The pioneering impact investment firm Bridges Fund Management, will see its third international affiliate organisation launch here in Australia, as Bridges Australia.
The local firm will be led by impact investment stalwart Sally McCutchan as CEO, joined by long-term colleague Sabina Curatolo as Head of Impact.
“COVID has exacerbated the need for resources and solutions to complex societal issues and we are seeing governments focused on job creation, particularly in areas of disadvantage. This is the perfect time for us to bring Bridges to Australia.” Sally McCutcheon says.
The firm will be chaired by David Bennett, a former Executive Director of Macquarie Bank and Chair of Social Enterprise Finance Australia (SEFA). They will be joined by Peter Murphy, previously CEO of Christian Super, as well as Paul Evans, a Founding Partner of Ironbridge Capital.
Bridges was founded in the UK in 2002 by Sir Ronald Cohen and Michele Giddens, establishing the concept of impact investment in the UK, and arguably seeding the movement for the rest of the world.
Since then they’ve raised over £1bn, creating both long-term economic value and measurable societal impact. The core firm also launched the highly influential Impact Management Project (IMP) impact measurement framework in 2016.
“Australian investor demand for impact investment products is accelerating. The Bridges’ impact know-how along with strong commercial performance is critical to maintain impact integrity in this growing market.” Says Sally.
The Australian firm will be independent, offer both funds management and impact advisory services. The impact model will focus on four key thematic areas: sustainable planet, healthier lives, stronger communities, and future skills.