a period of significant momentum, with interest building in areas including renewable ending, housing, and lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises. In consequence, asset owners are being presented with more ‘local’ investment opportunities to consider.

Karen Shackleton, Founder & Chair, invited speakers John Arthur of Apex Advisory and Julian Brown of Russell Investments to explore what to consider when assessing place-based opportunities, and the challenges they can present. The discussion went on to unpack the myriad concerns which independent advisers and professional trustees may encounter when considering these particular opportunities.