Periods of change invite reflection – and for values-aligned investors, they also create opportunity.
While many people reassess their financial goals only during major life transitions, it’s worth stepping back more regularly to consider how your portfolio supports what matters most: your values, your family and your long-term legacy.
Especially this year.
The world is changing quickly, and with that comes a sense of volatility and unpredictability.
Geopolitical shifts, climate-related disruptions and rapid policy reversals are reshaping financial markets, supply chains and long-term economic assumptions.
In this environment, investors are increasingly asking not just how their portfolios are performing, but what they are exposed to – and why. “What I keep hearing from clients is that they’re concerned about the current geopolitical uncertainty and the divisiveness of some policy makers internationally,” says Jill Bester, Client Relationship Manager and Partner at Genus. “It makes sense that clients are uneasy. When the global landscape feels fragmented and unpredictable, people often interpret that uncertainty as risk – even when their long‑term financial picture hasn’t fundamentally changed.”
Suddenly, values-aligned investing has taken on new relevance.
What is values-aligned investing?
Values-aligned investing is an approach that considers financial objectives alongside personal priorities and long-term risk factors such as sustainability, resilience and governance when building and managing a portfolio.
It’s one way investors are responding to evolving risks and uncertainties – and an opportunity to position capital more intentionally in a world that’s evolving fast.
The truth is, the way you invest your wealth is powerful. And ensuring it aligns with your values and priorities matters more than ever.
Here are considerations for investors exploring this approach.
Values-aligned investing is about risk awareness, not ethics
For many investors, the idea of values-aligned investing is unclear – and can feel uncomfortable. The word ‘values’ often carries a moral weight, suggesting judgment or a prescribed way of thinking. And for some, that is enough to disengage.
But that framing misses the point.
Values alignment isn’t about morality. It’s about financial security for what you value most. And for most people, that starts with family and friends – with ensuring stability, resilience and opportunity for the people they care about.
“Values alignment isn’t just about ethics,” Bester says. “It’s about risk management and opportunity capture.”
When viewed through that lens, values alignment becomes a more practical way to consider impact and risk. It recognizes that climate change, water scarcity, extreme weather and food insecurity are real forces shaping economies, disrupting supply chains and affecting the long-term viability of businesses across industries. “These things are happening,” Bester says. “There isn’t a question around that.”
Taking ethics out of the equation doesn’t mean ignoring impact – it means understanding how environmental and social factors translate into financial risk, and where the global economy is moving in response. “We look for companies that are adapting their operations, investing in resilience and developing solutions that meet growing needs,” Bester says.
By considering exposure to material risks and supporting investments positioned for long-term sustainability, investors can make informed decisions that help protect what matters today, while positioning their capital for what comes next.
How market forces like AI affect long-term investing
Aligning a portfolio with long-term values also requires staying attuned to the forces actively reshaping the global economy. And today, few are more influential than AI.
AI is already transforming how companies operate, how capital is deployed and how competitive advantage is playing out in sectors such as energy, technology and finance. For investors, this shift introduces new risks – and new opportunities.
“We can talk about AI’s negative impact on employment, or misinformation or its energy needs – but this is the side of AI we all fear,” Bester says. “The other side of the equation is that AI is being used for innovation. And if we can use data sources to solve big problems like medical research, for example, it’s an amazing resource that can be used for good.”
Understanding how major forces like AI intersect with sustainability, productivity and resource efficiency – and how they may amplify or mitigate existing risks in a portfolio – is critical for investors.
Becoming a steward of wealth for future generations
With one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history already underway, a growing number of investors are realizing that family wealth isn’t just something to accumulate – it’s a resource they have the ability to steward while shaping their family legacy.
Stewardship means thinking beyond short-term returns and considering the long-term impact of capital. “With my clients I always ask ‘what is your intention for these funds moving forward?’ And ‘are you thinking about the impact of these companies you now own, and how they will impact the planet seven generations from now?’” Bester says.
By aligning portfolios with long-term structural trends and real-world needs, investors can help preserve and grow wealth in ways that endure – financially and generationally.
5 practical steps to align your investments with your values
Values-aligned investing doesn’t require an overhaul of your portfolio. It starts with a willingness to examine your approach and make small adjustments until you reach your goals.
“It doesn’t take huge leaps and bounds to make a change,” Bester says. “If you’re interested, curiosity is the key to learning.”
Here’s how to get started:
- Know what you own. Many investors are surprised to learn which industries, companies and risks are embedded in their portfolios. But until you understand your current exposures, it’s difficult to make intentional decisions about where you want to go next.
- Get educated on ESG and greenwashing. Not all ESG-labeled products are created equal. Understanding how ESG data is used, what it actually measures and where it falls short is critical. An informed investor is better equipped to separate meaningful results from marketing-driven claims.
- Meet with a wealth advisor to review where you sit. This is an opportunity to assess your portfolio’s risks, resilience and alignment against today’s realities.
- Outline your personal values. Values alignment only works when values are clearly defined. For many people, this comes back to protecting family, preserving opportunity for future generations, and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.
- Consider your mindset. Values-aligned investing isn’t about sacrifice or perfection. It’s about seeing your investment portfolio as a tool – one that can manage risk, capture opportunity and reflect what matters most to you.
In a world defined by uncertainty, aligning capital with values offers a steady, more intentional path forward.
And the reality is, Bester concludes: “if more people took this approach, the world would be a kinder, gentler and less stressed place – economically, socially and environmentally.”
Get started today with our values-based investment services.
This document is provided for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not constitute investment, legal, accounting, tax, or other advice or recommendations, nor should it be relied upon as the basis for any decision. Readers should seek specific professional guidance before making financial” or investment decisions. Certain information herein is based on third-party sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
