This is the Moment to Get it Right: 2023 RIA Conference

The steady progression of responsible investment (RI) in Canada over the last decade has given way to a flood of new developments in recent years. Fund companies have expanded their ESG teams and investment products. Governments have introduced new policies and support mechanisms to facilitate and encourage sustainable finance. And companies and investors alike are trying to map their climate ambitions to reality, such as their net zero emissions targets.

Topics that were very recently the subject matter domain of ESG specialists are becoming central to long term investment strategies the world over. At the same time, there is growing demand for sophistication and more vigilant reporting as investors grapple with concerns about greenwashing, RI terminology and changing disclosure requirements, signaling a maturing industry.

It is in this unique market context that we’ve organized our return to the in-person RIA Conference, which will cover leading-edge and emerging topics in ESG and sustainable finance with national and international experts. The future of responsible investment (RI) is being written now and this is the moment to get it right.

From Tuesday, June 6th to Wednesday, June 7th, we will host the largest gathering of RI professionals in Canada for 25 expert-led sessions featuring 90+ speakers on the most important topics in the industry.

Big Picture Trends in RI

RI is evolving at every level, including through global and regional standards and regulations. The conference will feature several panels focused on the “big picture” challenges and developments that will in many ways define the future of responsible investment, including:

• Advancing Sustainability Reporting Standards: An Update from the ISSB
• Harmonizing RI Terminology: Progress Report on the CARET Project
• Regulators Roundtable: ESG in Focus
• Achieving Net Zero By 2050: Developments from SFAC & NZAB

The Investable Future, Now

The future of responsible investment is intertwined with our need to transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy. Embracing sustainability and inclusivity has become an imperative, not only to mitigate risk but also to identify new investment opportunities along the road to a prosperous and equitable society. The agenda covers several sessions that explore specific sustainable investment opportunities and their related challenges, including:

• Investing in a Circular Economy: Tackling Global Challenges and Capturing Opportunities
• Innovations in Agriculture: Towards More Sustainable Food Systems
• Plugging into Electrification: Why and How to Expand and Decarbonize Canada’s Grid
• The Future of Energy: Deploying Capital for a Sustainable Future
• Critical Minerals: An Essential Input in the Energy Transition

Disruptions, Transformation and Progress

A variety of disruptive trends are emerging across many sectors, each with the potential to drive transformative change. By  monitoring and adapting to these shifts, investors can position themselves to seize opportunities, mitigate risks, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future. For an inside look at some of these disruptions, we’ve convened experts on the following topics:

• AI is Transforming the World: What Does it Mean for Your Portfolio?
• Demographic Disruptions: Implications for the Financial Markets
• Real Assets & Responsible Investing: Sustainable and Long-Term Opportunities
• The Next Imperative: The Urgent Need for Investor Action on Biodiversity

Practical Knowledge for RI Advisors

For years, responsible investment has represented an opportunity for advisors to grow their business. Research shows that ESG issues are becoming increasingly important to retail investors, and financial advisors need the knowledge and tools to help their clients incorporate these factors into their investment decisions. Attendees will develop their knowledge and share peer-to-peer insights in sessions such as:

• Advisor Conversations: Engaging with Clients About RI
• Empowering RI Advisors: Unleashing Insights and Overcoming Challenges

Investing with an Impact

By strategically deploying capital into businesses, organizations, and projects that generate positive social and environmental outcomes, impact investors can drive meaningful change, foster innovation, and contribute to the sustainable development of communities and the planet. The 2023 RIA Conference will shed light on key impact  initiatives and frameworks pertaining to in the following sessions:

• Halfway to 2030: Investor Action on Achieving the SDGs
• Accelerating Social Finance in Canada

Getting Acquainted with Responsible Investment

For those new to responsible investment (RI) or looking to refresh their knowledge of the key definitions, trends and developments, we are also offering a free online introduction to RI on June 1st. 

In addition to the keynote sessions, attendees can participate in a variety of opportunities for networking and collaboration among attendees. Overall, the 2023 RIA Conference offers a unique and valuable opportunity for professionals in the responsible investment industry to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, share knowledge and ideas, and collaborate. The future of responsible investing is being written now. This is the moment to get it right.