The Responsible Investment Advantage

Addressing Public Opinion Challenges with Responsible Investments

Though Responsible and ESG Investing continues to grow in popularity, why is the adoption of these products slow? The answer: Gatekeepers such as Financial Advisors and Plan Sponsors are hesitant to recommend and offer Responsible Investments (RI).

Get Closer®: The Responsible Investment Advantage goes beyond basic product information with impactful information on how Responsible Investments can be incorporated in advisor practices, investment portfolios and plan menus. The foundation of this program is grounded in an in-depth mediagenic research survey that aims to elevate the dialogue around RI and overcome five common myths, including: 

  1. Responsible investing isn’t charity. It’s still investing, and needs to be judged by the same criteria as any other strategy.

  2. It doesn’t require sacrificing performance. 57% of advisors think responsible investing doesn’t provide the same rate of return as other strategies. But academic research shows a positive link between ESG factors and performance.

  3. Fees aren’t necessarily higher. 41% of investors and 35% of advisors think responsible investments charge high fees. But they don’t have to. It pays to compare.

  4. It encompasses much more than large-cap stock funds. Responsible options are available across a wide range of asset classes.

  5. There isn’t one “right” way to invest responsibly. One fund might consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, while another might actively push companies to behave responsibly and a third might seek a measurable social impact. The right choice depends on investors’ needs.

Additionally, value-added tools including videos, guidebooks, worksheets, seminars and more were developed to answer key questions like:

  • How do I talk to clients about RI?

  • How do I incorporate RI in investment portfolios and plan menus?

  • How do I evaluate RI funds?

 

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