Responsible Investment Association in Canada launches SRI training course

The Responsible Investment Association (RIA), a Canadian sustainable investment leader, has announced the launch of a new online responsible investment course for financial advisers and other investment professionals.

“As investors and financial services professionals, we can no longer ignore the impact a company’s behaviour has on its license to operate, and therefore its value”, said Deb Abbey, RIA chief executive.

“Whether it’s questionable environmental practices or vulnerability from poor supply chain management, these issues have a real impact on a company’s valuation.”

The RI Academy will teach advisers best practice approaches to responsible investment and risk management and, RIA says, clearly demonstrates the business case for a more sustainable strategy of investment.

It is hoped that the course will allow advisers to meet the demand created by a growing interest in responsible investment in Canada.

“Over the past few years we’ve seen a growing demand for responsible investment across our client base”, said Ross Campbell, financial adviser at Toronto-based Assante Capital Management. 

“We expect these courses to provide our industry professionals with the know-how necessary to respond to these demands, and to stay ahead of the curve in investment risk management.”

According to PH&N Investment Services, assets in socially responsible investment (SRI) mandates now represent $1 out of every $5 of assets under management in Canada.

Further reading:

Demand for sustainable, responsible and ethical financial advice rises to 76%

One day soon we hope all investment will be sustainable, responsible and ethical – before it is too late

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Activists call on Canadian investors to ditch fossil fuels