US SIF offers guide for advisers

The nonprofit supporting sustainable investing suggests six steps advisers can use to start or strengthen a sustainable investment practice.

The US SIF Foundation, a Washington-based nonprofit group supporting sustainable investing, has released a free six-step guide to help advisers start or strengthen a sustainable investment practice.

The guide, “Incorporating Sustainable Investing into Your Practice: A Roadmap for Financial Advisors,” covers the basics of sustainable investing, including the incorporation of environment, social and governance issues, and investor engagement strategies.

The guide also explains the business case for sustainable investing with a review of current research on financial performance and risk reduction, fiduciary duty considerations, and data on the growing demand for sustainable investment products and services.

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The six steps it sets out for advisers are: adding relevant products; discussing sustainable investment with clients; updating clients’ investment policy statements; identifying asset allocation and investment options; measuring and managing impact; and communicating expertise.

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