In this episode, Fran Seegull, President of the U.S. Impact Investing Alliance and Executive Director of the Tipping Point Fund, shares her analysis and optimism about the future of finance. In this rich conversation, Fran traces the evolution of the impact investing movement in the U.S., from its historical roots to today’s multi-trillion-dollar global ecosystem. She shares her analysis about its politicization and market uncertainty. Fran explains why impact investing is no longer niche, how policy is a powerful lever for collective action even in times of backlash, and how protecting the “freedom to invest” is key for these troubled times. She also introduces system-level investing, a new, exciting lens for investors to steward entire sectors like climate or housing towards fundamental transformations. Fran also reflects on what it means to lead with courage and care in a divided world, and why peer mentorship, self-acceptance, and staying present are as important as policy and advocacy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the crossroads between finance, policy, and purpose.

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You can also:

• Visit our website: womenchangingfinance.org
• Read Fran's full bio
• Follow Fran on LinkedIn

To go further, here are some of the references mentioned during the episode:

• The U.S. Impact Investing Alliance https://impinvalliance.org/
• Coalition on Inclusive Economic Growth https://impinvalliance.org/inclusive-economic-growth
• The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) https://thegiin.org/
• IFRS ISSB https://www.ifrs.org/groups/international-sustainability-standards-board/
• Rockefeller Brothers Fund (divestment) https://www.rbf.org/news/10th-anniversary-rbfs-divestment-fossil-fuels
• TWIST https://www.wearetwist.org/
• Transcap https://www.transformation.capital/
• Lafayette Square Institute https://www.lafayettesquareinstitute.org/
• Ownership Works https://ownershipworks.org/
• The American Ownership and Resilience Act (AORA) https://impinvalliance.org/news-updates/2025/5/20/us-impact-investing-alliance-endorses-bipartisan-legislation-to-advance-employee-ownership
• Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory, Investing That Matters, By Jon Lukomnik, James P. Hawley 
• Jennifer Pryce, President and CEO, Calvert Impact, Market Shaping Strategy for the Future: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jennifer-pryce-71456936_calvert-impacts-market-shaping-strategy-activity-7328797388398075908-Twrm/
• Financing the Ramp, Not the Road, by Antony Bugg-Levine https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/financing-ramp-road-antony-bugg-levine-wcg8e/