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16 October 2025, New York City

 

AGENDA

BE INSPIRED BY THE IMPACT & SUSTAINABILITY PIONEERS!

 

Impact Summit America invites global leaders, pioneers and experts of the impact investing universe to share their knowledge and inspiration. Our programme focuses on the impact investments, offering experienced impact investors the stage to share best practices & know-how with their industry peers. 

 

REGISTER HERE

Complimentary for asset owners/LPs, please apply for invitation.

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INTERESTED TO CONTRIBUTE SHAPING 2025 AGENDA? 

Please get in touch with Prachi Modi : prachimodi@phenixcapitalgroup.com

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In a world marked by complexity and rapid change, resilience and adaptability aren’t optional, it’s essential. Under this year’s theme Eye on the Future we invite institutional investors and asset owners to explore how we adapt, lead, and invest with long-term purpose in mind. This new era requires investors who are not only visionaries but also stewards of the principles they uphold, creating environments where these values flourish and have a measurable impact on the world to fully serve their fiduciary duty. Some of the key themes on the agenda:

NAVIGATING POLARIZED ENVIRONMENT 

 

In an increasingly polarized world and unstable market environment can pose significant challenges for investors seeking to uphold principles of equity and fairness. This subtheme explores strategies for navigating polarization and its implications for long-term investment decision-making.

COLLABORATIVE STEWARDSHIP IN AN ERA OF COMPLEXITY

 

As the pace of global changes accelerates, traditional models of stewardship are being tested. The challenges we face are interconnected and system-wide, from climate risk and social fragmentation to technological disruption. In this context, siloed strategies and short-term metrics can no longer suffice. 

 

REDEFINING FIDUCIARY DUTY 

 

We explore how fiduciary duty is being reinterpreted in a time of transition and what does it mean to act in the "best interests" of beneficiaries in a world shaped by systemic risks? We discuss on going topics on how do legal frameworks, investor expectations, and real-world outcomes intersect.

SCENARIO ANALYSIS AS A STRATEGIC COMPASS 

 

How can forward-looking, scenario-based analysis move from a compliance tool to a strategic driver? We'll explore methodologies and how they can inform real-world decision-making across sectors.

AGENDA 2025 WAS SHAPED WITH THE INPUT FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS

ADVISING COMMITTEE

Bhavika Vyas Vincent

Managing Director
StepStone Group

Kavita Vijayan

Senior Director, Head of Marketing
ImpactAssets

Keren Raz

Senior RI Manager
APG Asset Management

Laura Weeks

Senior Responsible Investment Manager
Principles for Responsible Investment

Mike McCreless

Executive Director
Impact Frontiers

Ryan Malloy

Research Analyst, Sustainable Investing
Fiduciary Trust

PRELIMINARY AGENDA 2025

09:00 - 09:30  Registration for the Investors’ breakfast workshop   

09:30 –10:20 

Investor's breakfast workshop 

 Developed by Impact Frontiers & Principles for Responsible Investment                                                                            

09:30 – 10:30 General attendance registration & welcome coffee

10:30 – 10:40 

Opening remarks I Impact data deep dive by Phenix Capital Group Market Intelligence

In this session, Phenix Capital Group welcomes the delegates and will share the most current data in the impact industry globally and specifically in the North America region.

10:40 – 10:50 

Keynote speech I A call for collective action 

This keynote explores how enduring climate progress requires a bold alliance across technology, business, community activism, and culture; each offering a unique path to change. In a time of political volatility and rising division, it calls for solutions that transcend election cycles and touch every part of society. By honouring innovation, justice, and imagination, the keynote underscores that we fight for the planet not only out of urgency, but because of the possibility we believe the future holds 

10:50 – 12:00 

Investor Panel l Investing in climate adaptation and resilience investments: is it just good business? 

Investing in climate adaptation is no longer just a moral imperative, it's one of the most financially sound development strategies available. This session covers why adaptation is underfunded despite proven economic and social value and will highlight investable opportunities that deliver outsized impact even in the absence of climate disasters.

12:00– 13:00  Lunch

13:00– 14:20 

Breakout session A1 l InvestorConnect session

This dynamic session, consisting of short 15-minute speed meetings, is designed to give asset owners an efficient way to learn about a selected group of impact strategies of institutional quality and take an opportunity to enquire for more details, whilst making connections with other asset owners along the way.

* For asset owners & fund managers. 

13:00– 13:35 

Breakout session B1 l  Re-thinking impact exclusions amid complexity  

In this session, we address how exclusion lists are evolving (nuclear, fossil fuels, defence), and the ethical, financial, and geopolitical pressures that are reshaping decision-making. We also discuss the complexities of dual-use technologies and whether ethical frameworks can keep pace with innovation.

13:35– 14:10 

Breakout session B2 l  Redefining the language of impact  

As backlash grows, storytelling is becoming a critical strategic tool. How do we describe what we’re doing, why it matters, and who it's for? This session looks at the role of language, transparency, and reframing.

14:10– 14:30  Networking coffee break

14:30-15:20 

Breakout session B3

Interactive discussion I  Myth busting LP-GP reporting standards 

As impact investing matures, LPs are demanding clearer, more consistent reporting to assess whether funds are truly delivering on their stated impact goals. In session we cover certain myths from surveyed LPs & GPs around reporting challenges to unpack the root causes of these discrepancies. We’ll explore how both sides can align expectations, improve data transparency, and co-create more effective, decision-useful impact reporting.

14:30-15:20  

Breakout session B4

Panel discussion I  Shareholder engagement in a new era of private wealth 

We are entering a new era of investor influence where rising legal scrutiny intersects with rising generational values. As governance norms shift and ESG pushback grows louder, shareholder engagement is under the microscope. At the same time, a historic wealth transfer is underway, with younger generations and underrepresented communities are bringing a deeper commitment to social equity, climate justice, and long-term stewardship.

This panel will focus on the rise of shareholder activism among next-gen and values-driven investors and how are private wealth holders use their capital and their voice to push for accountability? What happens when values-driven advocacy 

15:20– 15:40  Networking coffee break

15:40-16:40 

Panel discussion |  Public-Private collaboration in impact investing: navigating challenges and opportunities 

In this panel, we explore how governments, private investors, and non-profit organizations can work together to enhance the effectiveness of social & environmental investment initiatives in the Americas. The discussion focuses on innovative financing mechanisms, policy frameworks, and strategies for overcoming coordination barriers at local, regional, and national levels.

16:40-17:00 

Case study I Infrastructure & the future of Power   

No matter the energy source: solar, wind, nuclear, or gas, everything flows through an outdated grid. How do investors, innovators, and policymakers collaborate to modernize infrastructure in the face of local resistance, regulation, and rising demand?

17:0-17:20  

Keynote I  The Future of Stewardship: from influence to accountability 

With growing scrutiny and fragmented political landscapes, the role of stewardship is shifting. What does credible, future-fit stewardship look like and who defines it?  

17:20 – 18:30  Closing reception drinks 

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JOIN YOUR IMPACT INVESTING PEERS! 

Complimentary passes for institutional investors, asset owners, LPs. Please apply for an invitation.

 

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  1.  
  2. A LOOKBACK AGENDA 2024 

  3.  
  4. The 5th edition of Impact Summit America brought together a highly curated audience and some of the brightest minds in impact investing for another year of thought-provoking, meaningful discussions. Held on October 30, 2024, in New York City, this pivotal event convened institutional investors and asset owners, impact fund managers, experts, and industry specialists to advance the field of impact investing.

    UPHOLDING AGAINST HEADWINDS

    The Summit’s theme was a resounding call to action, encouraging financial players to build resilience amid a constantly evolving landscape. Participants explored how to embody the values they champion while driving capital toward transformative solutions with even greater ambition. This new era of investing demands visionaries who also act as stewards, fostering environments where values thrive and deliver measurable global impact. The Summit’s agenda focused on three areas: Navigating Polarization, Standardizing Impact Metrics, Addressing Social Equity. 

  5.  

OUR 2024 ADVISORY BOARD

We are proudly collaborating with impact thought leaders as our agenda advisory board to identify current challenges, opportunities and forward-looking topics in the impact investing universe to build a beneficial & thought-provoking programme.

  •  
  • - Mike McCreless, Executive Director, Impact Frontiers
  • - Pedro Henriques da Silva,  Director, Shifting Trillions, Sierra Club Foundation
  • - Ryan Malloy, Research Analyst, Sustainable Investing, Fiduciary Trust
  • - Tom Achoki, M.D., Ph.D., FACHE, Senior Director of Strategy and Impact, AB INBEV FOUNDATION
  • - Tyler Blickhan, CFA, CAIA, Associate Director of Investments, Ascension Investment Management

  •  

WITH SUPPORT OF LEADING ORGANISATIONS 2024

We are delighted to have the leading organisations within the impact ecosystem supporting our mission and contributing to the growth of the industry with their research, knowledge and advocacy.

 

PRI_V
The GIIN
CAIA
Impact capital managers
Impact Frontiers
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WHAT IS IMPACT INVESTING


 

Whereas ESG investing looks to integrate environmental, social and governance factors when subject to an investment’s performance, impact investing goes a step further by seeking investments that contribute to measurable social and/or environmental impact.

 

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF IMPACT INVESTMENTS

  • Intentionality: intent to achieve a social or environmental goal is clearly expressed and the investor identifies outcomes that will be pursued

  • Additionality: thesis or narrative describes how the investor’s actions will help achieve the goal and how the outcome would not have occurred without the investment

  • Measurement: impact measurement framework in place to assess the level of expected impact and monitor progress against the goal

SPECTRUM OF CAPITAL

Impact Summit America programme is focusing on the financial-first impact investment opportunities, offering experienced impact investors the stage to share best practices with their industry peers. 

Defininf impact investing - Spectrum of capital, Phenix Capital Group

 

 

First published by Bridges Fund Management (2015), the Spectrum of Capital maps out different investment approaches, depending on investors’ desired risk, return and impact profile, and categorizing them in a range from traditional investment to philanthropy.

 

  •  Financial-First Impact Investments: select funds in specific sectors, impact themes, or in alignment to the SDGs. In this approach, there is no trade-off between return and impact, and thus all investments should achieve fully commercial risk-adjusted returns.


  •  Impact-First Impact Investments: funds are selected to maximize impact over returns. These investments may target lower risk-adjusted returns to deliver greater impact.

INTERESTED IN A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT?

For more information on speaking engagements, please get in touch with

Prachi Modi: prachimodi@phenixcapitalgroup.com

FEATURED SPEAKERS FROM OUR PAST EVENTS

IN THE COMPANY OF THOUGHT LEADERS

Al Gore

Former Vice President of the United States

Anita Bhatia

Former Assistant Secretary - General & Deputy Executive Director,
UN Women

Sir Ronald Cohen

Chair,
The Global Steering Group (GSG)

Ndileka Mandela

Founder and CEO,
Thembekile Mandela Foundation

Matt Damon

Co-founder,
WaterEquity and Water.org

Scilla Elworthy

Peace Builder, Three-time Nobel Prize Nominee

Mark Mobius

CEO,
Mobius Capital Partners

Eduard van Gelderen

Chief Investment Officer,
PSP Investments

Anna Snider

Managing Director and Head of Due Diligence for the Chief Investment Office,
Bank of America Corporation

Amit Bouri

CEO & Co-founder,
The GIIN

Fran Seegull

President,
U.S. Impact Investing Alliance

Roger Havenith

Deputy CEO, The European Investment Fund

Hazel Henderson D.Sc.Hon., FRSA,

Founder, Ethical Markets Media,
Certified B Corporation

Hartwig Liersch

Chief Investment Officer,
Pensioenfonds Metaal en Techniek

Jennifer Morris

CEO,
The Nature Conservancy

MEET YOUR IMPACT

INVESTING PEERS!

A LIMITED NUMBER OF COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS IS

AVAILABLE FOR ASSET OWNERS & INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS!