US SIF launches Financial Advisor Roadmap Series to help advisors meet ongoing demand for sustainable investing

US SIF: The Sustainable Investment Forum is pleased to introduce its new Financial Advisor Roadmap Series, a practical and comprehensive resource designed to provide financial advisors, wealth managers, and registered investment advisors with the tools and strategies they need to navigate the rapidly evolving sustainable investing landscape.

While sustainability initiatives of all kinds face political headwinds, investor demand for sustainable investing strategies that align returns with impact continues to accelerate.

Morgan Stanley reports that 88% of investors globally express interest in sustainable investing, and assets under management in sustainable funds reached a new high of $3.92 trillion as of June 30. Meanwhile, 77% of clients report higher satisfaction when their values are reflected in their portfolios, according to Envestnet PMC.

However, many financial advisors face gaps in knowledge, confidence, and tools to offer advice on sustainable investing. “Advisors are on the front lines of one of the most significant transformations in financial services,” said Maria Lettini, CEO of US SIF. “By providing education, frameworks, and real-world applications, we’re helping financial professionals respond to client demand and strengthen their practices.”

Part I of the Roadmap Series focuses on demystifying sustainable investing, understanding and identifying client motivations, and aligning strategies with client goals. It also includes guidance for navigating fiduciary duty, and practical questionnaires to uncover client values and priorities. Parts II and III – to be released later this fall – will help users apply this knowledge in portfolio construction and better connect with clients on sustainability issues.

“Sustainable and impact investing is much more than a trend. It’s an ever-growing recognition that our investments impact the planet and society, and those impacts in turn create risks and opportunities for our portfolios. By integrating sustainable investment strategies into their clients’ portfolios, advisors can more effectively manage those risks and opportunities and better position their clients for long-term success. This new roadmap from US SIF is an essential guide that leads the way,” said Carole Laible, CEO of Domini Impact Investments.

“Social(k) – and I – are proud to support this initiative, especially during these challenging times. Sustainable investing is here to stay, and this toolkit is one way to equip advisors to keep moving the industry forward with integrity and skill,” said Rob Thomas, President of Social(k).

“This is the roadmap for advisors who want to know how to meet the growing demand for sustainable investing. It’s essential reading to guide you and your team through the changing field so you can serve your clients and grow your practice,” added Leslie Samuelrich, President of Green Century Funds.

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The Financial Advisor Roadmap Series is part of US SIF’s broader initiative to equip the financial services industry with high-quality, accessible resources that foster informed decision-making and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy. It was developed with input from industry experts and financial advisor editors and is free to access as part of US SIF’s commitment to advancing sustainable investing education throughout the United States.

From Part I of the Roadmap Series –

Foundational pillars of Modern Responsible Business & Sustainable Investing Practices:

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – originated in the mid-20th century as businesses began recognizing their broader social and environmental impacts, moving beyond purely profit driven objectives. Sparked by rising consumer activism, civil rights movements, and environmental awareness, early CSR focused on philanthropy and ethical obligations before evolving into a more strategic approach to stakeholder and societal responsibility.

• Environmental, Social Governance (ESG) – originated in the early 2000s as investors sought a more structured framework to evaluate corporate performance beyond financial metrics. Its roots trace back to socially responsible investing and were formalized by initiatives like the 2004 UN Global Compact’s “Who Cares Wins” report, which linked ESG factors to long-term financial performance and risk management.

• Sustainability – The concept of sustainability originated in the 1970s as growing environmental concerns and resource scarcity highlighted the need for balancing economic development with ecological protection. It was formally defined by the 1987 Brundtland Commission’s report, Our Common Future, which framed sustainability as meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

• Purpose Driven Organization – The idea of purpose-driven organizations emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s as companies began shifting from a purely profit-focused model toward aligning business strategies with broader social and environmental values. Influenced by stakeholder theory and rising consumer demand for corporate responsibility, purpose-driven organizations position their mission and impact at the core of decision-making to create long-term value for both business and society.

Download Part I of the Financial Advisor Roadmap Series here.

About US SIF

US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment is the leading voice advancing sustainable investing across all asset classes. US SIF and its members champion investment practices that generate long-term competitive financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. Through education, resources, and advocacy, US SIF empowers investors and financial professionals to drive change and shape a more sustainable economy.