A new report from the Social Investment Organization has found that socially responsible investment (SRI) assets are climbing in every major market segment and outpacing growth of total assets under management, with the pension fund sector and impact investing showing the most growth.
The Canadian SRI Review 2012 found that assets managed under sustainable and socially responsible guidelines in Canada grew by 16% between June 30, 2010 (the effective date of the last report) and Dec. 31, 2011.
By comparison, total assets under management grew by 9% in the same time period.
The report shows that total assets managed under SRI guidelines is $600.9 billion. This represents 20% of assets under management in the financial industry, up from 19% of the market in 2010.
The report also states that both the ongoing impacts felt from the financial scandals of 2008, as well as the ongoing debate about climate change, are prompting Canadians to look for investment alternatives.