Scaling Impact Capital Podcast Episode #11: Offer catalytic finance, not just blended finance, with Diane Mak, Head of Impact at Allianz Global Investors

A conversation with Diane Mak, Head of Impact, Allianz Global Investors. In this episode, Diane shares her journey into impact investing and social finance, reflecting on how the space has evolved over the past decade. She discusses her role at Allianz Global Investors as the Head of Impact Strategy and what it entails for a major asset owner like Allianz. Diane provides insights into how Allianz approaches impact measurement and management (IMM) and the significance of IMM within the organization. We explore the challenges institutional investors face in deploying capital towards intentional impact strategies that address the SDGs, and Diane highlights the opportunities that strategies like blended finance offer in unlocking more institutional investment in impact strategies. Additionally, she discusses the potential for partnering with DFIs to de-risk emerging market investments and shares valuable lessons learned from engaging in and scaling impact investing as an institutional investor.