Survey reveals demand for information on how investments align with personal values
BMO InvestorLine has added a new feature that enables self-directed investors to access ESG information on the companies they intend to invest in.
With the bank’s research showing that 65% of Canadians believe it is important to invest in companies that align with their personal values around climate change, human rights, responsible governance and ethical practices, the new ESG Insights feature provides ratings for individual equities and ETFs.
A recent report from the Responsible Investment Association of Canada's revealed an opportunity for advisors to help steer their clients through the sometimes-challenging responsible investing landscape.
"Investors are increasingly viewing their portfolios through a sustainability lens with increased awareness of ESG factors while evaluating how companies manage critical environmental, social and governance issues," said Andrea Casciato, Head of Digital Investing, BMO InvestorLine. "BMO InvestorLine's ESG Insights feature offers a practical new framework to help investors analyze their portfolios with sustainability in mind and empower them to make informed investment decisions that align with their strategies and values."
The survey shows that 45% of Canadians who hold investments want to learn more about a company's ESG practices when considering whether to invest in that company and 75% believe it is possible to purchase investments that make good financial sense while still aligning to their personal values.
ESG insights
The new ESG Insights feature on BMO InvestorLine’s mobile and web portals will allow investors to see which firms are industry leaders in respect of long-term risks, stay informed on industry-specific business issues that may impact risks and opportunities, and measure companies’ ESG performance against international standards and principles.
"Our research shows Canadian investors are eager for insights when it comes to ESG strategies and want to understand how these elements can impact the companies they invest in," continued Casciato.
