The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the Green Impact Exchange (GIX), marking the establishment of the nation’s first national stock exchange dedicated exclusively to sustainability. Scheduled for launch in early 2026, GIX aims to serve as a platform for companies committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
GIX’s founders, including CEO Dan Labovitz and COO Charles Dolan—both former executives at the New York Stock Exchange—envision the exchange as a means to enhance transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability efforts. Labovitz emphasized that GIX’s role extends beyond facilitating transactions; it aims to provide a credible platform where investors can access reliable information about companies’ environmental commitments .
The exchange will operate as a dual-listing venue, allowing companies to maintain their primary listings while showcasing their sustainability credentials on GIX. This approach is designed to attract sustainability-conscious investors and foster long-term value creation. GIX plans to implement a ‘Return to Green’ program, allocating a portion of its revenue to support environmental initiatives .
In a statement, Labovitz highlighted the importance of GIX in connecting investors with companies that are genuinely committed to sustainability. He noted that the exchange’s listing criteria—values, vision, and verification—require companies to adopt board-level sustainability commitments, set long-term goals, and adhere to recognized disclosure standards .
As GIX prepares for its launch, it positions itself as a vital component in the evolving landscape of sustainable finance, aiming to bridge the gap between capital markets and companies addressing climate-related challenges and opportunities.
US Security and Exchange Commission Office photo by Don Ramey Logan on Flickr
Excerpts from esg.com
