Responsible investing in South Africa

ABSTRACT

Given growing interest in the phenomenon of Responsible Investing (RI), both locally and internationally, the purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the RI sector in South Africa. It focuses on the definition and characteristics of RI within the South African context; the size and nature of the local RI sector and the obstacles which impede on the growth of the local RI sector. Recommendations are made on overcoming these barriers. It is suggested that local institutional investors drive the rebranding of RI in South Africa and that more RI products be developed to cater for the diverse needs of RI investors, both locally and internationally.