What is Boston Common Asset Management?
Boston Common Asset Management (BCAM) is a majority employee-owned and women-founded sustainable global equity manager. Founded back in 2003, this independent, diverse, and women-led firm focuses on integrating sustainability right at the heart of business. Their approach? It’s all about giving investors access to long-term opportunities across both developed and emerging markets. BCAM believes that investing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making a real difference in the world through responsible ownership and active engagement.
Main Benefits of Boston Common Asset Management
Boston Common brings a lot to the table, and here are some key highlights that set them apart:
- Over 20 years of experience generating competitive investment returns.
- Majority women- and employee-owned, emphasizing diversity and inclusion.
- Strong focus on business-centric sustainability integration.
- Proactive shareholder engagement that drives positive social and environmental outcomes.
- Human-centered approach prioritizing employee health, well-being, and growth.
- In-house research and market-leading engagement strategies.
- BCorp score of 147.4, reflecting a deep commitment to responsible business practices.
The Founding Vision and Leadership
When Geeta Aiyer founded Boston Common in 2003, she was driven by a powerful belief: public equity investing can actually improve corporate behavior. Why? Because owning equity means having a voice—a unique chance to engage directly with corporate management. This vision hasn’t changed. Under Geeta’s leadership, Boston Common has built a solid investment record while pushing companies to innovate and invest in social and environmental progress. It’s about more than just profits—it’s about making capital work for people and the planet.
Investment Philosophy and Approach
Boston Common’s investment approach is anything but typical. They focus on business-centric sustainability integration, meaning they look closely at how companies operate and how they can improve. The goal? To invest in and engage with companies that not only perform financially but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. This isn’t passive investing—it’s active, thoughtful, and driven by a sense of responsibility to both investors and society.
Culture and Team Strengths
People are at the core of Boston Common’s success. The firm values its employees as its most important assets, fostering an environment built on trust, innovation, equity, and inclusion. The team’s professional and lived experiences bring unique perspectives that enrich the company culture and investment process. In a field that’s often quite homogenous, Boston Common stands out as a champion for diversity and inclusion, which translates into better decision-making and stronger impact.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Promoting women leadership and ownership.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Supporting fair labor practices and employee well-being.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Championing diversity and inclusion within the firm and portfolio companies.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable business practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Investing in companies that address environmental challenges.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Advocating for corporate transparency and governance.
Client Relationships and Advisory Role
Boston Common doesn’t just manage investments—they act as trusted advisors, inspired and guided by their clients’ values. This collaborative approach ensures that investment strategies align closely with what clients care about most. It’s a partnership built on shared goals, transparency, and a commitment to activating capital in ways that serve both people and the planet. In the end, it’s about making investing meaningful and impactful, not just profitable.
