The Sustainable Investing Roadmap Series for Financial Advisors
Introducing The Sustainable Investing Roadmap Series for Financial Advisors and Wealth Managers
Empowering financial advisors to navigate ESG and sustainable investing in an ever-changing world
The demand for sustainable investing is growing rapidly — and clients increasingly expect their advisors to help them align their investments with their values, goals, and long-term financial objectives. To meet this need, US SIF has developed the Sustainable Investing Roadmap Series for Financial Advisors — a comprehensive, three-part guide designed to give financial professionals the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to integrate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations into their practices.
What the Roadmap Series Covers
Each roadmap is designed to guide financial advisors, wealth managers, RIAs, and planners through the core concepts, practical tools, and client engagement strategies needed to integrate sustainable investing into their practice.
This three-part series equips you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate the evolving sustainable investing landscape — helping you better serve your clients and strengthen your advisory practice.
Part 1: LEARN
“Understanding the Landscape”
Learn the foundations of sustainable investing, ESG considerations, and industry trends. Explore the three main categories of sustainable investing clients and discover which strategies best align with their unique values, goals, and needs.
Part 2: APPLY
“Applying ESG in Practice”
Build on your foundational knowledge with practical guidance on ESG data and ratings — including how to evaluate companies, construct client portfolios, and identify potential greenwashing risks to protect client interests.
Part 3: CONNECT
“Engaging Clients and Building Connections”
Gain insights into effective client conversations around ESG, address common concerns and misconceptions, and learn how to connect with US SIF’s growing network of sustainable investing professionals.
Why You Should Read the Financial Roadmap Series
Whether you’re a Financial Advisor, Planner, RIA, Wealth Manager, or Institutional Consultant—or simply someone seeking to better understand the intersection of ESG, fiduciary duty, and client goals—the Sustainable Investing Roadmap Series is designed for you.
Sustainable investing isn’t just a passing trend. It represents a fundamental shift in how investments are evaluated and managed. By integrating ESG considerations into your practice, you can meet growing client demand, strengthen values-aligned portfolios, and position yourself at the forefront of a changing industry.
Advisors who understand ESG factors can:
Meet rising client demand for values-aligned portfolios
Differentiate their practice in a competitive marketplace
Mitigate long-term risks and identify new opportunities
Strengthen client trust by integrating financial and sustainability goals
Part I: LEARN - Foundations of Sustainable Investing
Part I introduces the core concepts, terminology, and historical evolution of sustainable investing in the U.S. financial markets. It explains the distinctions between ESG, socially responsible investing (SRI), and impact investing, and outlines the primary strategies used in the field - including ESG integration, screening, thematic investing, and impact investing. This section provides the essential baseline knowledge advisors need to understand the landscape and speak clearly about sustainable investing approaches.
Part II: APPLY - Portfolio Design, ESG Data & Greenwashing Awareness
Part II focuses on how to apply sustainable investing principles in real practice. It explains how ESG factors can be incorporated into asset allocation decisions and portfolio construction, and addresses the growing challenges surrounding ESG data comparability, ratings differences, and corporate disclosure. Advisors will find guidance and practical tools for identifying and mitigating greenwashing, as well as step-by-step support for writing or updating an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) that reflects sustainability objectives with clarity and accountability.
Part III: CONNECT - Client Engagement, Advocacy & Professional Networks
Part III emphasizes communication and practical advisor-client dialogue. It offers strategies for discussing sustainability goals with clients, addressing objections and misconceptions, and aligning investment recommendations with client values. This section also highlights how advisors can engage in shareholder advocacy and impact efforts and introduces pathways for ongoing professional development. Advisors will learn how to connect with US SIF’s member network, peer community, and collaborative opportunities to deepen expertise and stay informed.
Coming Soon
Beyond the Score: The Official Launch of the FA Roadmap Series - Part II
Join US SIF for a one-hour session introducing Part II of the Sustainable Investing Roadmap Series. This webinar goes beyond the written guide to explore how ESG data and ratings are used, misunderstood, and misrepresented in today’s market. Learn how to interpret conflicting ESG scores, recognize greenwashing and greenhushing, and integrate ESG insights across all asset classes. We’ll also discuss how an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) can help translate sustainability goals into disciplined, measurable action. Featuring real-world examples and live Q&A, this session will equip advisors and investors to move beyond labels and apply ESG insights with clarity and confidence.