SEC Approves Green Impact Exchange as First U.S. Sustainability-Focused Stock Exchange

In a landmark decision for sustainable finance, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the Green Impact Exchange (GIX) as a national securities exchange. This approval marks a significant step toward integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the core of capital markets.

“Today’s approval order is an important step forward for sustainability-minded investors and companies,” said Green Impact Exchange CEO and Founder Dan Labovitz.

A New Era for Publicly Traded Companies

GIX is set to become the first U.S. stock exchange dedicated exclusively to companies committed to sustainability. Initially operating as a dual-listing venue, GIX will allow companies already listed on other national exchanges to also list on GIX, provided they meet its stringent Green Governance Standards. These standards require transparent disclosures and robust internal governance structures to ensure that sustainability commitments are credible and enforceable.

“Climate risk is business risk. It’s that simple. U.S. investors and companies are continuing to pursue sustainability because it makes financial and competitive sense,” said Green Impact Exchange President and co-founder Charles Dolan. “Public markets like GIX have a pivotal role to play in connecting sustainable investors with companies that understand that.”

By offering a platform that emphasizes accountability and transparency, GIX aims to distinguish companies genuinely committed to sustainable practices from those engaging in “greenwashing.” This differentiation is expected to enhance investor confidence and potentially provide companies with access to a broader base of sustainability-focused investors.

Investor Demand for Transparency

Launching the Green Impact Exchange (GIX) is a crucial milestone for investors seeking credible, transparent ESG-aligned opportunities. Amid continuing global concerns around greenwashing and fragmented sustainability disclosures, GIX offers a trusted platform where companies must meet rigorous governance standards to list—providing investors with confidence that their capital is driving genuine impact. 

According to a Morgan Stanley report from late 2024, 78% of asset managers and 80% of asset owners expect sustainable assets under management and allocations to rise over the next two years. At the same time, 54% of individual investors planned to increase their sustainable investments in 2024, underlining strong retail demand for responsible investing.

However, the lack of standardized sustainability benchmarks and high profile greenwashing incidents have made it difficult for investors to identify trustworthy companies. Green Impact Exchange addresses this by elevating listing requirements and ensuring that sustainability disclosures are auditable and enforceable. As a result, investors—whether institutional or individual—gain access to a curated marketplace of companies that meet high-impact criteria, enabling better investment decisions and deeper alignment with long-term environmental and social values. GIX is not just a new exchange; it’s a new standard for sustainable investing.

Empowering Investors and Stakeholders

For investors, GIX offers a marketplace where they can align their portfolios with their values, investing in companies that demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability. The exchange’s rigorous listing standards are designed to provide investors with reliable information, reducing the risk associated with ESG investments.

Governments, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) stand to benefit from GIX’s emphasis on transparency and accountability. By promoting standardized sustainability disclosures, GIX can serve as a valuable tool for policymakers and advocacy groups aiming to encourage corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Leela J. Gray, Brigadier General said “Facilitating long term value opportunities for investors, companies, and our future generations!” 

Leadership Committed to Sustainability

GIX is led by CEO and Founder Daniel Labovitz, a former financial services litigator and NYSE prosecutor, who brings a wealth of experience in regulatory compliance and corporate governance. Labovitz has been a vocal advocate for integrating sustainability into the fabric of corporate operations, emphasizing the need for enforceable standards to build investor trust. 

Chief Operating Officer and Founder Charles Dolan adds further depth with a strong background in exchange operations, infrastructure, and technology, ensuring the platform runs with precision and resilience. Together, they are steering GIX toward becoming a transformative force in the financial industry

Looking Ahead

With SEC approval secured, GIX plans to commence trading in early 2026. The exchange is also developing a “Return to Green” program, which will allocate a portion of its revenues to support sustainability initiatives, further reinforcing its commitment to environmental and social impact.

As the global economy increasingly prioritizes sustainability, GIX’s emergence represents a pivotal moment in aligning financial markets with environmental and social objectives. By providing a platform that rewards genuine sustainability efforts, GIX is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of investing.

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