Ethical investment course coming for advisers

The online course, which launches July 24th, aims to help Australian and New Zealander advisers become confident to engage, research and advise clients who want ethical and sustainable investing.

There are four pillars. The first, ESG and sustainable investing strategies, will give an overview of ethical investing and key ESG issues. It will cover strategies and techniques such as positive screening, divestment, engagement, sustainability themes and impact as well as explore market trends, demand, financial performance and diversification through the lens of sustainable investing.

The second pillar, invest research and client portfolios, will cover research, analysis and comparing sustainable investments including managed funds and ETFs. It will look at how to differentiate between different ESG investment processes and ethical charters used by fund managers and how to spot greenwashing to compile a list of preferred ethical and sustainable investment products.

Client conversations and advice processes make up the third pillar. This includes setting up a resource bank on ESG issues and values for engaging with clients and building the elements and commentary for advice documents.

The fourth pillar covers solutions to attract and retain clients, developing a sustainable investment philosophy and communicating the rationale to clients. How to promote and introduce ethical investment services to new and existing clients will also be covered and how to create assets and marketing collateral.

Advisers don’t have to be RIAA members, although members will get a 20% discount on the course cost which is $750 USD + GSD. The course is self-paced and takes about 10 hours plus reading.