Advisor: KNOW Your Client. KNOW their values!
By Ron Robins
This editorial is of particular interest to investment and financial advisors.
A U.S. survey by Allianz Global Investors early in 2008 showed that half of all investors were planning to invest in environmental funds in the following twelve months; in May a U.K. survey by F&C Investments found about 88% of respondents felt that it was important for companies to take environmental, social and governance issues seriously. To benefit from these trends, an astute advisor will want to truly know thy client, implementing policies and activities that particularly cater to their clients′ personal values.
As an advisor, ask yourself:
- Do you want your clients learning about ethical investing, green funds, etc., from another advisor?
- Do you want the risk of giving inappropriate advice to your clients by not knowing their personal values?
- Do you want to gain a competitive edge vis-Ã -vis other advisors?
- Do you want clients who are stable and less volatile when markets go awry?
- Do you want more satisfied clients providing even more referrals to you?
For advisors new to ethical investing, green funds, socially responsible investments, etc., the work to become familiar with these areas may appear daunting. However, there is lots of help out there for you. To begin with, take the free online course for financial advisors offered by the UK Social Investment Forum. Though oriented to British advisors, it offers valuable information and assistance for advisors everywhere.
In addition, advisors can find help from the following organizations. In the…
Also, here at Investing for the Soul, I now offer the following uniquely valuable services for advisors: workshops to orient you and your team to personal values investing; tutorials in finding and evaluating stocks that reflect personal values; a company research service; and portfolio audits that ensure holdings are in compliance with the owners′ personal values.
This is a new era for advisors. The rule, know your client, now means much, much more than before. A paradigm shift is occurring in what clients want. Are you ready for them? This site is here to help you.
August 12, 2008
© Ron Robins, 2008
