Ben Payton

Men continue to dominate the upper echelons in private funds, but the industry has made progress in recruiting more women.

Now that the importance of ESG is well-understood in Japan, the market is beginning to wake up to impact.

LPs are becoming more diversity-conscious, but a lack of gender balance in investment teams is rarely a deal-breaker.

The Church of England's deputy director of ethics at its pension board, Stephen Barrie, insists that GPs should have the capacity to analyse, understand and act on ESG data.

Simon Witney, special counsel at Debevoise & Plimpton, says he doesn't see ESG and financial returns as a trade-off.

The lower risk of blended finance structures could appeal to private equity investors seeking both impact and returns.

Few LPs are prioritising sustainability, and a lack of gender balance in GPs is rarely a deal-breaker.