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
ady@riacanada.ca
