Montreal, December 15, 2022 - The pandemic and consumers’ increased awareness of global issues, such as climate change and the exploitation of workers in developing countries, have changed investors’ outlook; their values are now at the forefront of their investment strategy. Accordingly, responsible investing (RI) has the wind in its sails. Numbers don’t lie, this asset class has seen remarkable growth: since 2018, sales of RI mutual funds and exchange-traded funds have increased by a factor of more than 1,700 across Canada according to the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC).

The latest edition of the CSF magazine, published today, contains a special feature on this topic. The integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into responsible investment is one of the elements that professionals need to be aware of to be able to respond effectively to their clients’ needs. This is where professional advice is most valuable and important and why the CSF tackles the subject of RI in a variety of ways and from less common perspectives. The objective is simple and consistent with any professional practice: better knowledge leads to better advice.

“More than ever, investors are aware of the dangers that threaten the planet, such as climate change. Advisors must deepen their understanding of responsible investment products and factor-in their clients’ interest towards these types of investments in order to properly inform and advise them. This is why the CSF is addressing responsible investing in all its forms to support the day-to-day practice of its members. The professionals supervised by the CSF must put their clients’ interests first and know the products they offer inside-out,” says Marie Elaine Farley, President and CEO of the CSF.

Readers of the magazine will also discover an exposé on how the current financial climate puts people in vulnerable situations at risk of financial abuse, and the solutions that exist to help professionals detect at-risk clients. Also discussed is the important role of advisors and the ethical obligations they must uphold when working with spouses and domestic partners, an interview with the CEO of Option consommateurs on the organization’s 40th anniversary, and much more.

Visit the CSF website to read the dossier on responsible investment or download the full magazine (in French only).