2X Certification

Advancing gender equality in the investment industry

Overview

2X Certification is a pivotal tool for advancing gender equality in the investment industry. It aims to provide a clear, credible framework for assessing and recognising the efforts of companies and funds (and in the future financial institutions and bonds) in promoting gender-smart practices.

2X Certification helps bridge the gap between intention and action by offering a standardised approach to evaluating gender efforts across various levels of performance. By setting a 2X Certification Methodology that aims to be comprehensive and rigorous, and by incorporating independent Third-Party Verification, it seeks to ensure that Entities are not only meeting minimum standards but are also driving meaningful, measurable impact. This is particularly valuable for investors, stakeholders, and Entities striving to embed gender equality into their practices, as it serves as both a benchmark and a roadmap for improvement.

Benefits of
2X Certification

Women in a boardroom meeting

  • Demonstrate your commitment to gender-smart investing and sustainable practices as well as showcase your dedication to equity and inclusion. Aligned with leading market standards, 2X Certification supports your Entity to identify strengths, uncover opportunities for growth, and enhance your impact. As investors and the public increasingly value these principles, 2X Certification strengthens trust with stakeholders and in doing so enhances your Entity’s credibility and reputation.

Two corporate women professionals

  • Stand out in the market by aligning with globally recognised standards that enhance appeal to investors, partners, and clients. 2X Certification allows you to showcase your gender-smart practices and commitments – verified by a Third-Party Verifier and reflected in your 2X Certificate – and to differentiate yourself in a competitive business landscape. 

  • 2X Certification signals your commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainable impact. As investors, clients, and regulators increasingly expect transparency and accountability in gender-smart investing, 2X Certification supports your organisation to meet these expectations to enhance institutional reputation and long-term value.

Boardroom conversation

  • 2X Certification aligns with global ESG and impact measurement standards, offering a standardised approach to assessing gender lens investing. It enables investors and stakeholders to integrate gender impact data alongside broader sustainability metrics. With rigorous, transparent metrics, 2X Certification enhances accountability, streamlines reporting, and strengthens credibility in the evolving sustainability landscape.

Start the
2X Certification Process

2X Certification is a 4-Step process which Entities are required to complete in order to be issued with a 2X Certificate through the 2X Certification Platform. The 2X Certificate reflects the relevant achieved 2X Certification Level. Entities can achieve one of three 2X Certificate levels— ‘Good’, ‘Advanced’, and ‘Best-in-Class’.  Each 2X Certification Level indicates the depth and breadth of an Entity’s gender-smart efforts. 

Step 1: 2X Certification Self-Assessment

Step 2: View Indicative Results

Step 3: Third-Party Verification

Step 4: Issuance of the 2X Certificate

To begin the 2X Certification process, create an account on the 2X Certification Platform