Responsible investment


We believe that companies managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities well are best positioned to create lasting value. Our approach forms part of a broader responsible and sustainable investment framework.

Understanding ESG factors

Responsible investment involves considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions and active ownership. As a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, we align our approach with internationally recognised standards.

Each factor presents distinct risks and opportunities that can influence a company’s long-term performance:

Sustainable Leaf

Environment

How a company manages its environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, land and biodiversity management, and waste.

Social Sustainable

Social

How a company upholds its responsibilities to people and communities through fair labour practices, respect for human rights, workplace safety, diversity and responsible supply chains.

Sustainable Document

Governance

How a company demonstrates leadership and accountability through board and management quality, financial reporting, anti-bribery and corruption practices, data security, remuneration and stakeholder governance.

Our approach to responsible investment

Our discretionary investment service is tailored to each client’s objectives, delivered through experienced investment managers and financial planners. Responsible investment is embedded in this process – from how we analyse opportunities to how we act as stewards of client assets.

View the full details of our responsible and sustainable investment approach.

Our responsible investment approach includes:

ESG integration 

We incorporate ESG factors into our evaluations of individual companies and fund managers. Using independent data providers, such as Sustainalytics, we assess material ESG risks and opportunities when constructing our approved investment lists.

Positive and ethical screening 

We can enhance our responsible investing approach by applying selected positive and/or negative screening when assessing investments, based on our excluded investment policies and/or other preferences.

Engagement and stewardship 

We actively engage with invested companies to protect and enhance long-term value. For each core holding, we monitor and engage with company leadership on material issues, including ESG practices, that may impact performance and sustainability. Find out more about our approach to stewardship.

Key documents

Our responsible and sustainable investment framework

A breakdown of how we approach responsible and sustainable investment.

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Stewardship policy

We actively engage with the companies we invest in to drive positive change for our clients and society.

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RBC Europe Limited: Wealth Management Climate Report 2024

Our Climate Report outlines how we govern, manage and measure climate-related risks and opportunities across our business and client portfolios. Guided by the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), it provides transparency around exposure, metrics and progress. For comparison, view the 2023 report.

Last updated: June 2025

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