The Impact Investing Network (IIN) team has grown!
Joseph Duke Euphrat (Duke), has recently joined the Impact Investing Network on a part-time basis as an Assistant Manager helping with the IIN's communications, sector projects, and key impact investing market initiatives.
Originally from San Francisco, California Duke moved to Dunedin in January 2020 to pursue his Master's in Sustainable Business (MSusBus) where he completed his thesis examining the current impact measurement and reporting landscape in New Zealand compared to other international markets.
Duke's passion for sustainability and impact investing stems from his connection with nature through surfing, hiking, and fly fishing and connection with local communities through volunteering efforts. Duke believes that integrating sustainability into business management, financial, and reporting decisions/processes can unlock unique opportunities, avoid risk, and contribute to essential global sustainable development goals.
"I thrive to make a positive difference and want to leverage proper sustainable business practices to better the lives of individuals and the environment for future generations."
Duke joined the IIN because of their purpose and commitment to connect, educate, and advocate for the impact investing sector. Duke understands the need for platforms, like the IIN, to build capabilities and legitimacy in an emerging and fast growing area.
"With so many approaches, resources, and challenges associated with impact investing strategies globally, it is essential to build a platform unique to New Zealand, building a foundation for national success. Having the opportunity to work closely with such influential practitioners in the sustainable finance space through the IIN is an honour."
Today, Duke is proud to be working as a Senior Sustainable Investment Advisor for the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) focusing on implementing environmental and social impact considerations within their investment decisions. Duke also works on educating, supporting, and identifying opportunities within the primary sector to push sustainable finance initiatives forward.
Previously, Duke worked for New Zealand Superannuation Fund advising and designing sustainable investing strategies. Before moving to New Zealand, Duke worked for Bank of America, Merrill Lynch where he was a Financial Advisor educating ESG considerations into advising practices.
Duke also provides contractual advisory work for clients in supporting sustainable measurement, management, reporting, and governance efforts. This can entail a wide range of work from designing impact frameworks, drafting policies, designing stakeholder engagement strategies, and understanding reporting requirements in line with global standards (e.g. GRI, TCFD, SASB, IMP). Having worked in sustainable finance since 2016, Duke has developed a wide range of expertise and understandings associated with sustainable business best practices.
Tan Huynh, IIN Manager, is delighted to have Duke come onboard. "We're very fortunate to have Duke join us. Not only has our team grown, we've added Duke's considerable expertise and passion to help us grow the impact investing sector".