ESG goes mainstream

Financial institutions are beginning to get on board with the global fight against climate change, but they are still trailing pension funds and insurance companies in putting these concerns into action.

With all the attention around more women running for office, women's marches, and the #MeToo movement, there is growing demand for investment options that support women too, says Veris' Luisamarie Ruiz Carlile.

Do impact investments — which are made with the intention of fostering social or environmental benefits — underperform? Those involved in the sector answer with a resounding "no."

The firm built a product to match the current moment, which is political, says CEO Hardeep Walia.

Activists are pressuring banks involved in financing the controversial Dakota Access pipeline to abandon the project. If banks remain committed, they risk alienating customers, but divestment could set a bad precedent.