If you’re new to the investment world, the terms ESGs, SDGs and SRIs might just look like a random cluster of letters — but ones that are worth learning. They stand for Environmental, Social and Governance; Sustainable Development Goals; and Sustainable, Responsible and Impact, respectively. And by seeking out these types of investment portfolios, people are helping change the world for the better.
The sustainable investments industry is focused on identifying companies and organizations with a socially or environmentally-responsible focus, and according to Forbes’s coverage of a US SIF Foundation report, it’s seeing remarkable growth. The U.S.-based investment firms that use SRI strategies are now a $12 trillion industry — two years ago, it was $8.7 trillion.
There are a number of these companies based in NYC. Get to know the names of these organizations focused on sustainable investing.
Top Sustainable Investment Companies in NYC
- Wahed Invest
- Ethic
- SRI Investing
- The Impact
- Global Impact Investing Network
Wahed Invest is a Halal online investment platform that lets users invest in ethically responsible stocks, Islamic bonds and gold. With a full-time ethical review board on staff, the company ensures that all returns abide by Islamic principles. The service is beginner-friendly, with zero hidden fees and the ability to withdraw at any time.
Ethic connects investment advisors and institutions with sustainable investing opportunities for their clients. The platform allows users to drill down by category to create portfolios that align with their clients’ priorities, including human rights, gender diversity and carbon emissions. It uses technology to automatically create portfolios and track benchmark performance so clients can feel confident that their money is being used for good.
SRI Investing is a financial advisory firm that builds sustainable portfolios for their clients. They help people and organizations financially contribute to companies that abide by their ethics, whether that’s in the form of investing in an environmentally- or socially-focused institution. The company has provided ethical investing for clients and organizations since 2000.
Nonprofit organization The Impact aims to help solve social problems by connecting investors with companies that can make a positive impact on society. The platform includes educational content, data-driven insights and access to a helpful community of investors to provide guidance on ethical investing.
The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) provides resources and tools that help investors develop their impact portfolio. With their research database and training programs, they’re able to equip people with the knowledge they need to invest in companies that make positive social and environmental change.
