Summary
This report provides updated analysis on trends in impact investing and gender-lens investing (GLI) in SE Asia, based on updated data on impact investment deals for 2020-22. This report also takes a broader look into the evolution of and trends in impact investing and gender lens investing (GLI) in Southeast Asia between 2007- 2022, building on prior engagements commissioned by Investing in Women (IW).
The report reveals that impact investing has significantly increased in the region over the past 15 years, with investors committing more than 67% of the cumulative capital invested in the ten-year period spanning 2007-2016 in just the current three-year period under review. Private impact investors deployed about 40% more capital across 40% more deals in the current three-year period compared to the prior three-year period (2017-2019). Development finance institutes on the other hand, invested about USD 2 billion per year over the last six years, stabilizing after a steady growth from 2007 to 2016.
It also highlights the diversity of the Southeast Asian impact investing market in terms of deal value and deal volumes, indicating that GLI has grown significantly in the region over the last six years. Despite the economic impacts of COVID-19, seven times more capital was invested with a gender lens compared to the prior, pre-COVID, three-year period (2017-2019).
Highlights
- The region exhibits a seven-fold increase in GLI capital, evidencing a significant move towards addressing gender disparities through investments.
- Indonesia showcases a vibrant market for GLI, with a focus on workplace equity and supporting women-owned/led enterprises.
- The Philippines highlights the importance of “microfinance and neo banking” in facilitating access to finance for women entrepreneurs.
- Vietnam distinguishes itself with the highest average ticket size investments, emphasizing the role of DFIs in promoting gender equity in the business sector.
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