Category: News

Barcelona – The UN Principles for Responsible Investment, the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance and the CFA Institute have been working together over many years on joint programmes relating to ESG disclosure standards, definitions and understanding practices.

They are acutely aware of the increasing pressure on their members and signatories to clearly present approaches to ESG investment so that beneficiaries, regulators and other stakeholders are able to understand ESG approaches taken in investment products and strategies.

Our three organisations have recently formed a collaboration to work to refine, align, improve and harmonize their terms and definitions related to approaches to ESG investment

The objective is to produce an authoritative resource that:

• Describes and explains approaches to ESG investment,
• Clarifies and harmonizes terminology associated with these ESG investment approaches (and/or explains differences), and:
• Provides guidelines for the usage of such terminology.

This public resource is intended to be used by the investment industry, regulators and policy makers with the objective of providing greater clarity and alignment in their usage in literature and across the industry.

It is intended there will be a final paper covering a range of commonly used terms. The resource will be published in summer 2023 as working draft with the opportunity for comment before being finalised. It is intended to include provide essential concepts, a sample definition and guidance for usage.

They will review terms such as ESG integration, screening and stewardship.

David Atkin CEO UN PRI: ‘Increasing collaboration between global organisations such as the CFA, GSIA and PRI will be crucial in enabling our joint members and signatories to meet the evolving demands of regulators, stakeholders and asset owners’

Simon O’Connor Chair Global Sustainable investment Alliance: “This collaboration from three organisations with the broadest coverage of investment organisations and professionals across the globe will fill a crucial gap in the sustainable finance standards landscape. Now more than ever, it is critical that our industry falls in behind a clear and definitive set of standard definitions of responsible investment terminology and approaches. The absence of this clarity makes it harder for consumers to engage with responsible investment, and opens the door for greenwashing in our sector.”

RIA Canada is pleased to have directly supported this initiative, with staff participating in the Working Group and contributing to the development of clarity around definitions for RI strategies. RIA Canada’s latest research, the 2022 Canadian RI Trends report, confirms that clarity and consistency in definitions are needed to help address concerns about greenwashing, which was cited as the top deterrent to growth in RI in Canada.

Further information

• Confusion around the use of ESG terms has legal, compliance, and reputation risks for investment managers and hinders investors’ ability to find and invest in products that meet their needs and preferences.
• Investment managers and regulators continue to call for greater standardization of ESG terminology and guidance for using such terms in practice[i].
• In response to this call, this collaboration has been established to bring greater rigor and consistency to certain terminology associated with the techniques used to incorporate ESG information or issues into an investment product’s objectives or descriptions of investment process. It intends to provide clarification of certain ESG terms and provide guidelines for their usage in various contexts.
• It started in Autumn 2022 and the initial stage will last till Autumn 2023.
• It is planned the collaboration will jointly publish a paper(s) relating to a series of ESG-related terms along with sample definitions and recommendations for usage.
• These will be open for comment in summer 2023.

Media Enquiries:

• Simon Simon O’Connor; Simonoc@responsibleinvestment.org;
• Toby Belsom; belsom@unpri.org;
• Chris Fidler; fidler@cfainstitute.org.

Who are we:

• Global Sustainable Investment Alliance: GSIA | (gsi-alliance.org)
• UN Principles for Responsible Investment: PRI | Home (unpri.org)
• CFA Institute: CFA Institute

[i] For example, IOSCO’s Recommendations on Sustainability-Related Practices, Policies, Procedures and Disclosure in Asset Management[i], issued 2 November 2021, recommends that “securities regulators and/or policymakers, as applicable, should consider encouraging industry participants to develop common sustainable finance-related terms and definitions, including relating to ESG approaches, to ensure consistency throughout the global asset management industry.”

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing.

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

Lisa Armstrong (RIS), Steinbach Credit Union
Kévin Aubé-Doucet (RIS), Uni coopération financière
Joline Babonnaud (RIS), Assante
Norma Benwell (RIS), Credential Asset Management
Eugene Chan (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Abayomi David Dada (RIS), Assiniboine Credit Union
Melissa Ann Different (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc.
Erin English (RIS), Servus Credit Union
Louis Ha (RIS), Vancity
David Houle (RIS), assante
Andrew J.E. Grieve (RIS), TD Wealth Private Investment Advice
Suparshh Jain (RIS), Canada Life
Gregory James (RIS), Assiniboine Credit Union
Tashana Johnson (RIS), DUCA Financial Services Credit Union
Michelle Julien (RIS), Services Financiers Michelle Julien Inc
james kehler (RIS), Envision Financial
Miranda Knaus (RIS), Credential Financial Strategies
Gabrièle L’Abbé (RIS), Fédération des Caisses du Québec / Desjardins
Candice (Yunxi) Li (RIS), Servus Credit Union
Latife Maatouk (RIS), Alterna Savings Credit Union
Sattie Massicotte (RIS), Desjardins
Alexandros Mastoris (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Kelsey Mathison (RIS), Credential Asset Management
Sang Me Yeo (RIS), Steinbach Credit Union
Sumant Assante (RIS), DUCA Financial Services Credit Union
Emma Montgomery (RIS), Investia Financial Services
Paul Muszynski (RIS), FÉRIQUE
Tu Nguyen (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Felipe Oliveira Pinho (RIS), Sunshine Coast Credit Union
Julie Sieh (RIS)
Sumeet Sindoliya (RIS), Libro Credit Union
Taylor Smith (RIS), Servus Credit Union
Sylvain Trudel (RIS), Caisse de l’administration et des services publiques
Lysa Van Herk (RIS), Christian Credit Union | Credential Asset Management
Staci von Dewitz (RIS), Prairie Centre Credit Uinon
Sophia Walker-Stamp (RIS), Credential Asset Management
Jennifer Warren (RIS), Investia Financial Services
Rob Webster (RIS), The Cooperators-Rob Webster Insurance Inc.

TORONTO – November 23, 2022 – The responsible investment industry is in the midst of a remarkable evolution, according to new data from the 2022 Canadian Responsible Investment (RI) Trends Report. Released today by Canada’s Responsible Investment Association (RIA), the report tracks the national trends and outlook for RI, which refers to investments that incorporate environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues into the selection and management process.

This year’s report confirms that RI’s recent momentum is giving way to demand for sophistication and more vigilant reporting, signaling a maturing industry. Over the past two years, the rush into RI claims has been met by forces both external and internal to the financial industry, including the reputational and legal risks associated with greenwashing and lack of clarity around ESG industry terminology and disclosure requirements.

With its updated methodology, the report affirms that RI is entrenched in Canada, with reported assets under management at $3 trillion, and 94% of respondents using ESG integration as an RI strategy. This marks the emergence of a reliable baseline for RI market share and demonstrates that ESG Integration is a fundamental tool in Canadian investors’ decision-making.

“Greater vigilance is redefining the ‘floor’ of RI assets under management. Increased clarity and alignment are necessary to shape the slope and raise the ceiling,” said Patricia Fletcher, CEO of the RIA. “RI is here to stay, but we have work to do with everyone in the investment ecosystem to get the next steps right in order to propel further growth.”

Growth expectations overall remain strong with 90% of respondents anticipating moderate to high levels of growth over the next two years. The demand for sophistication and vigilance is further reflected in investors’ future outlook, with respondents citing the top three potential deterrents to RI growth as: (1) mistrust or concerns about greenwashing, (2) a lack of standardized ESG disclosure frameworks/standards, and (3) lack of reliable data.

The report found an increase in the prevalence of all other RI strategies in addition to ESG integration, including corporate engagement, positive and negative screening, and thematic and impact investing, further pointing to the growing RI sophistication of Canadian investors. Respondents cited risk management as their top motivation for considering ESG factors.

Additional Highlights

• Survey respondents reported the top three reasons for considering ESG factors are: (1) to minimize risk over time, (2) to improve returns over time, and (3) to fulfill fiduciary duty.
• The three most prominent RI strategies by AUM are: (1) ESG Integration, (2) Corporate engagement & shareholder action, and (3) Negative/exclusionary screening.
• Climate change is an overwhelming concern for responsible investors–-who also believe it is the greatest driver for growth over the next two years.

View the report here.

Quotes from 2022 Canadian RI Trends Report Partners:

“The evolution of responsible investing is a natural and expected process that is beneficial both to investors and the industry,” said Roger Beauchemin, President and CEO of Addenda Capital. “Several trends are helping to strengthen practices: investors’ growing appetite for data on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, pressure on companies to improve transparency, and industry efforts to define and meet standards in sustainable investing.”

“As the definition of responsible investing matures and the collective knowledge of our industry continues to increase, we are encouraged to see significantly more respondents turning to thematic approaches and to hear that a desire to address key issues like climate change will continue to drive growth over the next few years,” said Karrie Van Belle, Chief Marketing & Innovation Officer, AGF Investments Inc.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress that Canadian investors are making to deliver more transparency, a diversity of responsible investment solutions, and better client outcomes,” said Fate Saghir, SVP, Head of Sustainability, Mackenzie Investments. “This report reinforces Canada’s ambition to lead in the future low-carbon, equitable, and prosperous economy, and we at Mackenzie, are humbled to participate in this journey on behalf of our clients.”

“We are inspired by the level of attention investors are paying to climate factors. What’s more, the relatively low use of impact investing revealed by the report suggests there is untapped opportunity to leverage investment portfolios to reduce global carbon emissions,” said Adelaide Chiu, VP, Head of Responsible Investing & ESG Services. “We look forward to helping Canadians seize the opportunity to make an impact as they pursue their financial goals.”

“RBC Global Asset Management is proud to collaborate with the RIA Canada and support its efforts to build greater awareness of ESG trends and issues facing the investment community,” said Melanie Adams, Vice President and Head, Corporate Governance and Responsible Investment, RBC Global Asset Management. “Primary research, such as the 2022 Canadian Responsible Investment Trends Report, plays an important role in helping educate Canadian investors and advisors about responsible investment trends and sentiment.”

About the Canadian RI Trends Report

The RIA publishes the Canadian Responsible Investment Trends Report to understand and assess the characteristics of responsible investment in Canada. This study was completed by Environics Research on behalf of the RIA. The results are based on input from organizations invited to participate in an online survey between August 2nd and September 29th, 2022 as well as desk research completed by the RIA. All figures are stated in Canadian dollars as at December 31st, 2021. The 2022 report was generously sponsored by Addenda Capital, AGF Management Limited, Mackenzie Investments, NEI investments, and RBC Global Asset Management.

About the Responsible Investment Association (RIA)

The RIA is Canada’s industry association for responsible investment. The RIA’s membership includes asset managers, asset owners, advisors, and service providers who support its mandate of promoting responsible investment in Canada’s retail and institutional markets. RIA institutional members collectively manage more than $42 trillion in assets. Learn more at www.riacanada.ca.

Contact
Nick Buccheri
Director, Operations
Responsible Investment Association
+1 416-461-6042

Congratulations to Canada’s newest recipients of the RIA’s financial credentials in recognition of expertise in responsible investing.

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

Kerri Anderson (RIS), Meridian Wealth
Michaela Kylie Beattie (RIS)
Maxime Bedard (RIAC)
Philippe Blouin (RIS), David Veilleux Services Financiers
Zach Boyer (RIS), Desjardins
Ryley Boyes (RIS), Affinity Credit Union
Anne-Laure Astrid Buval (RIS), Centre de services du Quartier International-de-Montréal
Tracy Campbell (RIS), IG Wealth Management
Ina Celac (RIS), Service Signature Outaouais (Desjardins)
Julia Cenedese (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Brian Darlow (RIS), Meridian Credit Unio
Ryan Fast (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Etienne Grandisson (RIS), Desjardins
Tanya Hamilton (RIS), Diamond North Credit Union
Andrew Holmes (RIS), Meridian
Angela Houle (RIS), McAuley Financial Services
Patrick Jean-Mary (RIS), Desjardins
Suzanne Jones (RIS), Meridian
Pushti Kaushal (RIS), Cambrian credit union
Julia Klimova (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Zoutkis Ksenia (RIPC)
Sarah Lawrence (RIS), gfcu MoneyWorks
Samuel Marceau (RIS), Desjardins
Eric John Massey (RIS), Cambrian Credit Union
Paulo Mathias Palacios Proano (RIS), Vancity
Yael(Elle) Meier (RIS), LCU FINANCIAL LTD.
Sara Miazga (RIS), TCU Wealth Management
Lindsay Mountain (RIS), RCU Insurance Services Ltd
Michael Murphy (RIS), RCU Insurance Services Ltd
Stephanie Pantel (RIS), Cambrian CU / CAM
Adam Penner (RIS), Steinbach Credit Union
Anthony Poirier (RIS), Credential
Tyler Reiner (RIS), FirstOntario Credit Union
Tessa Rieberger (RIS), Kootenay Savings Credit Union
Seth Roebuck (RIS), 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union
Jenica Rossnagel (RIS), SunCu Financial Services Inc
Vahan Sarkissian (RIS), VSF services
Arina Shlapak (RIS), Desjardins
Jennifer Smith (RIS), Libro Credit Union
Paul Sullivan (RIS), Meridian
Muhammad Syed (RIS), Your Neighbourhood Credit Union
Tyler Sylvestre (RIS), Lakeland Credit Union
Michel Trépanier (RIAC)
Kan-Chun Tsou (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Rizalino Valdez Jr (RIS), Sunshine Coast Credit Union
Jonathan Vincent Kelly (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Sheldon Warren Craig (RIS), CUSO
Amy Marie Weightman (RIS), Cambrian Credit Union | Credential Asset Management Inc
Sam Wile (RIS), Assante Capital Management
Maryam Zarepour (RIS), Vancouver City Credit Union

Highlights from Q2 2022

• Continuing the trend of Q1 2022, the universe of responsible investment (RI) funds in Canada experienced another challenging quarter for performance, as just one-quarter of funds outperformed the average return in their respective asset class category.
• Net asset flows to Canadian-domiciled RI funds in the second quarter of 2022 remained positive at $1.9 Billion, although this was lower than the $2.2 Billion of RI funds flows in the previous quarter.
• Fourteen new RI products were launched in the quarter, of which 1 was an RI ETF and 13 were RI mutual funds. Year-to-date 2022, 42 new RI funds have launched.

RI Fund Performance

According to data provided by Morningstar, one-quarter (23%) of all Canadian-domiciled RI funds (including RI mutual funds and ETFs) outperformed the average return in their respective asset class category during the quarter ending June 30, 2022. For the 12-month period, a similar proportion (25%) of Canadian RI funds outperformed their average asset class return.

The following charts provide a quick overview of notable RI fund performance relative to their asset class peers, in the second quarter of 2022 and over longer time periods.

Canadian Equity

For the Canadian Equity fund class, in the second quarter of 2022, just 20% of the RI funds outperformed the average asset class return for the category. Over each of the 3- year, 5-year and 10-year periods reviewed in this report, the average RI fund return in this category outperformed their respective average asset class return in the period.

US Equity

In the US Equity fund class, only one-quarter (28%) of the RI funds outperformed the average asset class return in the 12 months ending June 30, 2022. Relative performance for the average RI fund in this category was stronger over the 5- year and 10-year periods reviewed in this report, compared to their respective average asset class return in the period.

Global Fixed Income

In the Global Fixed Income fund class, 20% of the RI funds outperformed the category’s average return over the 12 months ending June 30, 2022. In the 3-year period reviewed in this report, a majority (70%) of the RI funds in this category outperformed the average asset class return, while close to one-half (46%) outperformed the average asset class return over the 5 years ending June 30, 2022.

Global Fixed Income Balanced

In the Global Fixed Income Balanced fund class, 20% of the RI funds outperformed the average asset class return over the 12 months ending June 30, 2022. Over the 3-year and 5- year periods reviewed in this report, close to one-half (47% and 46%, respectively) of the RI funds outperformed the average asset class return.

Note: 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. Only the oldest share classes of RI funds were included in the analysis against category averages. Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. Excludes fund-of-funds.

RI Fund Flows

Net asset flows for Canadian-domiciled RI mutual funds and ETFs, estimated by Morningstar, remained positive in the second quarter of 2022. Total estimated flows in Q2 amounted to $1.9 Billion. Total RI fund assets under management declined to approximately $31.5 Billion, compared to $33 Billion at the end of Q1 2022.

Canadian RI Mutual Fund and ETF Estimated Net Flows, Active & Passive

Source: Morningstar Direct. Data as of June 30, 2022. Excludes fund of funds.

RI Product Launches

According to Morningstar, there was a significant slowdown in RI product launches in Q2 2022. In total, fourteen new RI funds were launched in the second quarter of 2022, one-half of the number launched in Q1. Year-to-date 2022, a total of 42 RI products have been launched.

Canadian RI Mutual Fund and ETF Launches

Source: Morningstar Direct. Data as of June 30, 2022.

 

Download Q2 2022 Highlights PDF.

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

Data provided by

©2022 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.

Shamsuddin (Sam) Talukder (RIS), Vancity
Jacques Beaulieu (RIS), GCI
Riley Bell (RIS), Credential Asset Management
Daniel Bernatchez (RIS), Caisse d’économie solidaire
Joanie Bessette (RIS), David Veilleux Services Financiers
David Bessette (RIS)
Kahina Bououni (RIS), Desjardins, caisse d’économie solidaire
Constance Bourget (RIS), Caisse d’economie solidaire Desjardins
Mathieu Braën (RIS), Desjardins
Jennifer Anne Broad (RIS), Credential Financial Strategies
Caroline Charest (RIS), Services Financiers Caroline Charest
Carolina Cvetanovski (RIS), Libro Credit Union
Gwen Davidson (RIS), RCU Insurance Services Ltd
Dave Desmarattes (RIS), Desjardins
Shirley Fagnen (RIPC)
Alexandra Foisy (RIS), David Veilleux Services Financiers
Alexander Frei (RIS)
Alexandre Gagnon (RIS), Apogée Groupe Financier 360 inc
Mylène Gagnon (RIS), Optima Services Financiers
Audrey Gaudreault (RIS), David Veilleux Services Financiers
Claire Hallam (RIS), IG Wealth Management
Jeremy Hendrikx (RIAC)
Ahmed Jaleel Sadozai (RIS), Island Savings – A Division of First West Credit Union
Jun Jie Huang (RIS), Vancity
Frederick Johnson (RIS), Desjardins Financial Security Investments Inc
Harmanpreet Kaur (RIS), Vancity
Alireza Kebritchi (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Colin Kirby (RIS), Kingdom First Financial
Emmanuelle Lafond St-Hilaire (RIS), Caisse Desjardins des Patriotes
Neil Lamb (RIPC)
Pier-Olivier Lebrasseur (RIS), UNI Coopération Financière
Lydia Li (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Rodger Peter Martens (RIS), EthicWest Financial
Kasia Maves (RIS), Rob Webster Insurance Inc / Co-operators
Brian McCloskey (RIS), Vancity
Karine Melancon (RIS), Investia
Vincent Pelle (RIS), Service en placements Peak
Khushali Pindoriya (RIS), Steinbach Credit Union
Chan Quang Huynh (RIS), Credential Securities / Steinbach Credit Union
Marie-Hélène Quirion (RIS), GFM Groupe Financier
Marie-Hélène Quirion (RIS), GFM Groupe Financier
Devika Rajeev Jha (RIS), Vancity
Matthew Renyard (RIS), Vancity
Clifford Robertson (RIS), Richardson Wealth
Seth Roebuck (RIS), 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union
Paul Sahota (RIAC)
Harman Singh (RIS), Vancity
Soumitra singha Roy (RIS), Vancity
Jonathan B. Therrien (RIS), Assante – Major Gestion Privée
Franz Vickerson (RIS), Summit Financial Planners Inc.
Robert Webster (RIS), The Cooperators-Rob Webster Insurance Inc.
Abir Zouieni (RIS), Vancity

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.

Geoff Aselstine (RIS), IA Clarington Investments
Stephen Barrett (RIS), Libro Credit Union
Joshua Z Bowden (RIS), Edward Jones
Cameron D Brown (RIS), Mainstreet Credit Union
Craig Butler (RIS), CIBC Wood Gundy
Adrian Chuo (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Patrick Ciccone (RIS), Desjardins
Allison Deziel (RIS), WFCU Credit Union
Mark Dickens (RIS), Investors Group Wealth Management
Tracy Drouillard (RIS), Mainstreet Credit Union
Shawn Gethke (RIS), Credential Asset Management
Jon Gillan (RIS), Credential Asset Management
Pouyan Hashemi (RIS), Prospera
Greg Hebert (RIS), Servus Wealth Strategies
Jamie Holmes (RIS), Servus Wealth Strategies
Alfred J. LeBlanc (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc
Johanna Jones (RIS), PenFinancial CU & Credential Asset Mgt.
Tyson Kash (RIS), Desjardins
Michael Laskaris (RIS), CIBC Wood Gundy
Tyler Laurindo (RIS), Kindred Credit Union
Daniel Lok Man Tam (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Grant Lycouretzos (RIS), Desjardins
Robert McMann (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Maureen McMillan (RIS), Credential Securities
Angela Michelle McNeil (RIS), CU Financial Management
Baneet Mehndhiratta (RIS), Vancity
Clara Monk (RIS), Northern Credit Union
Paola Novella (RIS), Kindred Credit Union
Rhonda Oakden (RIS), Westoba Financial Solutions Ltd.
Abisola Oladeinde (RIS), Kindred Credit Union
Emily Pereira (RIS), Alfonsi Torosantucci Financial Group
Shayan Ramazankhani (RIS), VanCity Savings Credit Union
Lucas Rodrigues Gil (RIS), Ridge Planning Group Inc.
Chandra Roy (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Avnit Sachar (RIS), Vancity
Douglas Santos Araujo (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
David Robert Schmidt (RIS), IG Wealth Management
Anita Shah (RIS), Self Employed
Elle Sharma (RIS), Desjardins Wealth Management
Adrian Skakie (RIS), CIBC Wood Gundy
Nicholas Toigo (RIS), Desjardins
Debbi Tonnies-Violette (RIS), PenFinancial Credit Union
Xinning Yu (RIS), Libro 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.

Ali Ahrabi (RIS), VanCity
Mitchell Austin Harder (RIS), WFCU Credit Union
Véronique Beauchamp (RIS)
Narjit Bhusley (RIS), Servus Credit Union
Andrea Bove (RIS), PenFinancial
Marie-Pier Collin (RIS), SFL placements Job
Frédéric Comptour (RIAC)
Tamarynn Rose Cooke (RIS), Vancity Credit Union
Dennis da Silva (RIAC)
Marlon Delas Alas (RIS), Vancity
Nilgun DeLuca (RIS), Desjardins Financial Security Investments Inc.
Aminata Diallo (RIS), Desjardins
Nathalie Falardeau (RIS), Caisse Desjardins des Rivières de Québec
Robin Fournel (RIS), Placements Manuvie Inc.
Jules E. Génier (RIS), ASSANTE – Beauce
Andrew Gibson (RIS), Secura Financial Group
Cédrick Jasmin (RIS), Valeurs Mobilières PEAK inc.
Georgia Kwok (RIS), iA Private Wealth
Simon Laberge (RIAC), Desjardins
Rosalie Diana LaRose (RIS), Affinity Credit Union Wealth Advisory Team
Madison Mailey (RIS), ScotiaMcLeod
Terry Marshall (RIS), COOPERATORS
Aleksandra Martens (RIS), Servus Credit Union
Cameron McMillan (RIS), Assante Wealth Management
Rob Moffat (RIAC)
Shane Morgan-Menzies (RIS), Affinity Wealth Management
Athen Neale (RIS), iA Clarington Investments Inc.
Mika Nenonen (RIS), Mackenzie Investments
Shane Obata (RIAC)
Oluwaseun Oluwatoyin Ladapo (RIS), Cambrian Credit Union
Alanna Park (RIS), Libro Credit Union
Antonella Parlee (RIS), wfcu Credit Union
Ilja Pauwels (RIS), Northern Credit Union and Credential Asset Management
Carole Selby (RIS), Synergy Credit Union
Brandon Thom Crowther (RIS), Desjardins Financial Security Investments Inc.
Michael Tsang (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Jeff Valentini (RIS), Northern Credit Union
David van Berkel (RIS), Credential Asset Management
Mallika Verma (RIAC)
Brian Wise (RIS), ScotiaMcLeod
Susan Young (RIS), Peak Investment Services
Long Shu (Michael) Zhang (RIS), Vancouver City Savings 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.

John-Gary Aylward (RIS), JGA Wealth Group/Manulife Securities
Vincent Choquette (RIS), Services D’investissement Férique
Bruno D’Andrea (RIS), Ferique Investment Services
Louis Philip Desrosiers (RIS), UNI Financial Cooperation
Alan Dheere (RIS), Vancity
Nadim El Zein (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Austin Tyler Ficociello (RIS), WFCU Credit Union
Sarah Ford (RIS), Credential Asset Management/Libro Credit Union
Michael Wesley Fouhse (RIS), Synergy Credit Union
Robert Gallant (RIS), Gallant Wealth/Worldsource Financial
Linda C Gratton (RIS), Canada Life
Jingyue Kang (RIS), Vancity
John Kerrigan (RIS), Vancity
Simon Laberge (RIAC), Desjardins
Drew Macartney (RIS), Belmont Wealth Management
Pat Magliaro (RIS), IPC Investment Corp. | Magliaro Financial Planning
Deborah McCulloch (RIS), Investia Financial Services Inc.
Amelia Naidoo (RIS), David Miner & Associates
Dragos Nina (RIS), Assiniboine Credit Union
Aidan Scott O’Neal (RIS), Aviso Wealth
Konstantinos Paraskevopoulos (RIS), IA Clarington Investments
Sebastien Pare (RIS), ScotiaMcLeod
Kaaiz Rana (RIS), Servus Credit Union
Brandon Sanders (RIS), Kindred Credit Union
Henry Sanvictores (RIS), Assiniboine Credit Union
Brent Savoie (RIS), Uni Coopération Financière
Sheraya Sims (RIS), Meridian Credit Union
Harsh Teckchandani (RIS), Worldsource Wealth Management Inc.
Christopher Thompson (RIS), Edward Jones
Stephen Turple (RIS), Sun Life
Valérie Villiard (RIS), Caisse Desjardins des Patriotes
Shawn Wakim (RIS), Desjardins
Karla Webster Gill (RIS), SEI
Taylor White (RIS), Vancity
A.J. Wrenn (RIS), Servus Credit Union
Ryan Young (RIS), Peak Investment Services

On June 21, 2022, the RIA held its 2022 remote AGM via Hopin. The AGM included the re-election of Roger Beauchemin, President and CEO, Addenda Capital, as Chair of the RIA’s Board of Directors as well as the election of four new board members:

Adelaide Chiu – VP, Head of Responsible Investing & ESG Services, NEI Investments

Adelaide Chiu joined Aviso Wealth as NEI Investments’ Vice President, Head of Responsible Investing & ESG Services in 2022. She leads the Responsible Investing (RI) strategy with a team of RI professionals and works in partnership with the asset management leadership team. Adelaide brings over two decades of investment management and responsible investing experience.

Geordie Hungerford – Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Financial Management Board

Geordie is the Chief Executive Officer of the First Nations Financial Management Board, one of three fiscal institutions created under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. Geordie brings deep experience in finance and financial law, with experience as a senior investment products securities lawyer at the British Columbia Securities Commission, financial tribunal Chair and CEO at the Financial Services Tribunal (BC), management consultant at McKinsey & Company and mergers and acquisitions investment banker at Broadview (now Jefferies).

Anna Murray – Managing Director, Global Head of ESG, SLC Management

Anna Murray is Managing Director, Global Head of ESG for SLC Management. She oversees the firm’s Sustainable Investing team to integrate ESG risk management and value creation practices into investment decisions and management across the firm’s global investment platform ($334 Billion AUM).

Jackie Ramler – Portfolio Manager & Branch Manager, Raymond James Ltd.

Jackie Ramler has been a dedicated leader in the financial industry since 1995. As the only RIA north of Newmarket, in Central Ontario, Jackie has worked diligently on spreading clean investing awareness throughout the community. Hosting webinars and publishing articles in local magazines, she works to expand the exposure of how people can make a difference. Jackie makes it a priority to share her experience and skill set with non-profit, charitable and professional organizations.

The RIA would like to extend a warm thank you to outgoing board members Dominique Barker, Ian Robertson, Louis Spadacini, and Nicole Vadori for their contributions to the organization.

The Annual General & Special Meeting had a virtual turn-out of 39. In advance of the AGM the RIA offered a remote voting option for members via service provider ClickBallot. A total of 127 members voted in advance of the AGM. All AGM ballot items were passed.

Thank you to all the members who took the time to join us, and to our past and present board members. The full list of the Board of Directors can be found here.