Impact Frontiers recently introduced the inaugural set of Founding Adopters for its Impact Performance Reporting Norms, a framework crafted to bolster transparency and credibility in impact investment reporting. The announcement, made on November 13, 2025, marks a significant milestone in an ongoing effort to ensure that investors who aspire to generate positive social and environmental impacts can effectively convey their results.
The Reporting Norms serve as a comprehensive guideline detailing what essential content should be included in impact reports, along with a series of Guiding Principles. These principles aim to guarantee that the presented information is practical and beneficial for decision-making. With its first version now publicly accessible, Stakeholders can find it at
impactreporting.org, where they can delve into the framework's recommendations.
One of the core missions behind the creation of these Reporting Norms is to establish coherence among existing standards and frameworks utilized by investors for measuring, managing, and reporting their impacts. Furthermore, the Norms are envisioned to be fully compatible with the Conceptual Framework on Financial Reporting developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), allowing for integrated reporting that meets diverse investor needs.
Mike McCreless, the Executive Director of Impact Frontiers, emphasized the rising expectations investors have for demonstrating tangible impacts. "Investors in impact funds increasingly demand a disciplined approach to impact alongside clear evidence of real-world results," said McCreless, underscoring the critical nature of this initiative in cultivating a healthy market for impact investments.
The Reporting Norms document has emerged from a rigorous 18-month global consultation process encompassing over 350 organizations. Initially tailored for private markets investors, the framework will soon adapt to incorporate other asset classes and diversify its reach among different investor profiles. A second version—which will include feedback from initial adopters—is expected to be released in late 2026.
Among the initial participants who have embraced the Reporting Norms are prominent asset managers, allocators, investment consultants, and data platforms.
- - Adenia Partners, one of the Founding Adopters, stated, "Joining as a Founding Adopter of the Impact Performance Reporting Norms signifies our dedication to integrity, transparency, and growth in the impact sector. These Norms present a cohesive framework for reporting impactful change—both intended and unintended—encouraging a deeper understanding of the investor impact."
- - Blue Haven Initiative expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are proud to take our place within the Impact Frontiers family as a Founding Adopter. By adopting these norms, we hope to make substantial strides in promoting their usage within the impact investing space."
- - Mercer, a globally integrated consulting firm, added, "Although impact frameworks have existed, discrepancies in how impact reporting is interpreted are still widespread. The Impact Performance Reporting Norms provide much-needed clarity and guidance, which is critical for fostering alignment in the complex world of impact investing."
Looking ahead, Impact Frontiers acts as the steward of the Reporting Norms, working collectively with a council comprising government and philanthropic representatives and consulting with various nonprofit networks and associations. The ultimate ambition for these Norms is to create a tested model for investment impact reporting that could be endorsed by national regulators or international standard-setters, reshaping how impact reports are structured and understood globally.
As part of its commitment to inclusivity, the Reporting Norms are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Japanese, to reach a wider audience and facilitate a more comprehensive understanding across various communities.
About Impact Frontiers:
Impact Frontiers is dedicated to building a collaborative learning environment for investors keen on managing their social and environmental effects while weaving impact considerations into their decision-making processes. As a successor to the Impact Management Project, Impact Frontiers continues to support impactful norms and foster consensus wherever best practices are still developing. For further insights, visit
impactfrontiers.org.
About the Impact Performance Reporting Norms:
The Reporting Norms are designed to enhance the transparency and credibility of impact investment reporting across all asset classes. They can be essential tools for both asset managers and asset owners in today’s evolving market landscape, enabling investors to articulate their impacts more clearly and effectively. For more information, go to
impactreporting.org.