Category: News

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Bujar Kurani (RIS), Caisse Desjardins de L\’Ouest de Laval
Eric Adams (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Fanny Allary (RIS), Finandicap
Lisa Callaghan (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Sharon Carr (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Evan Coates (RIS)
Akshay Dhindhwal (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union/Aviso
Julie Dubé (RIS), Mouvement Desjardins
Pascale Gendron (RIS), Férique
Gemma Griffiths (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Nate Heron (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Salim Issolah (RIS), Desjardins
Jean-François Laberge (RIS), Service d\’investissement Férique
Rhys Midzain-Gobin (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Ayanda Mngoma (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Deep Patel (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Brent Petticrew (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Nathalie Picard (RIS), Caisse Desjardins de l\’Ouest de Laval
Monia Pouzet (RIS), Desjardins
Dawson Stone (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union

Majority of investors surveyed cite advisors and financial institutions as most valued sources of information when it comes to making investment decisions related to responsible investments.

TORONTO – April 10, 2025 – Most Canadian retail investors want to discuss responsible investment (RI) with their financial advisor, yet fewer are being asked about it, according to a new survey from the Responsible Investment Association (RIA).

The 2025 RIA Investor Opinion Survey, based on an Ipsos poll of 1,001 individual investors in Canada, shows that 76% of respondents want their financial advisor or institution to be required to ask them specific questions about responsible investment (RI) considerations that align with their personal values as part of the Know Your Client process. Only 28%, however, said their financial services provider had ever posed such questions, demonstrating a persistent “RI service gap.”

Despite a decline in the prior survey, 2025 saw a slight uptick in greenwashing concerns with over half of respondents (54%) acknowledging that it deters them from RI compared to the previously reported 46%. Other key deterrents include lack of knowledge about RI funds, lack of clarity around fund labels and strategies, and performance concerns. This may be the cause of a slight decrease in ownership of RI year over year.

While younger respondents continue to exhibit much higher ownership than their older counterparts, there is growing interest among those 55 and over.

“The demand is there,” says Patricia Fletcher, CEO of the RIA. “However, the persistence of greenwashing as a deterrent signals that despite recent progress, continued efforts on multiple fronts are required to address these concerns. Advisors are uniquely positioned to engage with clients to address both their values and concerns, and provide education.”

This report is the the first one published as part of the newly launched Responsible Investment Research Initiative, a program of the RIA that delivers objective, data-driven insights spanning the full spectrum of responsible investment in Canada through three comprehensive reports.

Additional Highlights:

• Two thirds of respondents (67%) are interested in RI, with younger respondents generally expressing greater interest than older respondents, and female respondents more interested than their male counterparts. There was also a noted increased interest among those 55 and older.
• Consistent with the last survey, 66% of respondents know little or nothing about RI, including 19% that have never heard of it.
• Considering the impact of world events, 35% of respondents say they are more likely to choose RI than one year ago, while 49% say they are neither more nor less likely. RI ownership decreased slightly from late-2023.
• 76% of respondents say they would like their financial advisor or institution to be required to ask them specific questions about RI considerations that align with their personal values. However, only 28% said their financial services provider had ever posed such questions. Of those approached, only 35% had meaningful discussions on RI.
• Greenwashing is more of a concern than in late-2023, with over half of respondents (54%) acknowledging this concern as a deterrent of RI compared to the previously reported 46%.
• 64% of respondents are either not very familiar or not familiar at all with the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the investment decision-making process. 68% say it is important for companies in their investment portfolio to adopt responsible AI frameworks and principles, and 71% say it important for their financial advisor or financial institution to adopt responsible AI frameworks and principles.
• 92% say it is important to consider investment opportunities in the incorporation of RI in portfolios, along with risk reduction (89%). 88% say that financial advisors are important sources of information for making investment decisions related to RI.

View the full report here.

*For messages from Responsible Investment Research Initiative partners, view page 4 of the report.

About the RIA Investor Opinion Survey

The Responsible Investment Association publishes the RIA Investor Opinion Survey annually to track individual investors’ perspectives on responsible investment and various environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. The 2025 Survey is based on data collected by Ipsos from 1,001 Canadian individual investors between January 27th and February 3rd, 2025. Investors are defined as individuals who currently own investments such as mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, stocks, bonds or other securities. The poll has a Bayesian credibility interval of ±3.5%.

About the Responsible Investment Research Initiative

The Responsible Investment Research Initiative, a program of the Responsible Investment Association (RIA), delivers objective, data-driven insights spanning the full spectrum of responsible investment in Canada through three comprehensive research reports: 1) the Investor Opinion Survey, 2) the Advisor RI Insights Study, and 3) the Canadian Responsible Investment Trends Report.

The Initiative and production of the reports are generously supported by partners Addenda Capital, Desjardins, Mackenzie Investments, National Bank Investments, RBC Global Asset Management and TD Asset Management. Learn more at www.ri-research-initiative.ca.

About the Responsible Investment Association (RIA)

The RIA is Canada’s investment industry association with a purpose of entrenching responsible investment (RI) in Canada’s financial ecosystem. The RIA’s membership includes asset managers, asset owners, advisors and service providers. Institutional members collectively manage over $45 trillion in assets globally. Learn more at www.riacanada.ca.

 

Media Contact:

Ady Jonsohn
Vice President, Content Development and Delivery
Responsible Investment Association (RIA)

+1 416-461-6042

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Wassim Arar (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Patrick Audet (RIS), Caisse Desjardins de l’Ouest de Laval
Luc Burnham (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Stephanie Ciesielczyk (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Ahmed Djedidi (RIS), Caisse de l’administration et des services publics
Marc-Olivier Dumas (RIS), Desjardins
Mikkiel Habash (RIS), Libro Credit Union
Tammy Haldane (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Quesny Jean Baptiste (RIS), Service d’investissement Férique
Guillaume Legault (RIS), Desjardins
Sophie Michelin (RIS), Desjardins
Blake Moore (RIS), First Ontario
Samuel Poulin (RIS), Desjardins
Steve Preston (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Julie Shackelton (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Kristine St Pierre (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Doreen Tullio (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Hannah Walker (RIS), Kawartha Credit Union
Clarisse Yu (RIS), Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union

Dear RIA Members,

I’ve rewritten the opening of this letter several times trying to find the right words to capture the mood of Q1 2025. Words like chaos, change and uncertainty have featured prominently in our news cycles. Not surprising, considering how much has happened in such a short period of time.

Through it all, the RIA’s purpose, vision and mission have remained steadfast and provided a source of grounding, especially amidst the ongoing change. With a mandate to entrench RI in Canada’s financial ecosystem, we continue to focus on our three strategic pillars: 1) build community; 2) drive change and influence policy; and 3) educate and inspire. As the community hub for asset owners, asset managers, advisors, service providers and other investment professionals, we have, and will, continue to champion initiatives in support of a sustainable pathway to Canadian competitiveness.

In terms of convenings, we began the year with a member briefing on Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards, CSDS 1 and 2. Co-hosted with the IFRS Foundation, this session provided important insights on the newly released standards. Recognizing your expressed interest in learning from industry peers and staying up to date on top-of-mind issues and best practices in RI, we launched the new RIA Member Roundtable Series – quarterly gatherings for institutional investor members. The inaugural session focused on the timely issue of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the investment process, with relevant speakers from both sides of the border, and interactive breakout activities. The next session on June 17th will focus on Indigenous Economic Reconciliation.

Our advocacy agenda has been active with three submissions to regulatory consultations since January. The first was on the CSA Proposed Modernization of the Continuous Disclosure Regime for Investment Funds (submitted in January). The second was in response to the Competition Bureau’s Proposed Guidelines Concerning Environmental Claims (submitted in February), and was based on member input from the initial submission made in September 2024. The third involved feedback to the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) on their Proposal to harmonize CIRO Continuing Education (CE) Programs (submitted in March). The latter will have a meaningful impact on our ability to streamline external CE credit offerings for our advisor members.

Speaking of advisor members, the Retail Advisor RI Working Group was launched in January. With a mandate to inform and work with RIA management on the advancement and execution of our retail investment strategy, the group’s insights will help shape and optimize our programming for advisor members during the months and years to come.

Out in the community last week I joined the Queens University Master of Finance program, where I facilitated an introductory session on RI and sustainable finance. The students were keen to learn about the history of RI and were especially curious about our research. The timing was great because the week prior, we launched the Responsible Investment Research Initiative – a program of the RIA that delivers objective, data-driven insights spanning the full spectrum of responsible investment in Canada through three comprehensive reports: the Investor Opinion Survey, the Advisor RI Insights Study and the Canadian RI Trends Report.

The first report to be published under this initiative will be the 2025 Investor Opinion Survey on April 10th. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to sign up for the launch webinars in English and French. The Initiative and production of the research reports are generously supported by partners Addenda Capital, Desjardins, Mackenzie Investments, National Bank Investments, RBC Global Asset Management and TD Asset Management.

Also, it’s that time of year again – please keep your eyes open for the 2025 RI Trends Report survey. Insights from this report are especially important this year and the participation of the Canadian community is crucial as we monitor the implications of an ever-changing environment.

If you follow my letters you’ll know that one of my favourite parts of leading the RIA is getting to meet and spend time with you, our members, particularly at our annual conferences. Never has it been more necessary for our industry to come together to share, inspire and find the Windows of Opportunity amidst all the change that has been thrust upon us. The opportunities are there, but we have to find them. As Canadians we are resilient, and our economy is resilient, and RI will be a significant competitive advantage.

With exciting Keynotes, timely plenaries and dedicated programming for retail and institutional audiences, there is truly something for everyone. I look forward to seeing you on June 3-4 in Toronto.

A few reminders… our 2025 AGM will take place online. Members will receive more information during the coming weeks. Also, please ensure your member profiles are up to date. We are upgrading our digital infrastructure, with a new CRM and learning management system to launch later this year. This will have a palpable impact on your member experience and having your accurate information is an important first step.

Additionally, if you’re interested in hosting an event during Canada Climate Week Exchange (CCWX) between November 24th and 30th, please review the eligibility criteria and submit an application. As a Founding Member of the initiative, the RIA will be hosting several online and in-person events, so keep an eye on the space.

Finally, I would like to thank Kristen Sheppard, Director of Member and Partner Relations, as she transitions out of the organization during the coming weeks. Kristen made significant contributions during her three-year tenure at the RIA and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Please join me in welcoming the newest member of the RIA team, Leanne Hickman, Director, Member Engagement and Strategic Partnerships. Leanne joins us full time on April 9th and looks forward to getting to know you.

It’s amazing how out of chaos, change and uncertainty can stem hope and opportunity. With the right leadership, commitment and community, we will stay strong together for our collective benefit. It won’t be easy, but as the adage states, nothing good ever is. Thank you for your support and dedication.

Warm regards,

Patricia Fletcher
CEO
Responsible Investment Association

The Responsible Investment Research Initiative, a program of the Responsible Investment Association (RIA) launches today. The Initiative delivers objective, data-driven insights spanning the full spectrum of responsible investment in Canada.

Three marquis reports, produced in collaboration with leading research firms, provide 360-degree insights on investor sentiments and the state of the industry. The Investor Opinion Survey tracks individual Canadian retail investors’ perspectives on responsible investment; the Advisor RI Insights Study assesses how responsible investment is approached by Canadian retail investment advisors; and the Canadian Responsible Investment Trends Report is the most comprehensive study monitoring the evolution of RI practices in Canada, drawing on inputs from institutional asset managers and asset owners.

The Initiative and production of the research reports are generously supported by partners Addenda Capital, Desjardins, Mackenzie Investments, National Bank Investments, RBC Global Asset Management and TD Asset Management.

“In an environment of highly polarized views of what responsible investment is and what it is not, it is important to have objective, third-party insights across all key pillars of the investment industry,” said Patricia Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, RIA. “The RIA’s research, which is based on the three stools of the individual investor, the retail investment advisor and the institutional investor, provides a holistic view of responsible investment in Canada. No other national organization represents the whole investor community, from the individual retail investor looking at retirement savings to the pension plans focused on Canadians’ long-term investments, through the lens of responsible investment, other than the RIA.

We thank our partners for recognizing the importance of providing this fulsome picture on the state of the industry and supporting our work in this area.”

“This initiative represents a unique opportunity for Canada’s investment industry to demonstrate leadership and support the entrenchment of RI in Canada’s financial ecosystem,” said Glen Pichanick, Head of Advocacy and Industry Insights, RIA. “It is a strategic way forward for the industry to demonstrate strength as we advance a shared vision to drive the growth and development of responsible investment in Canada.”

Quotes from the Responsible Investment Research Initiative Partners:

“Addenda Capital’s commitment to promote the development of responsible investment translates into our involvement in collaborative efforts that support the field’s maturing process. The Responsible Investment Research Initiative guides industry stakeholders towards more informed and responsible decision-making by fostering high-impact research and promoting education.

Surveys and analyses conducted by the Responsible Investment Association, both within the financial industry and among the investing public, regularly demonstrate the progress we have made so far. Yet they also underscore the necessity of cultivating skills and insights. Unfortunately, recent years have been marked by rising skepticism in certain circles around the world, leaving responsible investing with renewed struggles despite a growing urgency to address environmental and social issues. Research and educational advocacy are essential, particularly for strengthening knowledge, dispelling persistent myths about performance, and addressing risk management. In this context, this RIA initiative strategically demonstrates the power of awareness and collaboration to strengthen Canada’s financial ecosystem. ” – Roger Beauchemin, President and CEO, Addenda Capital 

“As responsible investing matures in our industry, it is important to have a pulse on the progress we’re making, as well as the sentiment of Canadian investors and advisors. We’re very appreciative to the work that the RIA is doing to inform us of important developments specific to the Canadian market.” – Fate Saghir, Senior Vice President, Head of Sustainability, Marketing, and Client Experience, Mackenzie Investments

“At National Bank Investments, we are committed to driving change toward a more sustainable financial system by advancing responsible investing and integrating sustainability into our investment decisions. That’s why we are proud to support the Responsible Investment Research Initiative led by the Responsible Investment Association of Canada.

This initiative plays a vital role in delivering data-driven insights that empower investors, advisors, and institutions to navigate the evolving landscape of responsible investing. As client interest in responsible investment continues to grow, access to high-quality research is essential to making informed decisions and accelerating the adoption of responsible investment practices.

Through our participation, we aim to track the evolution of responsible investing in Canada, enhance transparency around client and advisory needs, and contribute to building a more sustainable financial ecosystem. We look forward to collaborating with the Responsible Investment Association and industry peers to deepen knowledge, raise awareness, and drive meaningful impact in responsible investing.” – Solène Hanquier, Senior Manager and Head of Responsible Investments at NBI 

“RBC Global Asset Management is proud to sponsor the Responsible Investment Research Initiative. We believe that the research and learnings will provide important insights into the key issues affecting Canadian advisors, asset owners and managers, which will help shape the future direction of responsible investment in Canada.” – Melanie Adams, J.D., Managing Director & Head, Responsible Investment, RBC Global Asset Management

“We are pleased to support the RIA in their Responsible Investment Research Initiative that will focus on raising awareness and anchoring responsible investment practices in research-based insights. With their flagship reports, the RIA continues to serve as an important provider of key responsible investor trends, knowledge building and educational tools for advisors and investors.” – Priti Shokeen, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Investment, TD Asset Management Inc.

 

About the Responsible Investment Association (RIA):

The RIA is Canada’s investment industry association with a purpose of entrenching responsible investment (RI) in Canada’s financial ecosystem. The RIA’s membership includes asset managers, asset owners, advisors and service providers. Institutional members collectively manage over $45 trillion in assets globally. Learn more at www.riacanada.ca

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

Ady Jonsohn
Vice President, Content Development and Delivery
Responsible Investment Association
+1 416-461-6042

Highlights of 2024

• An increase of CAD 11 billion compared to December 2023, Canadian sustainable funds reached C$57 billion total assets.
• There were only 14 RI products’ new launches in 2024, down from the all-time highs in 2023 with 78 new funds.
• Active funds’ share of sustainable assets represents 80% of sustainable assets.

The Sustainable Funds Assets

Source: Morningstar Direct. Data as of 12/31/2024. Source: Includes funds that have liquidated. Excludes funds of funds.

RI Fund Performance

Based on data provided by Morningstar, overall sustainable funds lagged their conventional peers slightly in 2024 with only 49% of sustainable funds landing in the top half of their respective Morningstar Categories. This is down from 55% in 2023.

• 25% of sustainable allocation funds ranked in their peers’ top quartile.
• 28% of equity funds ranked in their categories’ top and bottom quartiles.

No US equity fund ranked in the bottom quartile in 2024 [Source].

Canadian Equity

Global Equity

US Equity

RI fund flows:

• Canadian sustainable funds shed more than CAD 2.5 billion in 2024, a first in six years.
• According to Morningstar, active funds had outflows for the first time, registering CAD 1.6 billion, and passive funds posted CAD 953 million in net outflows.
• Despite the outflows, sustainable funds’ assets hit a new high of more than CAD 56 billion.

Sustainable Fund Flows & Assets

Almost 95% of the sustainable funds’ 2024 outflows came in the second quarter from two funds shedding CAD 1.9 billion. The quarter’s outflows were the biggest flow in or out of sustainable funds since 2021’s first quarter when the segment posted CAD 2.4 billion in inflows.

Sustainable Funds Quarterly Flows

Note 1: For the purpose of this report, RI funds include those that are marketed as responsible investments with RI strategies/policies disclosed in regulatory documents. Average asset class return includes RI and non-RI funds. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. Excludes fund-of-funds.

Note 2: More information on the Canadian Sustainable Funds can be found in Morningstar Canada Sustainable Funds Landscape Report 2024 in Review, linked on the RIA website.

Download Q4 2024 Highlights PDF.

RIA Members can download the full report by logging in to their account and accessing Member Resources.

For more information about the Canada Sustainable Funds Landscape from Morningstar, click here.

 

Data provided by

©2023 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results

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Disclosure
The information contained in this report is for educational and general information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute advice nor does it constitute an offering of securities or any advertisement for the offering of securities. You should not act or rely on the information without seeking professional advice. While we believe the information to be reliable [and endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct], we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, timeliness, suitability or availability with respect to the report or the information, products, services or related graphics contained in the report for any purpose. The RIA does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any investment products listed in the report.

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Eun Kyung Ahn (RIS), Aviso Financial Inc.
Marie-Hélène Beaudet (RIPC)
Raphaël Bisson (RIS), Desjardins
Sophie Cooke (RIS), CIBC Wood Gundy
Ilia Feldman (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Rahim Mulji (RIS), Russell Investments
Rahim Mulji (RIPC)
Samira Soufan (RIS), Meridian credit union
Dariusz Szpilewski (RIS), PenFinancial Credit Union
Kerry-Ann Watson (RIS), Meridian Credit Union

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Jeffrey Bonenfant (RIS), UNI Coopération Financière
Nathalie Carrier (RIS)
Hyun Choe (RIS), DFSIN
Giordano Ciccacci (RIS), Synergy Credit Union
Styve Kader Dagnon (RIS), DESJARDINS
Todd Ellis (RIS)
Marc-Antoine Gendreau (RIAC)
Nabil Haddour (RIS), Desjardins
Jean-Sebastien Hallal (RIS), FERIQUE
Dylan Hollingsworth (RIS)
Akshdeep Kaur (RIS), AVISO
Amandeep Kaur (RIS), Affinity Credit Union
Marc-Antoine Lacasse (RIAC)
Jonathan Landry (RIS), UNI Coopération Financière
Neil MacDonald (RIS), Sun Life
Najlae Mersar (RIS), DESJARDINS
Steve Murray (RIS),  Sun Life
Line Petitjean (RIS), Caisse Desjardins du nord de Laval
Varun Rana (RIS), Sunlife
Karen Routledge (RIAC)
Parker Strojwas (RIS), Affinity Credit Union
Alexandra Tanguay (RIAC)
Chafik Francis Tata (RIS), Caisse Desjardins du Nord de Laval
Mike Veilleux (RIS), Caisse du Sud de la Beauce

Dear RIA Members, 

It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since I shared reflections on 2023 and aspirations for 2024. Taking stock of how the last year unfolded, one of our most significant feats was the launch of the RIA’s new strategic plan. Your strategic plan. Every aspect was conceived with members in mind and informed by extensive consultation. It became clear that the RIA’s priorities had to evolve alongside our rapidly changing industry in order to meet your needs, both today and into future. 

The strategic plan is anchored by three pillars that the RIA holds itself accountable to. The first is Build Community, where we act as a hub for members and RI market participants to impactfully collaborate, share, learn and stay abreast of the dynamic industry and environment. The second is to Drive Change and Influence Policy where we aim to be a bridge between investors and regulators and build trust and confidence in RI by advocating for policies and standards. And the third is to Educate and Inspire. Here the intention is to be a trusted source of objective data and insights, tapping into industry sentiments and charting the progress of RI. Foundational to all of this is the delivery of an exceptional member experience.  

Although many initiatives converge across all three pillars, a cornerstone of building community is convening. For the first time since 2017, we received a warm west coast welcome in beautiful British Columbia for the 2024 Vancouver Conference. We learned, connected and drew inspiration from the stellar speaker lineup and from each other. We also enjoyed the vibrancy of the RI community in la belle province at the Colloque de Montréal, which focused on economic reconciliation and responsible investment. Another highlight was hosting our Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA) colleagues at our Toronto offices this fall in the lead-up to PRI in Person, where the RIA and Climate Engagement Canada (CEC) had an active presence.  

Other events took place in hybrid or online formats, including round tables, working groups and 15 webinar sessions addressing timely topics from regulatory developments to retail product knowledge, research launches, and everything in between. We also convened industry councils such as the Policy Stewardship Group, RIA Leadership Council and the new Public Policy and Advocacy Council. Their invaluable insights inform our priority initiatives, including our policy and advocacy agenda.  

2024 held no shortage of opportunities to entrench RI in Canada’s financial ecosystem through strategic advocacy. From organizing member audiences with key regulators, delivering in-the-moment briefings on active industry consultations and consequential new legislation, to conducting a member survey and roundtable to inform our submission to the Competition Bureau on Bill C-59 and the new greenwashing provisions. The RIA was at the forefront, ensuring responsible investors had a seat at the table.   

The voice of investors will be particularly critical as part of the recently announced Canada Climate Week Xchange (CCWX), of which the RIA is a founding member alongside the TSX and other notable organizations. Together with our role as partner of the Circular Finance in Canada Working Group and member of the of the Sustainable Finance Forum organizing committee, among other carefully selected partnerships, we continued to increase our impact.  

Speaking of impact, 2024 was a fundamental in setting up tools, processes and optimized capacity that will palpably enhance your member experience into next year. Learners and credential holders will have already noticed some process changes, but we have only scratched the surface. 2025 will bring new digital infrastructure and exciting developments that will be shared in due course. All of this will set us up for a productive and ambitious year.  

2025 will be all about driving member value and I’m incredibly excited about all the initiatives we’ll be delivering. Highlights include the inauguration of our Retail Strategy Advisory Group, the launch of working groups for institutional members, 360-degree research and insights spanning the full spectrum of responsible investment in Canada, our webinar series, the inaugural Canada Climate Week Xchange, and the 2025 RIA Conference on June 3-4 in Toronto. The most rewarding part of my job is connecting with you, our members, and I truly hope to see you there. And be sure to look out for a member survey where you can share direct input on the program and the issues that matter to you the most.  

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our industry and steadfast support of the RIA. I wish you a happy and healthy start to the new year and look forward to all that we will accomplish together in 2025.  

Sincerely,

Patricia Fletcher
CEO
Responsible Investment Association 

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing. View a full list of RIA credential holders here.

Learn more about the RIA’s training and credentials here.

Deval Desai (RIS), Synergy Credit Union
Matthew Robertson (RIS), RBC
Wendy Hagan (RIS), Kindred Credit Union
Michael Stark (RIS), Coast Capital Savings
Emma Lefebvre (RIS), Desjardins
Sarah Tekkouk (RIS), FÉRIQUE
El mehdi EL khaddari (RIS), Desjardins
Maimouna Bela Bah (RIS), Caisse Desjardins du Nord de Laval
Shirley Huang (RIS), CANADA LIFE