The securities lending as a service (SLaaS) fintech firm Sharegain has launched BetterLend, a platform that supports social and environmental causes through securities lending activity.
BetterLend allows Sharegain’s clients to use their lending activity to create positive change across four areas: clean water, reforestation, renewable energy and education.
When Sharegain clients opt into BetterLend, they choose a percentage of lending revenue they want to commit and the initiatives they want to support. Clients choose one or more of the above areas to put their lending revenue towards.
BetterLend then handles the implementation, by partnering with charitable organisations that align with those focus areas and identifying the projects that will be delivered through clients’ lending activities.
Sharegain CEO Boaz Yaari says: “For the first time, a securities lending agent is taking a stand, not just by supporting principles of sustainable finance, but ensuring securities lending revenue is doing good in our world.
“Until now, securities lending has dealt with governance — the ‘G’ of ESG, ensuring securities lending is ESG-compliant. Now is the time to make it truly compatible.
“Many investors want to achieve more with their securities lending. They want to deliver on the ‘E’ and the ‘S’ of ESG. We are very proud to launch BetterLend, making sure securities lending is ESG-compliant, while enabling our clients to make a positive impact in the world by planting trees, digging wells and installing solar panels, all by lending their securities.”
