“If today's capital markets can be described as complex, opaque, and anonymous - based on shortterm outcomes, we are beginning to see more and more financial transactions that are direct, transparent, and personal-based on long-term relationships.”

Don Shaffer, President and CEO of RSF Social Finance,recently asked “What does it look like to re-imagine money to serve our highest aspirations?” in his article in Green Money Journal. “Notes from the Leading Edge of Social Finance”  gives fascinating examples of how entrepreneurs are changing industry practices and how RSF Social Finance is working to support these innovative models:

• Jeff Mendelsohn, New Leaf Paper, is creating a regional supply chain for recycled paper
• Stephanie Odegard, Odegard Carpets, is creating living wage standards for the carpet industry
• Priya Haji, World of Good, is creating new distribution channels for artisans in the developing world
• Scott Leonard, Indigenous Designs, is creating a network of weaving cooperatives for organic, fair trade clothing
• Ahmed & Reem Rahim, Numi Tea, are creating new standards for organic tea