Faith-Aligned Investing & Stewardship Studies:
Bridging Faith and Finance for Kingdom Impact

Faith-aligned investing stands at a pivotal moment in East and Southeast Asia. As the region experiences unprecedented wealth creation alongside growing Christian presence, investors increasingly seek ways to integrate biblical principles into their financial decisions. Yet many find themselves navigating this journey without clear frameworks, established networks, or proven investment solutions tailored to their context.

Key Approaches

  1. Values Screening: Excluding investments that violate core faith principles while seeking companies aligned with positive values

  2. Impact Investing: Intentionally directing capital toward enterprises that create positive social and environmental outcomes

  3. Community Investment: Supporting local economic development through direct investment in community enterprises

  4. Shareholder Engagement: Exercising ownership rights to influence corporate behavior toward greater responsibility

  5. Blended Returns: Balancing financial performance with measurable impact aligned with faith values

Finding Common Ground with Sustainable Finance

Faith-aligned and secular sustainable investing approaches share many common objectives:

  • Long-term perspective beyond quarterly returns

  • Concern for environmental sustainability

  • Focus on ethical business practices and governance

  • Interest in community development and human flourishing

  • Recognition that financial returns alone are insufficient measures of success

Understanding Faith-Aligned Investing

Faith-aligned investing goes beyond traditional approaches to wealth management by recognising that all resources ultimately belong to God and that Christians are called to manage them responsibly. This approach integrates biblical stewardship principles with actionable investment strategies that seek both financial returns and Kingdom impact.

Core Principles

  • Stewardship vs. Ownership: Understanding that wealth is entrusted rather than owned outright

  • Purpose Beyond Financial Returns: Investment as a means to serve higher purposes

  • Ethical Boundaries: Clear guidelines regarding activities that align with faith values

  • Care for the Vulnerable: Prioritizing those impacted by economic systems

  • Long-term Perspective: Looking beyond quarterly returns to eternal impact

Stewardship Studies Video Series

Introduction to Faith-Aligned Investing

This foundational video explores the theological basis for faith-aligned investing and introduces key concepts for investors beginning their journey. Learn about:

  • Biblical principles of stewardship and wealth management

  • The difference between faith-aligned investing and traditional ESG approaches

  • Common challenges and opportunities in the Asian context

  • Practical first steps for aligning investments with faith values

Portfolio Construction & Impact Measurement

This advanced session provides a deep dive into the practical implementation of faith-aligned investing strategies. Topics include:

  • Framework development for values-based investment decisions

  • Portfolio construction approaches that deliver both returns and impact

  • Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) methodologies

  • Case studies from successful faith-aligned investors

  • Working with advisors and investment professionals

Stewardship Studies Research Reports

Bridging Faith and Finance for Kingdom Impact

Our comprehensive research examines the current landscape of faith-aligned investing in East and Southeast Asia through extensive interviews with asset owners, intermediaries, and solution providers.

Part 1: Foundations & Current Landscape

This foundational report explores the theological basis for faith-aligned investing and examines the current state of the ecosystem in Asia. Key findings include:

  • The Theological Foundation: Biblical stewardship principles and their application to modern investing

  • Regional Context: Unique cultural, spiritual, and economic factors influencing faith-aligned investing in Asia

  • Current Challenges: Limited frameworks, lack of institutional teaching, and product availability

  • Emerging Opportunities: Growing community of investors and practitioners

Key Statistics:

  • 80% of surveyed investors indicate medium to high priority for faith principles in investing

  • 45% show very strong preference for faith-aligned approaches

  • Clear distinction between ESG and faith-aligned investing objectives (4.10/10 alignment score)

Part 2: Practical Implementation & Pathways

The second report provides practical guidance for various stakeholders seeking to advance faith-aligned investing, including:

  • Activation Pathways: Clear steps for asset owners to begin their faith-aligned investing journey

  • Portfolio Construction Support: Frameworks for developing values-based investment approaches

  • Impact Measurement: Strategies for measuring and managing Kingdom impact

  • Ecosystem Development: Recommendations for building supporting infrastructure

Service Areas Covered:

  • Values and Impact Strategy Development

  • Impact Measurement and Monitoring

  • Portfolio Construction Support

  • Investment Product and Deal Sourcing

About This Research

These Stewardship Studies were conducted by Brightlight, leveraging extensive experience in institutional faith-based and values-driven investments across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the US. The research is based on comprehensive interviews with asset owners, intermediaries, and solution providers across East and Southeast Asia.

By downloading this report, we’ll keep in touch on all future Stewardship Studies updates.

Contact the Brightlight team at enquiries@brightlightimpact.com to learn how Brightlight can help you integrate your faith principles into your investment decisions.