Shaping the future of sustainable finance
Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Institute for Sustainable Finance is a multi-disciplinary network of research and professional development that brings together academia, the private sector, and government to shape Canada’s innovations in sustainable finance.
ISF Research Fellows Program
Bridging the gap between the finance sector and academia
The ISF Research Fellows Program exists to foster collaboration between leading academics and industry experts. ISF’s Research Fellows generate practical, real-world solutions to achieve sustainable economic growth, influence global finance, and ensure that financial institutions are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of a low-carbon future.
The Transition Finance Playbook
ISF and Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) collaborated with some of Canada’s largest asset managers to develop a practical guide for financial institutions to scale up transition finance.
Toxic Assets: Divestment of Polluting Firms’ Bonds by Institutional Investors
Pollution can cause serious harm to the environment and human health and risk for investors. A new Working Paper finds corporate investors divest polluters’ corporate bonds following significant toxic release events.
5-Year Progress and Impact Report
A look back at ISF’s achievements over five years into its mission to align mainstream financial markets with Canada’s transition to a prosperous, sustainable economy.
What is Sustainable Finance?
The Canadian Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance defines it as: capital flows, risk management activities, and financial processes that assimilate environmental and social factors as a means of promoting sustainable economic growth and the long-term sustainability of the financial system.
In its simplest form, this means aligning our financial systems and services to promote long-term environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. Learn more about Sustainable Finance through our Primer Series.
Ryan Riordan, Distinguished Professor of Finance at Smith School of Business and director of research at the Institute for Sustainable Finance explains sustainable finance.
Newsblog
June 2, 2025
Sustainable funds still growing in Canada: Corporate Knights
Corporate Knights reports that Canadian ESG funds are bucking global trends and showing positive growth, despite the departure of "ESG tourists". A core of funds with strong commitments to sustainable investing remains. However, ISF Research Fellow Paul Calluzzo reminds us that return on investment remains a major consideration. “The number one factor that we look at in fund flows is performance,” he said, even for investors who are more sustainability-minded.
May 29, 2025
Institutional investors divesting polluting firms' bonds: ISF working paper
Toxic spills into the air, land and water are significant threats to the environment and human health, and a substantial risk for investors. New findings released today in an ISF working paper show that corporate investors divest their holdings of polluters’ bonds following significant toxic release events.