FaithInvest is launching a new programme of masterclasses aimed at equipping investment industry professionals with the tools and insights needed to engage effectively with the rapidly expanding faith-based investment market.
Each masterclass, delivered in a two-hour interactive seminar, is designed to help investment professionals:
Gain internal perspectives: Learn about the decision-making processes, priorities, and values that drive faith-based asset owners
Master tailored strategies: Develop approaches that align investment opportunities with the ethical and financial goals of faith-driven clients.
Understand that not one size fit all: Develop a better understanding of how different faith traditions vary in their attitudes and approaches to investing.
Speak the language: Acquire the tools to communicate intelligently and credibly about how religious beliefs can influence investment decisions.
Understand the gaps: Gain a greater understanding of the gaps in knowledge and experience of your faith-based clients, so that investment providers are better equipped to help them translate their values and priorities into actionable investment strategies.
There has been a huge growth of interest in values-driven, faith-consistent investing in recent years, with new funds or services aimed at faith-based investors announced almost on a weekly basis. One firm noted that faith-based investing inquiries from faith-based institutional investors have hit a record high, now making up around 80% of all inquiries.
Globally faith-based asset owners manage trillions of dollars in assets but all too often industry professionals and those responsible for managing faith assets struggle to understand each other’s needs and perspectives.
FaithInvest's new seminar programme aims to foster understanding and productive partnerships between the investment industry and faith-based investors and complements FaithInvest’s existing training programme for faith organisations seeking to align their investments with their faith values.
Practicalities
These interactive seminars are tailored for investment industry professionals working with faith groups in a range of roles, including investment advisors, portfolio managers, financial planners, client relationship managers, investment analysts, and business development teams.
The first seminars have been scheduled for:
Tuesday May 6: 10.00 New York / 15.00 London / 16.00 Paris
Tuesday May 13: 13.00 New York / 18.00 London / 19.00 Paris
The cost of each two-hour seminar is £500 per person – but to celebrate the launch of the new programme, FaithInvest has an early bird offer of £350 for bookings made by Friday April 11.
Why are we doing this?
Having listened to faith-based investors over the years, we sometimes hear that the religious sector can see the investment industry as distant and detached, while industry professionals may lack experience or understanding of the unique needs of faith-driven clients. This divide has hindered the potential for collaboration, with both sides struggling to translate religious beliefs into actionable investment strategies.
'There’s a perception that the religious sector and the investment industry speak entirely different languages. Our goal is to bridge that divide and provide industry professionals with the understanding and strategies they need to engage meaningfully with this audience' – Dave Zellner, FaithInvest Executive Chair
A shifting landscape
Faith-consistent investing has traditionally emphasised negative screening and exclusions, but the landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, says Dave Zellner: 'Faith-based investors are increasingly focused on achieving transformative impact through their investments. They now expect asset managers to actively address systemic risks and prioritise companies with business models closely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.'
He adds: 'As a result, many faith-based investors are reassessing their relationships with traditional financial service providers, often transitioning to asset managers whose strategies better reflect their faith-driven transformative goals.'
Asset managers will increasingly need to develop products and strategies that resonate with faith-based priorities and build trust through consistent, values-aligned practices. FaithInvest is here to support this transformation!
Building trust and knowledge
The sessions will include in-depth discussions on the unique needs, expectations, and values frameworks of faith groups as they seek to translate religious beliefs into actionable investment frameworks. By addressing common industry questions and providing detailed insights into the faith sector, the seminars seek to eliminate barriers and promote mutual understanding on faith-consistent investing.
Why this matters now
The seminars come at a pivotal time as the market for faith-consistent investing continues to grow. Many investment professionals recognise the potential of this sector but lack the knowledge and insight to engage effectively. FaithInvest’s initiative provides a learning pathway for professionals to better position themselves as trusted advisors in this high-value, purpose-driven segment.
Unlocking a competitive edge
Participants in the seminars will not only gain specialised expertise but also a competitive advantage in the evolving investment landscape. By fostering trust and building long-term relationships with faith-driven clients, investment professionals can unlock new business potential while contributing to meaningful social and ethical outcomes.
With a focus on collaboration, understanding, and impact, FaithInvest's interactive seminars set out to transform how the industry engages with one of its most unique and influential client groups.
For more information about these seminars, and to express your interest in attending (no financial commitment required at this stage), click below.