NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Monday, September 11, 2017

American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (AP), a privately-held, independent broker/dealer that services financial advisors across the country, has added to its long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility—including its support of non-profit organizations such as World T.E.A.M. Sports, Virtual Enterprises International and The Dome Project—by launching the Nine Points Investment Management (NPIM) Impact Portfolios. Through Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), these portfolios select investments using Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria to provide advisors with a total portfolio solution.

“We believe that it’s vital for our family of investment professionals to have a wide variety of choices to offer their clients when helping them plan their financial futures,” imparts Gary Gordon, president of American Portfolios Advisors, Inc. (APA), AP’s registered investment advisor (RIA). “With the recent launch of the NPIM Impact Portfolios, the firm’s affiliated financial advisors have enhanced methods of tapping into new financial planning opportunities. Our hope is that they will be able to reach prospective clients and have new conversations with existing customers through these offerings.”

While many within the financial services industry counter that SRI means accepting lower ROI, American Portfolios Director of Investment Research Jessica Skolnick, CFA, counters that established research shows contrary to popular belief, investing apace with one’s  values doesn’t have to mean sacrificing performance. “Studies show that ESG strategies don’t consistently under or outperform traditional investments over time. SRI is more than a fad; it’s where the future of investment is moving. Demand among investors, especially younger and female investors, is on the rise, creating a big opportunity for advisors who can offer ESG products designed for the retail investor. The NPIM Impact Portfolios, with minimums of just $25,000 to open an account, allow advisors to reach these demographics in a meaningful way.”

Photo courtesy of htmvalerio.