We test, learn, scale, and replicate to advance responsible financial solutions for underserved people.
We use a multi-faceted approach to maximize sustainable impact for vulnerable communities globally.
We leverage philanthropy and our own resources to test the most innovative solutions, we learn what’s working through research and engagement, we scale the most effective innovations and business models, and we replicate proven methods to deliver systems-level change for millions of underserved people around the world.
What informs our theory of change
Through our impact framework, we target key outcomes at the customer, provider, and system level
Reach
How many underserved people are using new financial solutions, and how are they using them to improve their lives and businesses?
Quality
How do responsible financial solutions enable clients with better choices, greater value, and improved financial well-being?
Catalytic change
How are we mobilizing investors, policymakers, and business leaders to drive needed change and create a more inclusive financial system?
How we integrate impact measurement across our work
Across our investment strategies, advisory solutions, and research, we integrate impact measurement into every step of the process to validate alignment with our principles—and to track the results.
We source potential opportunities based on investment or engagement strategies, geographic focus areas, and social impact, including screening for alignment with our mission and looking at customers currently reached. Before we engage a new partner, we conduct a preliminary review evaluated against the framework of our impact thesis, or how we expect the company’s business model to support social change.
As we prepare to invest or start an advisory project, we conduct due diligence with a focus on market opportunity, financial analysis, risks, impact strategy, and exit. We identify impact goals based on a company’s business plan and future strategy and include impact metrics to be measured through the investment or project lifecycle.
We include impact metrics as part of reporting requirements in partnership agreements across investing strategies, advisory services, and research. For more on how our investment strategies align with industry best practice through the Impact Principles, see here.
Through our strategy, we are focusing on accelerating innovations in embedded finance, agritech finance, and financial solutions that prepare people for the changing nature of work. We believe these solution areas have the greatest potential to help small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women seize economic opportunities and strengthen their financial resilience amid worsening threats.
Our strategy aligns with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, knowing that financial inclusion is a key enabler of sustainable development, including eradicating poverty, ending hunger, promoting health and well-being, achieving gender equality, promoting inclusive growth and jobs, and more.
Our commitment to best practices
Accion has joined industry initiatives that promote transparency and accountability in impact measurement.
We actively promote best practices across our global network.
Signatory to Operating Principles for Impact Management.
Impact framework and investment theses aligned with SDG indicators.
Impact framework aligned with IRIS+ metrics.
Investment strategies meet the 2X Criteria to support women’s economic empowerment.
Members of the GIIN Investors’ Council, and contributor to GIIN’s IRIS+ financial services impact performance benchmark.
Members of the SME Finance Forum, managed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Founding partner of 60 Decibels’ inaugural Microfinance Index, launched in 2022.
Selected for the Impact Assets 50 (IA50) 2022 Emeritus Impact Managers list (marking the 10th time Accion has been featured in this annual database).
Founding member of the Partnership for Central America (our CEO Michael Schlein sits on the Advisory Committee).
Earned a Candid Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.
Accion Venture Lab is a member of Impact Capital Managers.
Signatory to joint statement calling all financial service providers to join the Client Protection Pathway.
