Richardson Partners Financial announced today its strategic alliance with Jantzi Research Inc., a innovator of socially responsible investment (SRI) products.

Through Jantzi’s investment research, Richardson Partners advisors have access to powerful Canadian, U.S. and international research to help clients align investments with their values.

“For a growing number of high net worth individuals, how they earn returns is just as important as their return on investment,” says Sue Dabarno, CEO and president, Richardson Partners. “Our relationship with Jantzi Research reflects another way in which we deliver leading edge solutions to address the evolving needs of our clients.”

Socially responsible investing integrates social, environmental and governance (ESG) criteria into the traditional decision making process. Moreover, Richardson clients can utilize these new options when seeking insights for personal savings, retirement plans, or as part of the investment strategy for endowments, foundations, or faith-based groups. Michael Jantzi, president of Jantzi Research, says “our team is pleased to be working with a leader like Richardson Partners to ensure that its clients receive a comprehensive array of SRI products and services.”

Richardson Partners’s separately managed wrap program Pioneer Investment Program offers the GWL Canadian SRI Mandate, which is managed by GWL Investment Management Ltd. and uses Jantzi Research, to provide clients with the opportunity to invest in socially responsible companies.

The mandate invests primarily in the shares of publicly traded Canadian companies that conduct their business operations in a socially responsible manner and show strong growth prospects. Using Jantzi Research, it invests in companies that have practices and policies which, relative to their peers, reflect environmental awareness, progressive labour relations and make positive contributions in the communities in which they operate.

In addition, the mandate will avoid companies that have a substantial involvement in the manufacture or distribution of tobacco or liquor products, weapons systems, gaming products and pornography.