What RIAA looks for in certifying indices
RIAA’s index certification is the world’s first program to recognise and verify indices that demonstrate strong alignment with responsible investment practices. By meeting the Responsible Investment Standard, certified indices provide confidence that they are independently validated, transparent and true to their responsible investment claims.
Indices are primarily designed for institutional investors and are not directly offered to retail consumers. RIAA certification for indices is distinct from the certification of financial products and investment management services - it provides third-party validation specifically for index users.
Why certification matters
Indices play an important role in shaping how capital flows through markets. RIAA certification ensures indices claiming responsible investment credentials genuinely meet the standards they promote.
RIAA certification provides assurance that:
- indices have been independently verified by a trusted third party,
- ESG factors are appropriately integrated into methodologies,
- data inputs are robust and well-governed, and
- constituents align with the responsible investment objectives or tilts described
Why get certified
Stand out in the market
Certification signals leadership in responsible investment, setting your index apart with trusted third-party validation.
Build trust and credibility
Independent verification provides investors with confidence that methodologies and responsible investment claims are robust and transparent.
Attract institutional investment
Certified indices gain stronger visibility with institutional investors, supporting increased recognition and potential capital flows.
The process
While the certification process may vary between categories, our most popular category of products and services takes a distinct approach. All newly certifying products and services undergo the following process. For all other categories please email us at enquiries@responsibleinvestment.org.
1 —
Readiness questions
Index providers can use the list of readiness questions (here) to have a preliminary check for the readiness of their indices and engage with RIAA’s membership team for further discussion.
2 —
Submit application
Products or service through the online application portal. Financial Advisers and Financial Adviser Groups by contacting The Membership Team.
3 —
RIAA assessment
RIAA certification team assesses application and makes recommendation to Certification Assessment Panel.
2 —
Certification Assessment Panel
Certification Assessment Panel examines, deliberates and determines outcome of application.
5 —
Independent Confirmation
Application data is verified by a member of RIAA’s Independent Verification Panel (IVP) (Products only).
6 —
Commit to updates & ongoing requirements
As per the Program criteria, during the certification term (generally two years). Material changes may trigger early recertification.
7 —
Product Claims Spot Check
Submit to RIAA’s spot checks conducted by the RIAA Certification Team or a member of the IVP (products only).
Index certification FAQs
Pricing
Certification of your financial products and investment management services is open to RIAA members. Find out more about RIAA membership here.
A one-time Application Fee: A one-off payment of AUD $2,500 + GST is required for each product to access the certification application.
Ongoing Annual Charges: Once certification is achieved, an ongoing annual charge is pro-rated to the membership fee.
- FY24 Product Fee: AUD $2,500 + GST per certified product.
- Annual Certification Fee: 25% + GST of the licensee’s RIAA membership.
- Independent Verification Panel (IVP) Fee: AUD $4,100 + GST in the first 3-6 months of certification.
What our members with certified products and services have to say
RIAA has played and continues to play a central role in mainstreaming responsible investment at the same time as raising responsible investment standards to safeguard RI’s integrity and impact. RIAA is innovative and adaptable in pursuit of its purpose, working across the investment ecosystem as well as beyond it, with a recent highlight being the energy and insight contributed to the massive Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative.