In September, Canada became on of the first countries internationally to launch a Social Stock Exchange, a program that originated in the UK to connect socially driven business with investors.
The UK has taken note. In an article profiling Canada's Social Venture Connexion (SVK)—which is lead by Toronto's MARS Centre for Impact Investing—the Guardian points out that although the Stock Exchange programs are similar, there are some key differences. Unlike the UK's Social Stock Exchange and Asia's Impact Investment Exchange, neither are actually social stock exchange programs. Canada's is considered a "global first" though we're hesitant to admit it.
Describing the work of the UK's Social Stock Exchange, [MaRS' Adam] Spence explains that rather than directly connecting social ventures with investors they are an information website that focuses on assessing the social impact of these currently listed companies.
SVX, on the other hand, is a social stock exchange, says Spence. He said: "SVX is registered as a restricted dealer with the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), not unlike other capital markets players like financial advisors, financial institutions, broker-dealers, and exchanges or marketplaces.
"This is not to say that the work of the SVX is better than what is going on in London or Singapore, as they are doing great work. But they are all different."
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Original Source: The Guardian