Over Two Decades of Financial Inclusion

In 2003, we set out with a vision to invest for a sustainable world with access to opportunities for all. Over the past two decades, we have empowered individuals and communities through financial inclusion, building investment products that enable capital to be transformative—both for investors and for people and the planet. By focusing on private markets across emerging economies, we have directed much-needed capital into regions where traditional financing is often scarce.

Democratizing private market investments

Historically, private market investments - such as private debt and equity - were the domain of professional investors seeking alternatives to diversify their portfolios or meet specific risk-return profiles. These markets were largely inaccessible to retail investors, constrained by factors such as higher investment minimums and lower liquidity.¹

Over the past decade, however, we have witnessed a shift. The demand for access to private markets has grown as retail investors increasingly seek new opportunities to diversify their portfolios, generate tangible impact, and explore alternative risk-return profiles. The democratization of private market investments is no longer a distant vision² - it is a reality, and we are proud that our flagship product has been at the forefront of this movement since its inception in 2003.

A visionary approach from the start

Whether through visionary foresight or fortunate timing, our flagship product was designed with retail investors in mind. Grounded in our original investment theme Financial Inclusion, it has contributed to financing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), helping these businesses thrive. Through gender lens investing, it has played a role in narrowing the gender gap, while also addressing the financing needs of rural borrowers - an often-overlooked segment in traditional financial markets.

Impact numbers that tell the story

Since its inception in 2003 responsAbility has disbursed USD 12.3 billion to Financial Inclusion, directly reaching 10.6 million borrowers, of whom 7.3 million have been female and 5.6 million have been in rural areas.³ As we look back on these 20 years, it’s incredible to think about the lives touched by this product. It is not just the scale of the capital disbursed that is impressive, but the diversity of sources fueling that impact. This product connects retail investors - people of all walks of life who want to create meaningful change - with those who need the impact most. In many ways, the strategy is just the bridge, enabling a global connection between capital and communities.

Looking Ahead

While we celebrate these two decades, we remain focused on the future. The next chapter promises even greater potential as retail investors continue to seek meaningful investments, and the demand for impact-driven finance grows. Our commitment to financial inclusion and sustainable development remains as strong as ever, and we are excited to continue this journey with our investors - both old and new.

Sources: ¹ A Case for Broadening Retail Access to Private Markets | CFA Institute Enterprising Investor ² Alternative Investments: The Rise of Retail Investors | Paperjam News ³ responsAbility, 2023.