What are indices?
Indices refer to a set of securities and/or assets that have been aggregated based on pre-set criteria and whose aggregate value and composition is determined by pre-determined rules (CFA UK) . While index providers do not have ownership over the underlying assets product issuers invest in, indices are widely used as the basis for many financial products.
What is RIAA index certification?
RIAA index certification refers to the external validation of indices against RIAA’s Responsible Investment Standard. Our Index Certification Guidance Note outlines RIAA’s criteria for assessment.
Index certification aims to validate that an index has
- taken into account environmental, social, governance or ethical considerations,
- adhered to strict operational practices, and
- makes adequate disclosures to index users
Who is RIAA index certification intended for?
RIAA index certification is primarily designed for index users, typically financial institutions. The certification recognises that indices are not directly marketed to, or intended for retail consumers, and provides assurance specifically to institutional users regarding the credibility, transparency and alignment of certified indices with responsible investment objectives.
Why is RIAA certifying indices?
In 2005 we established a Responsible Investment Certification Program that is world-leading, and the longest running program of its kind. It is the leading initiative for distinguishing quality responsible, ethical and impact investment products and services in Australia and New Zealand and provides confidence that a product or provider is delivering on its responsible investment promise and meeting the Australian and New Zealand Standard for responsible investing.
RIAA’s index certification brings over 20 years of certification expertise into this space. It independently verifies that indices are true to label, systematically integrate ESG considerations, and apply rigorous and transparent data governance. By certifying indices, RIAA extends responsible investment standards to index strategies, supporting the development of financial products that can align capital with a healthy and sustainable society, environment and economy.
What are indices?
Indices refer to a set of securities and/or assets that have been aggregated based on pre-set criteria and whose aggregate value and composition is determined by pre-determined rules (CFA UK) . While index providers do not have ownership over the underlying assets product issuers invest in, indices are widely used as the basis for many financial products.
What is RIAA index certification?
RIAA index certification refers to the external validation of indices against RIAA’s Responsible Investment Standard. Our Index Certification Guidance Note outlines RIAA’s criteria for assessment.
Index certification aims to validate that an index has
- taken into account environmental, social, governance or ethical considerations,
- adhered to strict operational practices, and
- makes adequate disclosures to index users
Who is RIAA index certification intended for?
RIAA index certification is primarily designed for index users, typically financial institutions. The certification recognises that indices are not directly marketed to, or intended for retail consumers, and provides assurance specifically to institutional users regarding the credibility, transparency and alignment of certified indices with responsible investment objectives.
Why is RIAA certifying indices?
In 2005 we established a Responsible Investment Certification Program that is world-leading, and the longest running program of its kind. It is the leading initiative for distinguishing quality responsible, ethical and impact investment products and services in Australia and New Zealand and provides confidence that a product or provider is delivering on its responsible investment promise and meeting the Australian and New Zealand Standard for responsible investing.
RIAA’s index certification brings over 20 years of certification expertise into this space. It independently verifies that indices are true to label, systematically integrate ESG considerations, and apply rigorous and transparent data governance. By certifying indices, RIAA extends responsible investment standards to index strategies, supporting the development of financial products that can align capital with a healthy and sustainable society, environment and economy.