Investing with Purpose: Mexico’s Opportunity

Last week in London, I had the privilege of leading the third edition of BIVA Day UK, an initiative we launched at the Bolsa Institucional de Valores (BIVA) to build a meaningful bridge between Mexican listed companies and UK investors with a focus on sustainability and ESG integration.

This year’s programme extended over two days, reflecting both the growing interest in Mexico as an investment destination and the deepening quality of our conversations. On the first day, we brought together a range of Mexican issuers for a series of one-on-one meetings with British institutional investors. These conversations are at the heart of what BIVA Day aims to achieve: honest, in-depth discussions where issuers can present their long-term strategies, outline their ESG commitments, and engage directly with decision-makers who are actively seeking to align capital with purpose. While the day also featured panels and keynote sessions, it was these private meetings that truly drove the momentum forward—where ideas turned into opportunities.

The second day was held at Canning House, the UK’s leading forum for Latin American affairs and a long-standing bridge between both regions. In an intimate setting, we moved from transaction-focused dialogue to broader reflection—on where Mexico stands today, and how it can position itself as a platform for sustainable growth in an increasingly complex global landscape. I had the privilege of joining a roundtable discussion hosted by Jeremy Browne, CEO of Canning House, alongside Jonathan Heath, Deputy Governor at the Bank of Mexico, and Altagracia Gómez, Chair of Mexico’s Advisory Council on Regional Economic Development and Nearshoring. Together, we explored Mexico’s macroeconomic performance and the institutional, legal, and infrastructure challenges we must address to fully unlock the country’s investment potential.

A powerful consensus emerged from the conversation: Mexico possesses a strengthening economy thanks to sound macroeconomic management, decreasing inflation rates, a resilient currency, and a privileged geographic position in a world rethinking supply chains. But beyond that, there is growing recognition of our country’s potential to lead—not just follow—on issues like climate finance, biodiversity preservation, and inclusive economic development. At the same time, rising food prices, structural issues, and disruptive tariffs can all present investment obstacles.

The UK, with its global leadership in sustainable finance and regulatory innovation, remains a key partner in that effort. From climate-related disclosures and green bond frameworks to institutional governance and transition finance, British investors and policymakers bring both expertise and long-term perspective to the table. And they are watching Mexico closely—not only for returns, but for signals of consistency, transparency, and institutional maturity. There remains ample room for the UK to invest in particular sectors of the Mexican economy: pharmaceuticals, energy, and education.

A key part of Mexico’s effort to emerge as a global leader is President Sheinbaum’s Plan México which was presented by Altagracia Gómez. This is the Government of Mexico’s strategy for the country’s economic development and shared prosperity. Key features include regional development, facing globalization, ensuring energy sovereignty, and encouraging public-private investment.

What made this year’s BIVA Day UK particularly valuable was the spirit of partnership that defined each encounter. Rather than a transactional mindset, we saw a genuine desire to collaborate, to learn from one another, and to co-create new investment pathways that balance risk, impact and profitability. That tone was set at Canning House, where open and strategic conversations helped reinforce mutual confidence at a critical moment for both economies.

As I return to Mexico, I carry with me a renewed conviction: that the global investment community is ready to engage with us, but it will do so seriously—only if we match our macroeconomic discipline with clear rules, long-term thinking, and a firm commitment to ESG standards.

I’m grateful to the team at Canning House for hosting us with such professionalism and warmth, and in particular to Jeremy Browne, whose leadership and generosity as host made this year’s edition especially meaningful. To every issuer who represented Mexico with clarity and conviction, and to the investors who came not only with questions but with ideas and ambition—thank you.

BIVA Day UK is not a showcase—it’s a working platform. And after three editions, I’m more certain than ever that the conversations we begin in London can and should translate into real, measurable investment that accelerates Mexico’s transition toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.

 

 

About the author

María Ariza is the CEO of BIVA, Mexico’s Institutional Stock Exchange. With extensive experience in private equity, corporate governance, and capital markets, she has been a key advocate for financial innovation and sustainable investment in Mexico. She previously led the Mexican Private Equity Association (AMEXCAP) and is a frequent speaker on entrepreneurship, ESG, and market development.