Behind the Impact • Lily Murcutt

Meet Lily Murcutt,

Lily brings a wealth of experience and a passion for making a difference to her role as Analyst in Sefa’s Social Finance team. With a background in corporate advisory and a deep commitment to social and environmental impact, Lily blends her expertise with purpose. Outside work, she enjoys time with her family, tending to her veggie garden, and staying active in her local community. 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I’m passionate about sustainability and creating social impact.  I love meeting new people and tackling challenging problems.  In my spare time, I’m kept busy by my two beautiful boys, three chickens, and maintaining my veggie patch. 

Can you tell us about the journey you have taken to arrive at Sefa?

I have a background in corporate advisory and have always been drawn to roles that create real, tangible change. After starting a family, I stepped away from my corporate career and took on volunteer roles with several not-for-profits focused on climate change awareness, food security, music therapy, and local community initiatives. I also pursued studies in sustainability, which further strengthened my commitment to making an impact.

Joining Sefa allows me to combine all these experiences—bringing together my professional expertise and personal passions to help organisations create meaningful social impact.

What does a typical day at Sefa look like for you?

After parking my bike at the office, I start the day by clearing my inbox and checking in with the Head of Portfolio Management. My work involves conducting financial assessments and due diligence to evaluate an organisation’s creditworthiness. Some days, I might be preparing presentations and briefs for new business opportunities, while others are spent collaborating with the Relationship Manager or Portfolio Analyst to review an existing client’s financial position. Every day is different, which is one of the things I love about working at Sefa!

Are there particular skills that you bring from your previous professional incarnations that you think are really useful in the social impact ecosystem?

My background in investment banking has given me strong financial skills that are invaluable in the social impact space. There are so many great causes in need of funding, but not all are financially sustainable. My experience helps us identify projects that can deliver lasting outcomes and navigate the challenges of turning great ideas into sustainable models.

Are there particular impact areas that you are most passionate about?

I am particularly passionate about sustainability, education and supporting the underprivileged.  I am the daughter of Vietnamese refugees and grew up reliant on various organisations established to support those families starting a new life.  My recent studies in sustainability have fostered my interest in the environment and climate. 

What are you looking forward to as your journey with Sefa evolves?

I’m excited to continue growing within Sefa and further developing my skills in social impact finance. I’m eager to be part of an organisation that creates investment value with purpose and works to reduce structural disadvantage. Additionally, I look forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals and organisations to create long-term change that benefits communities.

Lily’s journey is one of passion, growth, and purpose. We’re thrilled to have her on the team and can’t wait to see the meaningful impact she’ll create.