Benchmarking Impact: Australian Impact Investor Insights, Activity and Performance Report 2025
New research reveals impact investing in Australia is not only generating positive social and environmental outcomes, but also delivering strong financial returns, with the market growing nearly eight-fold since 2020.
The Benchmarking Impact: Australian Impact Investor Insights, Activity and Performance Report 2025 provides a comprehensive view of the national impact investing landscape, mapping the growth, performance and outcomes of purpose driven capital.
Based on surveys of investors representing $345 billion in funds under management, and an analysis of 197 investment products worth $157 billion, the report shows where capital is flowing, which sectors are growing the fastest, and how investors are measuring success.
Key Findings
- Market growth: The total value of impact investment products has increased almost eight-fold since 2020, with a 77% rise in product numbers.
- Investor confidence: 80% of investors report financial performance meeting or exceeding expectations, and 84% report strong impact performance alongside financial returns.
- Measuring impact: Around three-quarters of investors use Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) practices, though frameworks remain fragmented. The SDGs and the Impact Management Project are most widely used.
- Government role: Almost 90% of investors believe stronger government action is essential for future market growth.
- Market landscape: The market now includes $12.5 billion in impact funds (mainly private equity, infrastructure and debt) and $145 billion in GSS bonds, led by semi-government issuers. Product themes align with SDGs focused on Climate Action, Sustainable Cities, Good Health, and Clean Energy.
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