Oikocredit Canada announced the wind down of its operations in Canada (November 29 | 2023). This marks the end of over 40 years of successful operations in Canada, effective Dec 31,2023. Click to read more.
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Oikocredit Canada Survey 2: Investors looking for an easy-to-understand way to invest for social and financial returns
Oikocredit Canada Survey 2: Investors looking for an easy-to-understand way to invest for social and financial returns
After Oikocredit Canada’s stakeholders stated in their responses to a 2020 survey (Survey 1) that they remain interested in a retail investment product to further Oikocredit’s mission to improve the lives of people living in poverty, Oikocredit Canada returned to these stakeholders to ask which impact investment products appealed the most.
How we conducted the Survey 2
Oikocredit Canada formulated the survey questions (Survey 2) with input from Kindred Credit Union (Kindred). Between September and October 2021 a total of 59 Oikocredit stakeholders responded to the Survey 2. About half of the respondents agreed to participate in follow-up interviews.
Results of the Survey 2
There were three key insights from Survey 2:
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An investment product that is simple and easy to understand with clear social, environmental and financial return targets is key to investment decision-making.
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An investment product with variable rates of return, provided there is a minimum rate of return over the medium to long term, is not a deterrent.
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An investment product must be available to everyday retail (vs. accredited or high net worth) investors.
Next Steps
Oikocredit Canada is buoyed by the positive responses of Canadian stakeholders to different impact investing product options. Given the rapidly growing appetite in Canada and globally for investment products which contribute to solving global challenges, we are looking at the feasibility of an investment product launch with Oikocredit International. We look forward to reporting back to you on opportunities for Canadians to contribute to Oikocredit International’s global movement to invest responsibly to improve the quality of life of low-income people or communities in a sustainable way.
