The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved the launch of Green Impact Exchange (GIX), marking a historic step toward sustainable investing. GIX, set to enter the market in 2026, will be the first national securities exchange in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to environmental sustainability.

With its green light from the SEC, Green Impact Exchange plans to serve as a dual listing and trading venue for U.S.-registered securities of environmentally focused companies. The exchange aims to enhance capital formation while elevating the quality and transparency of sustainability-related disclosures.

“Climate risk is business risk. It's that simple,” said Charles Dolan, President and Co-Founder of GIX. “U.S. investors and companies are pursuing sustainability not just for ethical reasons—but because it makes financial and competitive sense.”

CEO and Co-Founder Dan Labovitz confirmed that over 150 companies have expressed interest in dual listing with GIX, pending regulatory approval. “We are now engaging with these companies, as well as new prospects, and expect to announce additional listings as we approach our 2026 launch,” Labovitz said.

Though GIX will not serve as a primary listing venue, companies already listed on other exchanges will be eligible to apply for dual listing. As a public-benefit corporation, GIX’s mission is inscribed in its rules: to provide investors with decision-useful insights into how a company’s sustainability commitments contribute to long-term value creation.

“No other U.S. exchange has embedded such a corporate purpose into its foundational rules,” noted Labovitz, a former NYSE executive with regulatory policy expertise.

GIX operates independently of political labeling, emphasizing that it is not an ESG exchange, but rather focused solely on environmental sustainability. “Merging environmental, social, and governance issues under a single standard has clouded clarity,” said Labovitz. “We believe the link between environmental risk and long-term value is most direct and measurable.”

The exchange will be fully electronic and owned by Green Exchange PBC, which will contribute a minimum of $5 million in funding to support full operational capacity, with additional capital available as needed.

GIX’s approval comes at a pivotal time, as discussions around sustainability, investment transparency, and new market entrants like the Texas Stock Exchange continue to evolve. Despite ongoing political debates surrounding ESG policies, GIX’s proposal received more than 30 supportive public comment letters since its submission in July of last year.