Swiss bank UBS’ venture and innovation unit UBS Next has invested into data and analytics provider GIST Impact, which provides actionable intelligence to companies and investors, helping them to measure their environmental and social impacts.

The data provider, whose clients include some of the world’s largest banks, sovereign wealth funds and technology firms, has over 16 years of experience measuring and valuing impact, and its data and software are founded on a science-based, location-specific and standards-aligned approach.

The UBS Next investment – the details and amount of which have not been revealed – will support the further expansion of its product integrations with partners and development of proprietary impact data and software solutions. This include preparations for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) requirements, areas in which its clients require the most support.

New regulations and standards have also set a higher bar for measuring impact across value chains, whether through assessing impact materiality as part of the CSRD or evaluating natural capital impact as part of the TNFD.

The provision of better impact data, GIST Impact says, is critical in developing greater transparency for investors to help them manage their portfolios.

“Actionable impact intelligence and data will help investors manage their portfolios in a targeted manner as well as match opportunities, environmental and social impact,” adds Sergio Ermotti, UBS group CEO. “This is a pre-requisite to creating long-term sustainable outcomes.