Finance, compliance & governance

Introduction

CIFF is a privately funded charity regulated by the Charity Commission of England & Wales. We are governed by our Board of Trustees and led by our charitable objectives, improving the world for children. Wherever we work, we abide by all relevant laws and regulations.

CIFF’s endowment

Over the past decade, CIFF’s endowment has grown to $6.1 billion after charitable activities and costs. The security and resources provided by this endowment uniquely position CIFF to make long-term investments in the interests of children worldwide.

Determined by the Board of Trustees, with advice and review from the Finance, Audit and Investments Committee, our investment approach seeks an inflation-adjusted return of at least 6% per year over a 10-year rolling period, maintains appropriate liquidity and risk controls, and allows selective illiquid investments with high return potential.

Our portfolio is diversified across asset classes and sectors, with exclusions for investments in arms, tobacco, fossil fuels and breast milk substitutes.

The endowment investments are managed by The Children’s Investment Fund Management (TCI) in accordance with arrangements approved by the Board of Trustees, in line with Charity Commission guidance. The Finance, Audit and Investments Committee provides strategic oversight and review over these arrangements, while operational oversight is provided by an independent board made up of professionals from the asset management sector.