Nuveen -Tue, 11/21/2023 - 18:12

Impact measurement and reporting: Insights from an insurer’s experience

Understanding the non-financial impact of their investments is an increasing concern for institutional investors. Almost three-quarters (74%) consider or plan to consider the environmental and societal impact of their investment decisions, according to Nuveen’s 2023 EQuilibrium survey of institutional investors around the world. This number is even higher (82%) for insurers. While the demand to fund impact projects and investments, especially from insurers, is clear, implementation can be challenging. Only 41% of impact-focused investors had identified impact goals for implementing their impact strategy in our EQuilibrium survey, and less than one-third had a separate allocation sleeve for their impact investments.

Fundamental to considering the impact is the ability to measure, track and report on these additional outcomes. Based on our experience managing impact assets for TIAA and other institutional investors, we explore some of the challenges this entails particularly for investment strategies that intentionally target positive impact outcomes.

Key themes include:

What defines an impact investment and why it matters
Asset class and portfolio construction considerations when investing in impact
Best practices in measurement and reporting non-financial results for both impact investments and the broader portfolio

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Contacts

Nuveen

Nuveen is the asset manager for TIAA, one of the world’s most highly rated and financially stable insurance companies¹. We leverage our deep expertise in partnering with insurance clients to tailor capital-efficient solutions to meet complex portfolio construction needs. Our platform of $1.4 trillion in AUM² offers differentiated investments across private credit and private equity, real assets, fixed income, and responsible investing focused strategies. For more information, please visit www.nuveen.com/insurance.

1. For its stability, claims-paying ability and overall financial strength, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) is one of only three insurers in the United States to currently hold the highest rating available to U.S. insurers from three of the four leading insurance company rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++ as of July 2025), Fitch (AAA as of August 2025), Standard & Poor’s (AA+ as of November 2025), and the second highest possible rating from Moody’s Investors Service (Aa1 rating affirmed as of February 12, 2026). There is no guarantee that current ratings will be maintained. The financial strength ratings represent a company’s ability to meet policyholders’ obligations and do not apply to variable annuities or any other product or service not fully backed by TIAA’s claims-paying ability. The ratings also do not apply to the safety or the performance of the variable accounts, which will fluctuate in value.

2. Assets under management as of 31 Dec 2025. Nuveen assets under management (AUM) is inclusive of underlying investment specialists. Totals may not equal 100 % due to rounding.

Joseph Pursley, CIMA
Head of Insurance, Americas
Joseph.Pursley@Nuveen.com
445-245-1063

Nuveen, a TIAA Company
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

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