Steps to licensing for asset owners

 

Licensing according to ESG4Real includes membership in RIA Intl and the licensing process starts with an application for membership in RIA Intl. The work load for asset owners to get licensed is low and following acceptance of the application the licensing process is initiated, which takes 2-5 weeks to complete. The following steps are included:

  • Application: contact your nearest RIA company or apply directly at Application for membership in RIA Intl.
  • Quality check: meeting with RIA company to check compliance, mainly ensuring that investment policies and processes are documented sufficiently
  • Licensing decision: if compliant, the asset owner will be granted an ESG4Real license, which is valid for one year. The license is renewed as long as the asset owner wishes to be licensed and is found compliant with the requirements of ESG4Real in quality checks.

Steps to certification for asset managers

Certification according to ESG4Real includes membership in RIA Intl. and the certification process starts with an application for membership in RIA Intl. Following acceptance of the application the certification process is initiated, which takes 4-9 weeks to complete. The following steps are included:

  • Application: contact your nearest RIA company or apply directly at Application for membership in RIA Intl.
  • Audit: performed by an independent certification body to assess compliance. Audits vary in length and complexity, depending on size and structure of the asset manager. Includes:
    • Assessment of steering documents, processes and review of portfolio
    • Site visits, meetings and interviews and cross-checks of documentation
    • Final meeting to present findings, point out any areas of non-conformance and give opportunity to discuss possible corrective measures
  • Certification decision: if compliant, the asset manager will be granted an ESG4Real certificate, which is valid for two years. The certificate is renewed as long as the asset manager wishes to be certified and is found compliant with the requirements of ESG4Real in audits