Impact Investing Views Featured in Benefits Magazine

February 12, 2016

An article by Marquette analysts David Hernandez and Courtney Hugger was featured as the cover story of the February 2016 edition of Benefits Magazine. The article, Creating Social Impact Through Responsible Investing, reviews the history of socially responsible investments (SRI), different ways to incorporate values into investment decision making, how impact investments can be used within a portfolio and first steps for new impact investors.

SRI, which integrate personal values and societal concerns into investment decision making, have grown from $639 billion in 1995 to $6.6 trillion in 2014 — a 929% increase. These assets account for roughly 17% of total dollars under management in the United States. Traditional SRI have parented what today is known as impact investing. Impact investments are made with specific intent to create social/environmental impacts alongside financial returns. Impact investments must also measure these impacts and report progress toward defined goals.

David Hernandez is a senior research analyst for Marquette Associates. He is responsible for reviewing and conducting due diligence on international products and managers, running asset allocation studies as well as assembling macroeconomic research and data analysis.

Courtney Hugger is a client analyst for Marquette Associates. She is actively involved in all aspects of client service in support of the consulting staff on a variety of client relationships. Courtney earned an M.S. in policy studies from DePaul University’s School of Public Service and conducted her final research thesis on sustainable and responsible investments.

Benefits Magazine, the monthly publication of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, covers benefit issues affecting multiemployer, single employer and public employee plan representatives.

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