Richard Hawkes

Biography

Richard Hawkes is Chief Executive of the British Asian Trust, which was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales to drive positive change across South Asia. He has held a range of senior roles in the UK and international not-for-profit sector for more than 25 years, including working for the United Nations and being Chair of BOND (the umbrella body for UK international NGOs) for five years. He is a Trustee of UNICEF UK, a member of the Advisory Board of the World Humanitarian Forum and of the UK’s Charity Bank. He is Chair of international NGO Motivation and a member of the judging panel for the UK Charity Awards.

In addition to leading various organisations, Richard has a vast experience of social finance. As CEO of Scope he was responsible for launching the first social investment bond in the UK, a £20m bond that was listed on the Luxembourg Stock Market. Scope was the only UK charity involved in the G8 summit on social investment, as well as being listed on the Social Stock Exchange. Under his leadership the British Asian Trust has launched the world’s largest education Development Impact Bond and is currently developing a number of other innovative products across South Asia.