Principles for Investors in Inclusive Finance launched

27-01-2011 | The Hague, the Netherlands

Today a first group of 41 global investors signed the Principles for Investors in Inclusive Finance. With these principles, investors help shape an inclusive financial services industry that keeps the interests of its low income clients at its core. Triodos Investment Management is among the first signatories.

Marilou van Golstein Brouwers, Managing Director Triodos Investment Management BV and Chair of the working group: "Inclusive finance has a fundamental impact on the lives of millions of people. Today a group of aligned investors sign up to principles that protect their interests. Together they are committing to the creation of inclusive financial sectors that improve lives by providing transparent, financial services in a responsible way. We hope many more will follow their lead."

The Principles for Investors in Inclusive Finance is the initiative of a core group of investors, including Triodos Investment Management, and HRH Princess Máxima, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. The group developed the Principles together with the United Nations-backed Principles for Responsible Investments (PRI) and in consultation with CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) and several key industry players.

The launch took place at the Responsible Finance Forum, hosted by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague, The Netherlands, on 27 January 2011. The UN-PRI press release and the principles can be downloaded below.

More information:

'Investor Principles for Responsbile Finance: How Investors can Contribute to Building Vibrant and Inclusive Financial Systems.' Keynote address by HRH Princess Máxima of the Netherlands, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development.