This first-ever conference held jointly by the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) and the City of London Corporation brought together more than 300 investment professionals from around the world on 10-11 October in London to discuss social and environmental impact investment. Asset owners, asset managers and other industry experts were invited to share diverse perspectives on impact investing in developed and emerging markets, industry trends and opportunities, and how best to address common challenges.

GIIN is increasingly becoming the global point of reference for impact investors and by coming to London this year it wanted to demonstrate its global ambition. I was impressed by the densely packed programme covering almost all aspects and types of impact investments, and bringing together the ‘who’s who’ of this emerging industry. As with popular parties, the organizers were able to announce that the conference was sold out and that a waiting list had been opened.