U.S. SIF reports SRI growth driven by demand

A recent study by the U.S. SIF Foundation points to demand from institutional investors as the main driver in the tremendous growth of SRI programs globally. The assets managed with SRI strategies now account for more than one out of every six dollars under professional management in the United States.

One of the primary trends is the adoption of ESG factors into investment strategies – institutional ESG assists jumped 77% since 2012. Other key issues included weapons, climate change and even political spending.

“We are incredibly pleased to see such tremendous growth in SRI,” said Dan Nielsen, Director, Catholic Responsible Investing at CBIS. “Having been focusing on Catholic responsible investing strategies for more than two decades, the recent increase in interest in SRI is a great development. At CBIS, where we combine active ownership and investment screens to reflect Catholic beliefs, the increase in SRI assets underscores that it is possible to combine faith and finance, and deliver competitive, risk-adjusted returns.”

“An important aspect of CRI is that we take an active approach – directly engaging corporate boards and managers from the companies we hold – this is a positive differentiator for CBIS,” added Julie Tanner, Assistant Director, Catholic Responsible Investing with CBIS, “It allows us to address so many of these social issues through ongoing dialogue.”

For more information: http://www.ussif.org/blog_home.asp?Display=55