Impact investing is more than just a label. In private markets in particular, impact is increasingly becoming a strategic category – for family offices as well as institutional investors. Markus Hill speaks with Christians Hommens on behalf of FINANZPLATZ-FRANKFURT-MAIN.DE about the critical success factors in this investment segment and the importance of professional dialogue among experts. Impact measurement, impact infrastructure, private equity, sustainability & investing, private debt – these and other topics form the basis for the exchange of ideas in March at a specialist conference (SMART IMPACT INVESTING & PRIVATE MARKETS). The importance of the Frankfurt ecosystem for investment, decision-making, and regulation in these areas will be highlighted.
Hill: Impact investing is often considered a “nice to have.” Where do you see real structural change today, especially in the private markets?
Hommens: Impact investing is clearly evolving from a secondary issue to a core strategic question. In the private markets, family offices and institutional investors are increasingly recognizing that long-term returns, resilience, and impact go hand in hand. Infrastructure, private equity, and private credit make it possible to deploy capital in a targeted manner – with measurable impact and simultaneous value creation potential. Impact thus becomes a quality feature, not a compromise.
Hill: Where do investors fail in practice – and why is it worthwhile to exchange ideas at Smart Bridges?
Hommens: It’s hard to say, but we see three points coming up again and again: lack of impact measurability, unclear governance structures, and limited access to compelling deal flow. This is exactly where our forum comes in. We bring investors, practitioners, and solution providers together—not theoretically, but in a practical, interactive way and on an equal footing.
Hill: What specific topics will be the focus of the two days?
Hommens: From impact measurement and social impact to impact infrastructure. And, of course, private equity and sustainable portfolio design will be examined in more detail – supplemented by topics such as private credit, infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and new structuring models. Always with an eye on the question: How can impact be meaningfully integrated into portfolios without losing sight of performance?
Hill: Why is Frankfurt/Hesse the right place—and why now?
Hommens: Frankfurt and Hesse combine capital, decision-making authority, and regulatory proximity. In an environment of increasing uncertainty, investors are looking for guidance and long-term solutions. The connection between impact investing and private markets is highly relevant in this context – and our region is the ideal place for this dialogue.
Hill: Thank you very much for the interview. I look forward to the fireside chat on February 17, 2026 (“Family Offices & Foundations,” Impact Investing) and to the discussions on site.
Information about the event: SMART IMPACT INVESTING EXCELLENCE FORUM
Information about the event: “PRIVATE MARKETS EXCELLENCE FORUM”