Vol 26 – An "Impactful" Week!
- Ann Yu
- May 25
- 6 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
May 25, 2025
When I decided to launch a multi-family office, I thought my private bank experience had prepared me well. Nope! The more I know, the more I realize I don’t know!
"Impact Investing" is a prime example. To be fair, it's still a new concept - or rather, the idea itself isn't new, but a structured implementation is.
Thankfully, I had the chance to level up at two phenomenal events this week:
🚀 Impact Summit
🎓 Investing for Impact Masterclass
Fresh ideas that reshaped my thinking - and I loved every second of it!
The best part? I made some fantastic connections! We’re exploring ideas to bridge local startups with families looking to create impact, while engaging seasoned Silicon Valley investors who bring actual experience.
Big things are brewing - stay tuned! 🔥
What’s in the newsletter this week?
1️⃣ Wealth Holders = Change Makers? More and more clients - or "wealth holders" - would like to create meaningful impact, but in a more sustainable way than simply giving out cash. How are other families embracing this trend? What challenges stand in their way?
2️⃣ Who can rescue US Treasury? Investor confidence in US Treasury is faltering. Ironically, could cryptocurrencies be US Treasury's unexpected lifeline?
Category | Contents for this week |
|---|---|
1) Events of the Week | |
2) Fun Facts |
Key things to watch for the upcoming week:
China/HK - Earnings | May 26 (Mon) - Meituan (3690 HK) May 27 (Tue) - Xiaomi (1810 HK), Link REIT (0823 HK), PDD (PDD) May 29 (Thu) - Li Auto (2015 HK) |
US - Earnings | May 28 (Wed) - Nvidia (NVDA), Salesforce (CRM) May 29 (Thu) - Dell (DELL), Marvell (MRVL) May 30 (Fri) - Costco (COST) |
US - Eco Data | May 26 (Mon) - US Holiday (Memorial Day) May 29 (Thu) - FOMC Meeting Minutes, US 1Q GDP May 30 (Fri) - US April Core PCE |
Other Major Events | May 28 (Wed) - Reserve Bank of New Zealand Rates Decision |
Events of the Week – Wealth Holders = Change Makers?
When we talk about sustainable investments, the first reaction is usually, "Oh, you mean ESG?"
ESG was once the ultimate buzzword, but its shine has faded amid growing concerns over "greenwashing". Today, investors are seeking clearly defined ways to make the world a better place, and Impact Investing has been gaining traction.
What is Impact Investing?
Impact investing is a strategy that blends "traditional return-driven investing" with "philanthropy that align with your values".
As one fund manager put it - traditional Venture Capital aims to triple investor's money, while Impact Funds may see only half of that return. But what they lack in pure profit, they make up for in long-term value - actively linking startups with corporations that can integrate innovations into real business operations.
A research paper on Asian families also uncovered that Impact Investing is a powerful tool to keep the family together.
How Are Other Families Approaching This?
A Thai family shared the best part of doing Impact Investing within a family office setting: “No one judges how we use our money. Well, maybe you do… but who cares?” 😆
Their journey started with grant money, aka money that's expected to lose 100% anyways. They tested every different vehicle, learning what works (and what doesn’t).
Their biggest revelation? Investors always ask, “Can this company scale?” But the real question should be, “What IS scale?” 💡 Scale isn’t just financial growth - it’s progress 🌊 Cleaner beaches? That’s progress.
💰 Fair wages in developing nations? Progress.
🏢 Companies standing on their own, beyond donations? That’s real progress
Community
Another recurring theme was Community. 💛
These families are wealthy enough to invest solo, yet they choose to move together. Why?
1️⃣ Shared due diligence & networks, to leverage each other's strength with accountability.
2️⃣ It’s not about being the first in - as long as you "catalyze" the next investor, you’ve made an impact!
After all, wealth carries the power to shape the future - a privilege that shouldn’t go to waste.
What Challenges Stand in Their Way?
Many participants admitted that Impact Investing isn’t the easiest topic to discuss within the family because:
1️⃣ Generational divide – Older generations struggle to see the difference between pure donation and impact investing.
2️⃣ Doesn’t fit the mold – Impact investing doesn’t always align with a family office’s traditional mandate.
3️⃣ Regulatory hurdles – Taxation and reporting rules remain complex and unclear.
Advise from CSP SG, an organization studying Asian families explained that each generation sees the world differently, shaped by their unique wounds and past. Allowing more inter-generational storytelling is key to bridging the gap.
And sometimes, having external parties as mediators can help smooth things out too - that's a cue for us!
💡 Reach out to Jadewell Family Office today for more sharing! 🚀
For your reference only. Not investment/product recommendations.
Fun Facts – Can Crypto Save the US Treasury?
Moody’s downgrade on US Treasury and Trump’s new tax bill have shaken investor confidence. Warning signs are clear:
🚨 Weak demand at the 20-year Treasury auction
🚨 30-year Treasury yield jumping past 5% from 4.77% at the beginning of the year. That means 30-year US treasury bond price has dropped by 4-5 dollars so far this year.
But could stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to an external asset (e.g. USD), help breathe new life?
The GENIUS Act
In the near future, US Senate will vote on an act called GENIUS (The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins).
The purpose is to create a regulatory framework for stablecoins, a $200 billion market, by forcing issuers to maintain a 1-to-1 reserve of liquid assets - which include USD cash, current deposits, and US Treasuries!
Will This Be Enough? While some see this as an opportunity, others question if it's enough to offset waning demand for from other investors.
The bond market remains very tricky - even for experts. With long-dated Treasuries and bonds facing extreme volatility, navigating this climate requires a careful strategy.
💡If you're holding these positions and want a fresh perspective, reach out to Jadewell Family Office for tailored advice! 🔍📊
About Jadewell Family Office
Jadewell is committed to offering proactive, customized services akin to a “single-family office,” yet within the ease of a “multi-family office” environment.
Ann Yu
Co-Founder and CEO
Jadewell Family Office
FOR INSTITUTIONAL & PROFESSIONAL CLIENTS ONLY – NOT INTENDED FOR RETAIL CUSTOMER USETHESE ARE NOT STOCK OR PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
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