Social distancing, hand washing and staying at home are all privileges few in the developing world can afford and therefore, COVID-19 will impact on those living in cramped conditions, with poor healthcare and no social safety net.

The 40-40 campaign will launch Thursday, April 9th, and while Alquity’s business model currently donates 10 per cent of fees revenues to social support for the most disadvantaged people in the emerging markets it invests in, the 40-40 campaign is set to quadruple that commitment.

Alquity has committed to donating 40 per cent of its net management fees derived from new investments into its funds for the remainder of 2020. The investment firm hopes this will channel £800,000 to good causes.

Paul Robinson, chairman of Alquity, said: “Our 40-40 Campaign is our response to the severe economic and social hardship the coronavirus pandemic will cause many people around the world.

“Alquity has always believed that wherever you are born, you should have an equal opportunity in life and this is even more relevant today. As some of the freedoms and comforts we are used to in developed countries are dramatically reduced, we are getting a glimpse of what daily life is like for some of the poorest people on the planet.

“This is our chance to transform investment and create a fairer, more sustainable society.”

Alquity is encouraging clients to sign up to its campaign and support sustainable economic development. The firm runs a range of funds which invest in emerging markets and uses environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) standards when choosing which stocks to buy.

It has selected the Alquity Future World for the campaign, due to its global nature. The fund invests across Latin America, Asia and Africa using a fully integrated ESG investment process, while the investment team invests in responsible businesses that contribute to long term sustainable growth in their markets.

The money will be delivered to charity partners running projects specifically aimed at alleviating the impact of COVID-19, via Alquity’s Transforming Lives Foundation charity.

It has donated around $2m since launching the charity in 2011, which it claims has helped around 60,000 people.​