News & Commentaries by Ron Robins ————————————————————- Why activists are cheerleaders for corporate social responsibility. “Profits, not ethics, are behind big-name investors′ interest in ESG issues.” [COMMENTARY] Now we know ESG has ’arrived’ and why it’s fast becoming integral to financial analysis. Investors everywhere are realizing it pays to incorporate ESG criteria in selecting investments…

News & Commentaries by Ron Robins ————————————————————- Responsible investors have burning questions about cannabis. “Determining whether marijuana is a responsible investment depends on several fundamental factors that should be discussed with an investment professional versed in ESG analysis.” COMMENTARY] How can you rate the ESG performance of cannabis stocks? This is becoming an important question…

News & Commentaries by Ron Robins ————————————————————- Companies That Lead on Societal Impact Reap Financial Benefits. “Companies that outperform in industry-relevant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) areas boast higher valuation multiples and margins, all other factors being equal, than those with weaker performance in those areas, according to a new report by The Boston Consulting…

News & Commentaries by Ron Robins ————————————————————- The global rise of sustainable investing — Schroders. “To accurately gauge the latest attitudes, we surveyed more than 22,000 people from 30 countries who invest. We asked them about their knowledge, views and actions when it comes to sustainable investing.” [COMMENTARY] Schroders survey of global sustainable investing provides…

News & Commentaries by Ron Robins ————————————————————- Why FAs Are Still Reluctant to Jump on ESG Bandwagon. “Asset managers and major brokerages think there′s big money to be made shilling these funds to advisors, with the likes of BlackRock, Bank of America and UBS highlighting the growing acceptance and mainstream popularity of SRI and ’impact…

News & Commentaries by Ron Robins ————————————————————- Current State of Assurance on Sustainability Reports. “Corporate sustainability reporting is becoming more widespread with each passing year, and with that growth comes the need for companies to back up their sustainability claims. The author surveyed sustainability assurance reports from 2013, and the subsequent analysis provides advice for…