Days left to join The Big Exchange crowdfund as sustainable investing grows

Almost 400 people have signed up to be shareholders in The Big Exchange, the sustainable investment organisation co-founded by The Big Issue, as only days remain on the crowdfunder to take the business further.

The sustainable investment platform has £338,000 in total, more than double its initial target, with applications due to close on Wednesday August 25.

“The Big Exchange crowdfund gives everyone the opportunity to become a shareholder of our business from as little as £10,” said Jill Jackson, chief executive of The Big Exchange. “We reached our initial target of raising £150,000 within 48 hours of launching the campaign and there is still time to get involved.”

The Big Exchange is an online investment platform launched in October 2020 which only lists funds that are proven to be making a positive difference to the planet and its people. It now manages £58 billion worth of assets and offers 46 socio-economic independent funds within its investment portfolio and in June The Big Exchange launched a free app to help people manage their money.

“The crowdfund lets you invest in our actual business,” Jackson continued. “By you making that choice, you will be helping us grow, making it possible for us to reach our goals and ambitions, and you will be joining us as a partner in fulfilling our mission. The more who join, the more positive impact we can make.”

Make waves with us. Register to join The Big Exchange crowdfund. Don't miss out and sign up today!

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— The Big Exchange (@TheBigExchange_) August 18, 2021

UK savers put almost £1bn a month into responsible investment funds in 2020, according to the Investment Association. The number of sustainable investment funds grew by 66 per cent over the preceding 12 months, compared to a 7 per cent growth across funds overall. Jackson said this is part of an overall trend for greater social responsibility.

“It’s not just in investments. One in three people rank sustainability in their top three buying criteria. We think it is because people can see what is happening to the world around them, to society and the environment, and are thinking about creating a better future.

“More and more people are using everything in their power to make a positive difference: where we shop, to who we donate, and importantly, how we manage our money.  And when it has been shown that the decision to make your lifetime’s investments more sustainable can have 27 times more impact in reducing your carbon footprint than giving up flying or going vegan, it makes sense that we’re seeing more interest.

“The impact our money has on the world has been overlooked for too long and finance has often made it difficult or exclusive for people to access these types of products and services which have often been seen as ‘extra’ or ‘niche’. But we don’t think that should be the case any more. Through The Big Exchange anyone can make an impact with their money.”

Nigel Kershaw, chair of The Big Issue Group said: “The Big Exchange is an extension of The Big Issue’s mission of finding solutions for those who are financially excluded – creating a fairer world for everybody.

“This crowdfund gives those who have the resources an opportunity to make their money count for more by joining a movement that is helping to create powerful solutions for people and the planet, for now and for future generations.”

“Giving everyone the opportunity to be a shareholder of our business is so important to us,” Jackson added. “Democratising access to investments that aim to make a financial and a social return is core to our mission.”

Please remember that when investing, making money is not guaranteed and your capital is at risk. The value of your investment can go down as well as up.Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. 

This Crowdfund has been approved by Resolution Compliance Limited (“Resolution”) as of 30 June 2021 as a financial promotion. Resolution is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:574048).