The Market for Socially Responsible Investments

Abstract

This chapter explains how socially responsible investing (SRI) has evolved in the last few decades and sheds light on its latest developments. It describes different forms of SRI in the financial markets and deliberates on the rationale for the utilisation of positive and negative screenings of listed businesses and public organisations. It also presents key theoretical underpinnings on the subject and reports that the market for the responsible investments has recently led to an increase in contractors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and research firms who are involved in the scrutinisation of the enterprises' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials. This contribution raises awareness on the screenings of positive impact and sustainable investments. It puts forward future research avenues in this promising field of study.