In a landmark move for sustainable finance, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the registration of the Green Impact Exchange (GIX), paving the way for the first national securities exchange in the United States dedicated entirely to sustainability-focused companies.
Founded in 2022 by former senior executives of the New York Stock Exchange, GIX is the brainchild of CEO Daniel Labovitz, previously the NYSE’s head of regulatory policy, and COO Charles Dolan, a former Executive Floor Governor. With the SEC’s approval of its Form 1 application, GIX is poised to launch trading operations in early 2026.
A Market Designed for the Green Economy
GIX is purpose-built for the emerging global green economy. It aims to serve as a marketplace for companies that not only talk about sustainability—but commit to it in measurable, accountable ways. Listed firms must meet stringent standards, including publicly declared sustainability goals, transparent progress tracking, and the integration of ESG frameworks into core business operations.
“Our approval marks a turning point for market-driven sustainability,” said Labovitz. “The SEC’s support underscores a growing recognition that sustainability is no longer peripheral—it’s central to how modern companies operate and grow.”
Principles That Go Beyond Compliance
To be eligible for listing, companies must demonstrate clear sustainability intent backed by action. GIX’s listing framework requires:
- A public, board-level commitment to long-term sustainability.
- A detailed plan across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons.
- Integration of sustainability principles into strategy, operations, and governance.
- Use of an accepted ESG framework and consistent, public reporting.
- Meaningful stakeholder engagement and transparency.
This is not sustainability in name only—it’s sustainability by design.
A Dual Listing Model with Primary Ambitions
At launch, GIX will function as a dual listing venue, requiring companies to already be listed on another national exchange. However, plans are underway to evolve GIX into a primary listing destination for sustainability-driven firms as the platform scales.
“Climate risk is business risk—it’s that simple,” said Dolan. “Sustainable practices aren’t just about values; they’re about value. Investors are demanding clarity, and companies are responding. GIX is here to connect the two.”
With investor interest in ESG performance continuing to grow, the Green Impact Exchange arrives as both a product of its time and a signal of what’s ahead: a public market where sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s the main event.
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