Access Softek, Inc., an omnichannel digital banking platform provider, announced that its EasyVest robo-advisor solution will now allow users to choose portfolios that promote environmental sustainability, social/corporate accountability and responsible governance (ESG), to align their investment strategy with personal beliefs.
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.@AccessSoftek’s EasyVest provides socially responsible #investing portfolios
According to Morgan Stanley’s 2019 Sustainable Signals study, 85% of consumers are interested in sustainable investing, up 10 percentage points from 2017. Consumers are increasingly acting on these beliefs, with 52% of the general population and 67% of Millennials taking part in at least one sustainable investing activity. Community banks and credit unions who want to attract and retain customers and members must provide investment options that match their personal beliefs.
EasyVest features 25 different ESG portfolios, which are paired with the user based on their investing goals and risk tolerance. ESG portfolios invest in companies engaged in environmental sustainability, and alternative energy or clean technology and avoid companies with poor corporate governance or those involved in tobacco or alcohol.
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As the exclusive corporate credit union provider of EasyVest to the credit union industry, Corporate One Federal Credit Union sees the inherent value in the introduction of ESG portfolios into EasyVest. “Being able to offer credit unions a solution that enables their members investment options that fit their lifestyles and line up with their beliefs is ideal, not only for promoting adoption, but for better serving members by meeting their unique, personal preferences on how they would like to invest their money,” said Melissa Ashley, CEO of Corporate One Federal Credit Union.
According to the Morgan Stanley report, 95% of millennials have expressed an interest in environmentally and socially responsible funds. In a recent study by Callan Institute, 62% of funds that utilized ESG reportedly began doing so in the past five years. As this trend continues to gain traction, financial institutions must provide ESG options to give consumers- especially younger ones – the options they are interested in.
“Consumers want choice and supporting optional ESG portfolios keeps EasyVest at the forefront of important investing trends. In addition, ESG investing performs well and is attracting a growing share of the investing market” said Chris Doner, founder and CEO of Access Softek. “EasyVest makes investing in ESG portfolios simple and affordable with a low initial investment and seamless integration into online and mobile banking. This is one of the best ways to help community financial institutions compete with the largest banks and introduce wealth building to their younger customers and members in a way that matches their passions.”
