Leaders in Finance: Azimut

Last March 19, the Master in Corporate Finance - MCF class met Azimut, an international leading investment firm with operations in 18 countries, which mainly focuses on private placement of securities on stock exchange markets, but also manages illiquid assets such as private equity, venture capital and infrastructure.

In 2021, Azimut introduced a fund for institutional investors that follows ESG principles. The presenters - two MCF Alumni, btw - also shared a notable case study about Serre (SA) Biomethane Plant, as an example of how sustainable projects contribute to circular economy. in this case via converting organics wastes into biomethane. Azimut Libera Impresa shows the company’s commitment towards private markets through heavy infrastructure investments with specific emphasis on ESG-focused projects. Infrastructure investments are traditionally recession-proof: they provide predictable cash flows, while meeting critical community needs. Azimut emphasizes these investments as stable diversification opportunities.

The IPC Fund for ESG focuses on social infrastructure investment, as it seeks to address structural changes and to contribute to economic growth and community wellbeing through sustainability and social impact. Azimut Libera Impresa’s objectives are aligned with economic growth, job creation, innovation, energy efficiency, education, healthcare, sustainable development and governance improvements, while generating attractive returns for investors. It However, there is significant disparity between the planned infrastructure projects in Italy and those that were actually implemented. This proves that the infrastructure sector needs more investments.

The ELTIF Infrastructure and Real Assets is an ESG investment fund that targets both retail and institutional investors by providing sustainable investment opportunities, which are grounded upon infrastructure demand patterns of global megatrends.

SDA Bocconi School of Management