The Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and the Marshall Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) announced a strategic research partnership to explore how global financial hubs can unlock greater philanthropic capital and drive social innovation. The collaboration was unveiled at IoP’s annual private convening of leading foundations, marking a deepening commitment by the “think, fund, do” tank to shape the future of philanthropy—regionally and globally.
“Financial hubs are not just engines of economic growth—they are increasingly becoming laboratories for innovative social finance,” said Lester Huang, Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy. “This partnership with the Marshall Institute allows us to explore how philanthropy can grow in financial hubs where capital markets,institutional infrastructure, and social ambition converge. We want to understand what levers—policy, incentives, infrastructure—can unlock more giving and more innovation.”
Building on recent findings from IoP’s broader research agenda, this initiative will examine the interplay between policy and practice in financial centres, where concentrated wealth meets growing demand for inclusive impact.
Group photo of Mr Brian San, Secretary-General of the Institute of Philanthropy (frontrow,1st left); Dr Brendan Smith, Executive Director, International Strategy &Partnerships, The London School of Economics and Political Science (front row,1st right); Mr Lester Garson Huang, Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy (back row,1st left) ; and Professor Larry Kramer, President and Vice Chancellor of The London School of Economics and Political Science (back row, 1st right).
The study will focus on cities such as Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, London, New York, and Singapore, offering insights into how financial infrastructure, regulation, and incentives intersect with philanthropy. It will be led by Professor Jonathan Roberts and Professor Stephan Chambers from the Marshall Institute at LSE.
For 130 years, LSE has led the world in transformative social science teaching and research. The Marshall Institute, founded in 2015 with a mission to improve the impact and effectiveness of private action for public benefit, has become a global point of reference for the study of philanthropy and social entrepreneurship.
"We are delighted to partner with the Institute of Philanthropy to better understand the vital role that philanthropy plays in solving our most urgent global challenges,” said Professor Larry Kramer, LSE’s President and Vice Chancellor. “Strategic partnerships like this one with IoP strengthen our international network of social science thought leaders and amplify the reach and relevance of our work worldwide."
The study seeks to:
• Advance global understanding of how financial hubs can serve as engines for social investment, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration
• Fill critical knowledge gaps on how financial systems shape philanthropic flows and behaviour
• Generate actionable insights for decision-makers seeking to scale giving in high-capacity markets
• Explore how philanthropy can contribute to the growth, resilience, and competitiveness of financial hubs
With a particular focus on Asian financial centres, the research will explore how philanthropy is evolving in response to rapid wealth creation, demographic shifts, and complex social challenges. These hubs offer unique opportunities to test new models—from blended finance to impact-first ventures—and to transfer policy and practice across jurisdictions.
While interest in Asian philanthropy is growing, there remains a lack of detailed empirical research across the region. This study aims to fill that gap by generating actionable insights and fostering dialogue among global stakeholders. Once completed, the findings will be publicly shared to support ongoing efforts to strengthen philanthropic ecosystems in financial hubs and beyond.
