Bertrand Gacon: Five myths of impact investing dispelled

Socially-responsible investing

clock • 4 min read

Bertrand Gacon addresses five of the myths surrounding what is increasing known as impact investing that he and his team come across most in their work - and sets about debunking them

‘Ethical', ‘responsible', ‘sustainable' or ‘impact' investing - call it what you like, it is rapidly hitting the mainstream. Nonetheless - and not least because of the constantly-evolving terminology - it remains beset by a number of myths and misconceptions. This article will seek to dispel five of the myths we come across most in our work. Myth 1: Investing for impact involves lower returns or higher risk in exchange for doing good Nobel laureate Milton Friedman reportedly said that socially-responsible investing was "neither harmful nor helpful" yet decades of data would suggest oth...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Rathbones brings together responsible investment in Centre of Excellence

Rathbones brings together responsible investment in Centre of Excellence

Combines ethical and sustainable research capabilities

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 29 May 2026 • 1 min read
Why active management matters more for income investors

Why active management matters more for income investors

Significant implications for advisers and investors relying on passive income strategies

Rory Sandilands
clock 29 May 2026 • 4 min read
Can the energy crisis power renewables past their headwinds?

Can the energy crisis power renewables past their headwinds?

Renewables continue to see headwinds

Ian Aylward
clock 28 May 2026 • 3 min read