Bridging the Gap: How Data Standardization and Storytelling Can Connect Impact Investors with CDFIs
Track
Catalytic Capital 2.0
Format
Panel (3 speakers)
Speakers
- NameSandy Fernandez
- TitleVice President, Social Impact, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth | Head, Mastercard Strive USA
- OrganizationMastercard Strive USA
- NameShaolee Sen
- TitleHead of Small Business, Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- OrganizationJPMorgan Chase & Co.
- NameCatherine Berman
- TitleCEO and Co-founder of CNote
- OrganizationCNote
Description
Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) have a proven track record of generating positive impacts in low and moderate-income communities, yet they struggle to attract investments in a competitive marketplace. Meanwhile, the impact investing sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with assets under management nearly doubling from 2019 to 2024. This panel will explore how standardized reporting systems and centralized platforms can help bridge the gap between impact investors and CDFIs, unlocking crucial capital for community lending. We’ll highlight innovative solutions that leverage data standardization and compelling storytelling to overcome the “square peg in a round hole” problem that prevents many investors from fully understanding the CDFI sector.
