Insights

The Genus Impact Report: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our Values in Action

Every quarter we produce impact reports for our clients. These snapshots highlight not only how their impact investments are aligned with their financial goals, but also detail the many ways their capital is working to power positive change on issues they care about. 

So it’s only fitting that we recently released our own Impact Report, too.

Our clients and partners already know that, as a B Corp, we’re committed to the highest standards of governance, sustainability and social impact – and that we work hard to align our investment strategies with their values, setting a standard for impact-driven growth. 

But what most people might not know is how we drive impact within our company. This report provides a window into our inner workings. 

From our internal sustainability practices, to how we hire for diversity, to the way we support team members in making a community impact, it’s all covered. And we’re excited to share it widely. “Our work is intentional – to create a positive impact,” says Stephanie Tsui, Chief Sustainability Officer at Genus. “And it goes beyond the products and services we offer to include how we conduct our business.”

Here’s a peek at what’s in the report. You can download your copy here.

Reducing our carbon footprint

We talk a lot about climate impact around here – and how many of our investments support climate change solutions. But we’re also proud to share that, since 2019, we’ve significantly reduced our own carbon footprint. 

Over the last six years, our net emissions have come down from more than 40 tonnes of CO2e, most of which was attributed to air travel, to negative 15 tonnes of CO2e in 2024.

We’re leading by example, and changing the way we operate to help pave the way for a low-carbon future – and inspire our clients and stakeholders to do the same. “When we make a commitment to our clients about sustainability, we hold ourselves to the same standard,” Tsui says. “Our own operations have to reflect the low-carbon future we’re working toward.”

Hiring for diversity

Many studies have shown that diverse teams come with many benefits: they drive innovation, reduce blind spots in decision-making, and improve business performance. Since our inception 35 years ago, we’ve been intentional about building an inclusive culture in which all voices are valued, and diverse perspectives help define the future of our firm and the clients we serve.

Our team strongly reflects this commitment: 53% of our employees are women and 61% come from diverse backgrounds. What’s more, 67% of our executive team is female, and 67% is diverse. Genus is also majority-owned by women. 

These numbers represent a culture that fosters difference in thought, leading to stronger insights, better decision-making, and enhanced client experiences.

Creating community impact

Making an impact in our community is important to us, and we support our team members to do so in a way that aligns with their values. Last year, Genus team members volunteered their time locally, and we matched their charitable donations through the Charitable Impact Foundation – doubling the impact of their charitable giving activities. 

At the corporate level, we also donate annually to the foundations for which we manage funds. And every time we host a webinar speaker, we make a contribution to their charity of choice.

Last year, we also matched 10 employees’ donations to organizations of their choice – doubling the impact of their charitable giving. “For us, impact isn’t limited to investment portfolios,” Tsui explains. “It’s about how we show up every day – for our clients, our colleagues, and our communities.”

Get all the details on our impactful year by downloading the full Genus Impact Report

You can also start your own impact investing journey with our values-based investment services.

Impact investments involve financial risk, and returns are not guaranteed. Investors should consider their financial goals, risk tolerance, and consult a financial professional before investing.

References:

  1. Carucci, R. (2024, January 24). One more time: Why diversity leads to better team performance. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/roncarucci/2024/01/24/one-more-time-why-diversity-leads-to-better-team-performance/

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Client impact

“Graduating from a big bank to Genus was one of the best financial steps we've ever taken. Genus has delivered reliable asset growth despite our moderate risk tolerance. As our financial security has grown, we've also been the beneficiaries of a great client experience. The company's communications have been consistently transparent and informative, including educational webinars and a well-designed web portal where we can track investments daily. Most importantly to us, our portfolio manager has always responded swiftly and thoroughly to our questions and requests. ”
Martin T.
"Having relatively diverse financial goals and needs, along with a slight reticence regarding the stock market, Genus skillfully addressed all of our concerns, and put together a truly exceptional plan: Fossil free funds and a diversified investment portfolio, check; An effective Impact investment portfolio that coincides with our hopes and dreams for a better world, check; Professional advice and assistance to create a donor advised charitable fund with immediate charitable receipts for tax purposes, check. Returns? Way beyond our expectations! We even had some fun along the way and certainly enjoyed an incredible two-year start to what will be a satisfying long-term relationship with Genus."
Marc B.
“I love the service I get at Genus.”
Chris H.
“Leslie and I were fellow board members when we met twenty years ago. For the last ten she has been thoughtful in the construction of an investment strategy for my family and is executing the strategy as planned. The team at Genus has met my expectations and are a pleasure to deal with.”
Bob Q.
“For over 15 years, I have provided selection and performance evaluation of multiple investment managers for a significant family office. Leslie and Genus have been foundational for me in my role. I have always found Leslie and her colleagues to be insightful and proactive, and found the performance of their portion of the portfolio to be well above benchmarks. And they have been a great pleasure to work with.”
Douglas H.
“Genus is a very innovative firm. I am pleased to invest in their Fossil Free and Impact strategies that help me invest in line with my values.”
Marnie C.
“Great team of professionals. Excellent website and reporting. Responds to inquiries promptly. Very pleased with the process of changing from another company to Genus as well. Kudos.”
David L.
“Genus consistently provides a good, clearly explained, comprehensive picture of the general economic and financial situation, along with an excellent account of the investment decisions made in relation to this. Genus’ equally strong concern with clients’ questions and requests for further information is also a very important part of the service it provides.”
Allan S.
“Back in 1992 when I found myself at fifty with a substantial amount of money to invest, I knew just one thing — that I didn’t want to contribute to tobacco companies, arms manufacturers, or oil. But over the ensuing years the options for socially responsible investing have become far more sophisticated and I’m very happy that this is a big part of the Genus approach. I also very much appreciate the long-term relationship with my portfolio manager, Mary Lou.”
Ann P.

As seen in

Are you ready to make an impact
with your investments
?

Call us
Call Us
1-800-668-7366

Or fill out your details and we will get back to you.