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A Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC) is a financial professional with a focus on sustainable investing. Offered by the College for Financial Planning and the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, CSRICs are up-to-date on trends in the industry as well as the latest research and tools. Let’s take a closer look at what this designation is, what it takes to earn it, and how you may benefit from working with a CSRIC.
What is a Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC)?
CSRICs are experts in sustainable investing, which offers the potential for strong financial returns while demonstrating a commitment to sustainable business practices and positive impact. It’s usually measured by analyzing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies, practices, and performance.
Not only are CSRICs well-versed in the history and fundamentals of sustainable, responsible, and impact (SRI) investments, they understand its limitations and future potential. They’re able to support clients who value sustainable investing with an impactful portfolio that allows them to leave the legacy they’d like on the world.
Should You Hire a CSRIC?
If you consider yourself a socially conscious individual, you may benefit from a CSRIC. A CSRIC can help you diversify your portfolio in a socially responsible way. Not only does socially responsible investing consider the environment, it also accounts for corporate procedures and governance that generate a return while making a positive impact on society. Here are several types of SRI funds they specialize in:
- Socially Responsible Investing Funds: There are different classes of socially responsible investing funds that avoid areas like tobacco, gambling, firearms, and alcohol.
- Impact Funds: Impact funds are socially responsible funds that place an equal emphasis on fund performance, whereas other funds may not.
- Faith-based Funds: Faith-based funds adhere to Christian, Catholic, or Islamic values.
What do Chartered SRI Counselors Have to Say About Hiring a CSRIC?
Grant R. Maddox, CFP®, AWMA®, CSRIC®
Hampton Park Financial Planning
“In partnership with the US SIF Foundation, the CSRIC® shows an advisor’s unique dedication to the knowledge, trends, and fiduciary responsibilities to sustainable, responsible, and impact investing.
Sustainable investing is an investment discipline that considers environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) criteria to generate long-term competitive financial returns and positive societal impact. The CSRIC® designation shows an advisor’s commitment to progressing ethical investments without the need for buzz words and below-board practices.”
Michael Reynolds, CSRIC®, AIF®
“The CSRIC® designation has been instrumental in helping me serve my clients. It helped me go deeper into this space and understand the nuances and history behind ESG. It has helped me make better decisions with my clients and better align their investments.”
What Does it Take to Earn and Maintain the CSRIC?
The CSRIC is the most comprehensive sustainable investing certification program in the U.S. Those who hope to earn an CSRIC designation must fulfill certain requirements set forth by the College for Financial Planning and the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment. Here’s a brief overview of what they are.
CSRIC Education Requirements
There are no prerequisites for the CSRIC designation. However, candidates are required to take live online or on demand classes that cover a variety of topics. These include the Foundations and History of SRI, Approaches to SRI Practices, Shareholder Advocacy, Community Investing, and Corporate Responsibility, Portfolio Construction and Incorporating SRI Into Financial Advising, and a few others.
CSRIC Exam and Continuing Education Requirements
Once they fulfill their educational requirements, candidates must pass the 70-question CSRIC Certification Exam with a score of 70% or higher. They’ll have three hours to complete it and a maximum of two attempts to pass. After a financial professional passes the CSRIC, they’ll need to complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years. They’ll also be required to pay a renewal fee.
How To Find The Best Chartered SRI Counselor For You
The CSRIC designation is fairly new so it may be more difficult to find a financial professional holding their CSRIC designation compared to other more established certifications. You’ll find a growing number of CSRICs featured on Wealthtender and you can also search the directory of CSRIC designation holders on the College for Financial Planning website located here.
FAQs
How can I confirm the financial professional I’m working with holds the Chartered SRI Counselor designation?
You can confirm the status of a CSRIC designation holder in the directory published on the College for Financial Planning website located here.
What if I have a complaint about the Chartered SRI Counselor I’m working with?
Visit this page on the College for Financial Planning website and scroll down to the section labeled Grievances. You’ll find a link to a form to express your concerns.
I’m a Chartered SRI Counselor interested in joining Wealthtender. How should I get started?
Thanks for your interest joining Wealthtender. We’re excited to help CSRICs attract their ideal clients who discover them on Wealthtender. Click here to get started.
Where can I learn more about other professional designations held by financial advisors and coaches?
Refer to this list of popular financial certifications prepared by Wealthtender to help you learn more about each designation. You’ll find a brief description of each certification, plus links to in-depth articles if you want to learn more about a particular designation.
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About the Author
About the Author
Brian Thorp
Brian is CEO and founder of Wealthtender and Editor-in-Chief. He and his wife live in Austin, Texas. With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress. Learn More about Brian
To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn money from advertisers, including financial professionals and firms that pay to be featured. This creates a conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Learn more. Wealthtender is not a client of these financial services providers.
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