“Charting the Path” paper calls for scalable, values-aligned First Nations investment market

The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) has released a First Nations-led research paper, Charting the Path, arguing Australia needs an investment market that is credible, scalable and aligned with First Nations rights, values, and ambitions.

RIAA’s release said the paper focuses on the current state of First Nations investment and sets out actions to build a market that delivers “genuine impact” while honouring culture and truth. It says the report is intended to guide investors, communities and policymakers toward practical collaboration and new investment vehicles.

RIAA said the paper outlines three connected pathways: increasing First Nations representation and leadership across the investment ecosystem; “systems alignment” to reshape governance and accountability so they reflect First Nations rights and values; and building “capital flows” that direct investment to First Nations-led development and community wellbeing.

National Indigenous Times also reported on the launch, attributing comments to RIAA’s First Nations Peoples’ Rights working group co-chair William Leak and RIAA co-CEO Estelle Parker about the need for a finance system grounded in self-determination and respect and the role of aligned capital in building long-term prosperity.