With many Britons using the pandemic as a time to reassess their finances, they’ve been exploring ways to make their money work harder for them. Crowdcube's accessible interface and easy-to-understand language mean the platform is helping people become confident investors.

Asset managers, investment firms, and government bodies are working to assign value to sustainable causes with a view to turning nature into an asset. The global mood around climate change is driving innovation across sectors, and investors want to make their money count at every level.

As trust in traditional financial institutions declined after the 2008 crash, challenger banks flourished. Yet while emoji passcodes and bill-splitting features may have been key selling points previously, a growing number of Britons are turning to these platforms for ethical investment options.

After pledging to reform internal policies and commit funds to the Black community, many brands have failed to keep their promises just a year after the murder of George Floyd. This comes as no surprise to consumers, who are increasingly cynical about the longevity of brand commitments.