Australia is ready for a more sophisticated market in impact investing according to Michael Traill, who has spent almost two decades encouraging Australians to invest for profit — and good.
As the chair of the federal government’s task force on social impact investing — investment measured by both financial returns and success in a social objective — Traill argues the nation needs to scale up for a potential $60bn market by setting up a “wholesaler” to bring deals to potential investors.
The task force has just presented its final report to the government and while its recommendations are still under wraps, Traill tells The Deal the group has identified the need to develop the “architecture” of the market to offer more products to investors such as superannuation funds, foundations, philanthropists and those prepared to accept a “below conventional risk return”.
“I think there is an appetite for larger scale impact investing,” he says. “There’s been an evolution and a set of developments over the last decade that would suggest that this market is ready for that but it would need some encouragement and stimulation for that to happen.” Till now most investments of this sort in Australia are about $50,000 to $10m but Traill sees potential for a spread of investments with up to $50m at the top end.
He says some industry superannuation funds, such as HESTA, have been proactive, showing financial returns consistent with the “sole purpose test” which directs funds to invest only for the retirement benefit of members.
The task force, set up in the 2019 federal budget to investigate the role the commonwealth should play in developing investment to “provide solutions to address entrenched disadvantage and some of society’s most intractable social problems” released an interim report last December. It identified three existing segments — social impact bonds which provide start-up funds for potential future return; the approximately 20,000 social enterprises of small to medium size with less than $10m turnover; and large scale enterprises of which only about six have an annual turnover of more than $50m. The interim report flagged the need for an early stage foundation; a body to promote more “outcome-based” funding opportunities; and a wholesale fund similar to Big Society Capital in Britain. The latter, it said, was “critical” for growing the sector.
Big Society Capital, was set up in 2012 as a £400m ($727m) fund to support and co-invest with fund managers to invest in social enterprises. It has since signed £540m of investment and attracted more than £1.2bn of coinvestments.
In an interview with The Deal, Traill emphasises that if the market is to scale up, Australia will need impact investment “wholesalers” to operate as intermediaries in the same way as fund managers operate in investment generally. Such a body would also attract people who could “talk a tripartite language” of business, social performance and community, and government. “A lot of the impacting investing space — think social housing, think aged care, early learning, NDIS — has an element of understanding of government policy funding and engagement,” Traill says.
“It becomes a virtuous circle. If you can set up funds that have $40m to $50m in them rather than $5m to $10m, by definition it is easier to hire (top talent).”
The task force found that high net worth funders, foundations and super funds which are already investing in social projects are often hungry for more products. They were saying “we would like to do more, we’ve been quite happy with the financial returns, the visibility of social impact, but we’d like to actually do three to five times the amount of what we are doing”.
“The question is then, how you develop more products?” Traill says. “We think that the answer is to set up the kind of partnerships that support the sustained development of intermediaries ethical fund managers who can originate these opportunities and transactions.” But he says the fragmented market will need support across all three segments from the earliest stage seed funding to mid-sized social enterprises to larger scale projects. This is needed in order to build skills for the bigger projects.
Traill left investment bank Macquarie 20 years ago to become founding chief executive of Social Ventures Australia. Back then the focus was on “venture philanthropy” and the use of performance metrics to bring venture capital disciplines to philanthropy without demanding a return on investment. “What has happened over the 20 years since is a much more sophisticated understanding that there will be opportunities to mobilise even bigger chunks of capital where you can combine reasonable financial returns and social purpose,” says Traill.
At present impact investing totals about $1bn in Australia but Traill suggests it could grow to 2 per cent of the overall local investment market of about $3 trillion. “I don’t think that’s a naive or aspirational target... 2 per cent is still mobilising massive pools of money. It could be a $60bn market. But to get to that point you would want it to be recognised as a mainstream asset class in the same way as private equity or infrastructure or direct property.”
Traill says super funds are interested in investments of $20m to $50m and above. That means they need projects of between $50m to $100m and above. “That is actually a big chunk of the market when you think about aged care, you think about TAFE and further education, early learning childcare, social and affordable housing,” he says. “The NDIS housing (for example) has been effective in encouraging funding into that market. These are clearly multibillion-dollar chunks of the economy.
“Wind the clock forward five or 10 years and I think there will be a very broad church of impact investors. The super funds have to provide reasonable long-dated financial returns and I think there is a transaction opportunity there that will appeal to them. “I think that will be a big market and then you’ll have a spectrum of impact investment that draws on the original pool of foundations, philanthropists and investors who want to generate a return but may be prepared to accept a ‘below conventional risk return’. And that’s already happening.”
The British system was boosted by using “unclaimed monies” and Sir Ronald Cohen, the force behind its establishment, has suggested Australia make similar use of so-called passive funds. But Traill says there are legislative and technical problems in “liberating” these funds in Australia, and the task force has not recommended that idea. Nor is it pushing legislative change to help Australia scale up the sector.
“We think it is much more about government encouragement and enabling,” says Traill. He says the final report addresses two other issues that have held back development of the sector — the need for capacity building for early stage social entrepreneurs who need resources; and “a very specific gap which we came to know as the valley of debt funding”. This refers to the problems faced by a social enterprise which is up and running but is too small to access the next tranche of capital — often between $25,000 to $150,000 — to allow it to grow to the next level.
Full article via The Australian
HELEN TRINCA, THE DEAL EDITOR AND ASSOCIATE EDITOR Helen Trinca is a highly experienced reporter, commentator and editor with a special interest in workplace and broad cultural issues.
For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP) and For Purpose Aged Care Australia (FPACA) have secured a Social Loan with Bank Australia, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB) as Joint Sustainability Coordinators.
This is the first senior debt Social Loan for FPIP. The financing aligns with the Asia Pacific Loan Markets Association (APLMA) Social Loan Principles, an international standard for social impact lending. Sustainalytics, an independent third party, has assessed the FPIP Sustainable Finance Framework to verify it meets these standards.
The funds will support FPACA to build and operate quality residential aged care homes across Australia, with a focus on regional communities. The partnership with Bank Australia, CBA and NAB reflects a shared commitment to improving outcomes for older Australians in areas that need it most.
Victoria Adams, Managing Director of For Purpose Investment Partners, said: "This is our first senior debt Social Loan. It cements our position as a leader in impact investing in Australia, with the backing of three banks who share our commitment to older Australians and regional communities.
“Our Sustainable Finance Framework has been independently assessed by Sustainalytics against international standards. We publish annual impact reports, are signatories to the Operating Principles for Impact Management, and have BlueMark independently assess our work. This Social Loan adds another layer of accountability for our investors. It also shows the confidence we have in FPACA to deliver high standards of care for older Australians."
Tim Von Ess, Head of Impact Lending, said: “At Bank Australia, we believe everyone is entitled to live in an affordable home that meets their needs, and this includes access to safe and dignified aged-care. As a customer-owned bank, we know that our customers want to use their money as a force for good. That’s why we partnered with FPIP and FPACA on this loan, to help deliver positive outcomes for residents, families and staff. Supporting the development of high-quality aged care in regional Australia strongly aligns with our affordable and accessible housing impact area and we’re proud to stand alongside our partners in supporting a model of care that puts older Australians and their wellbeing at the centre. "
Craig McQuillen, General Manager, Major Client Group, CBA, said: “CBA are pleased to play a role in supporting FPIP and FPACA as a Sustainability Coordinator on the Social Loan. The Loan is an important milestone and recognition of their commitment to improving outcomes for older Australians, particularly in regional communities where there is heightened need for quality aged care. By supporting our clients with sustainable finance, we’re helping FPIP and FPACA in expanding initiatives that deliver equitable access to aged care for the communities they serve.”
Dale Pattison, State Director, Corporate Health, said: “Access to safe, high‑quality, and affordable housing is fundamental to the wellbeing of every Australian. NAB is proud to support this Social Loan, which will help deliver more care‑focused homes in the communities that need them most. Collaborations like this demonstrate how finance can play a meaningful role in addressing Australia’s housing and aged‑care challenges, while improving outcomes for older people across regional Australia.”
Matthew Filocamo, CEO of For Purpose Aged Care Australia, said: "This partnership with NAB, CBA, and Bank Australia supports our work to deliver quality aged care in regional communities across Australia. Their commitment to older Australians aligns with our purpose to ‘deliver exceptional care and meaningful ageing’.
"Thank you to our banking partners, investors, and care teams who make it possible to build communities where older Australians receive the care they deserve."
Media contact | michelle.moore@fpinvest.com.au
For Purpose Investment Partners
For Purpose Investment Partners are a not-for-profit social impact investment fund manager, created to pursue an important mission; bringing private sector capital and capabilities into sizeable businesses and projects to create significant social impact. Established in 2018 by pioneering impact investor Michael Traill and philanthropist and entrepreneur Mark Carnegie to focus on large-scale impact investing, For Purpose has ~$200m of funds under management.
Bank Australia
Bank Australia Ltd believes banking can be a force for good and together we can have a positive impact on our customers, communities and the planet. Following its merger with Qudos Mutual Ltd on 1 July 2025, Bank Australia Ltd continues to operate the Bank Australia and Qudos Bank retail brands. We are 100% customer-owned and aim to build on our position as Australia’s leading purpose-driven bank. We exist to inspire and empower our customers to use their money to create a world where people and the planet thrive. We support almost 320,000 customers and we’re custodians of more than $20 billion in assets.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) is one of the leading banks in Australia, serving more than 17 million personal, business and institutional customers. We are guided by our purpose – building a brighter future for all. Our strategy, to build tomorrow's bank today for our customers, reflects our commitment to use the strength of CBA to support our customers, invest in our communities and provide strength and stability for the broader economy. As at 30 June 2025, we have provided $64.4 billion in cumulative funding towards our Sustainability Funding Target (SFT) of $70 billion by 2030. Contribution to the SFT includes sustainable finance to support clients with Environmental & Social initiatives, as well as funding for renewable energy projects and green buildings.
National Australia Bank
At NAB, we're here to be the most customer-centric company in Australia and New Zealand. NAB's workforce is made up of more than 38,000 colleagues globally, supporting more than eight and a half million customers in Australia and overseas. Our scale and connectivity help us to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our business and community. We're focusing on taking climate action, supporting affordable and specialist housing, and backing Indigenous businesses.
Our NAB Health team have been providing financial solutions to the healthcare sector for over 20 years with dedicated business bankers who have in-depth industry knowledge.
For Purpose Aged Care Australia
For Purpose Aged Care Australia is a national aged care provider with a clear social mission: to deliver high-quality care while creating meaningful social impact. Backed by ethical investors, we reinvest in our people, places and programs to ensure older Australians receive the respect and support they deserve. Since our formation, we’ve grown rapidly through the strategic acquisitions of Luson and Signature Care, and now operate over 2,000 residential aged care beds nationwide.
For Purpose Aged Care Australia (FPACA) has appointed Gregg Funston as Chief Operating Officer and Rebecca Gill as General Manager, Strategy & Performance.
The appointments strengthen FPACA's executive team as the organisation continues to grow its national footprint and invest in the systems, leadership, and capability required to deliver on its social mission.
FPACA Group CEO Matthew Filocamo said the appointments reflect the organisation's commitment to building enduring operational and strategic foundations.
"Through the acquisitions of Luson and Signature Care, we now operate more than 2,000 beds nationally. As the business has grown, we have been deliberate about attracting leaders with the experience and capability to match that scale," Mr Filocamo said.
"Gregg and Rebecca each bring deep experience from organisations that operate at significant scale and complexity. That experience will help us continue lifting the standard of care we provide while preparing for the next phase of our growth."
Mr Filocamo said the appointments also reflect FPACA's focus on sustainable, well-governed growth.
"We exist to create meaningful social impact for older Australians. Doing that well, consistently and at scale, requires disciplined operations, strong systems, and clear strategy. These appointments are about building that foundation."
Gregg Funston, Chief Operating Officer
Gregg joins FPACA from Regis Aged Care, where he spent 15 years in operational leadership roles. Most recently, as Executive General Manager of Operations for Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, he was responsible for 35 homes, 4,800 beds, 6,000 employees, and an operating budget exceeding $500 million.
His experience includes leading the integration of major acquisitions, delivering significant operational improvements, and strengthening governance and quality frameworks across large, geographically dispersed portfolios.
Gregg will oversee FPACA's residential aged care operations, with a focus on quality, site-level leadership, and operational readiness for growth.
Rebecca Gill, General Manager Strategy & Performance
Rebecca joins FPACA from the not-for-profit sector, having previously spent more than a decade as a Principal at Boston Consulting Group, where she led digital and organisational transformations for major Australian institutions.
Most recently, as Strategic Advisor to the CEO at Teach For Australia, she led transformation initiatives that reduced the organisation's cost base and secured government funding for significant program expansion.
Rebecca will lead FPACA's strategy, transformation, and performance functions. This includes overseeing the upgrade of core business systems and the integration of future acquisitions.
About For Purpose Aged Care Australia
For Purpose Aged Care Australia is a national aged care provider with a clear social mission: to deliver high-quality care while creating meaningful social impact. Backed by ethical investors, FPACA reinvests in its people, places, and programs to ensure older Australians receive the respect and support they deserve. The organisation operates more than 2,150 residential aged care beds across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, with a further 600 currently in development.
FP Ability is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Knoblauch as Board Advisor, effective from January 2026. FP Ability brings together Able Foods and Tender Loving Cuisine, two specialist meal preparation and delivery businesses serving customers across Australia. With a focus on the unique needs of customers supported by Home Care Packages and NDIS plans, together the businesses deliver more than 24,000 meals each week.
Kim brings over 35 years of executive leadership across aged care, disability services and healthcare. His career spans CEO and Director roles with organisations including Ramsay Health Care, Calvary Group, Opal Healthcare and multiple community home care providers.
His expertise directly aligns with FP Ability's mission and market focus:
· Aged Care and NDIS Leadership – As CEO of Home Care Assistance Gold Coast, leading transition to the new 2024 Aged Care Actand Support at Home funding model
· Board Governance – Current and former board director positions with Home Instead, Supported Independent Living Cooperative (SILC) and Home Care Assist
· Sector Reform Experience – National leadership roles navigating regulatory change across residential care, community home care and NDIS supported living
· Quality and Compliance – Extensive track record achieving accreditation outcomes and establishing clinical governance frameworks.
Kim currently serves as Owner Director of Kimlock Health Management, providing operational and quality support to aged care and NDIS providers nationally.
FP Ability Executive Chair Robert Blackwell said, "Kim brings a wealth of experience in the Aged Care and NDIS sectors that will be of significant benefit to the Board and the Senior Leadership Team. As we navigate significant reform across both sectors, his practical understanding of operational challenges and regulatory requirements will strengthen our governance and help ensure Able Foods and Tender Loving Cuisine remain focused on delivering quality outcomes for the people we serve."
For Purpose Investment Partners acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion at For Purpose Investment Partners are critical in our efforts to create significant social impact. Diversity in the team allows us to better represent the diversity of thought and experiences of the communities that we are aiming to serve, promotes a healthy and thriving working environment, and delivers innovative and sustainable outcomes for our communities, our people, our investors and our partners.
