A global non-profit association committed to transforming how capital markets integrate sustainability — through rigorous research, world-class education, and independent assessment.
Founded in 2015 in the wake of the Paris Agreement and the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Investment Association For Sustainable Development (GIASD) was created to address a critical gap in the financial ecosystem: the need for credible, independent, and actionable sustainability intelligence.
Today, we serve over 250 member organizations across 40+ countries — including asset managers, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, and academic institutions. Our work spans three interconnected pillars: research that informs, education that empowers, and assessment that validates.
We believe that sustainable investment is not a niche strategy but the future of all investing. Our mission is to accelerate that transition by providing the knowledge, tools, and frameworks that enable better decisions — for portfolios and for the planet.
We provide the research, education, and independent assessment that investors and institutions need to align capital with long-term sustainability — generating financial returns while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We envision a global financial system in which ESG integration is standard practice, impact is measured with the same rigor as financial return, and capital flows naturally toward solutions that address the world's most pressing challenges.
These six values are not aspirational statements — they are operational standards that govern every research report, course, and assessment we deliver.
We maintain strict editorial and analytical independence. No external party influences our research findings or assessment outcomes.
Every data point is verified, every methodology is peer-reviewed, and every conclusion is evidence-based. We hold ourselves to the highest academic standards.
Sustainability challenges are global. Our research and programs reflect diverse regional contexts, from developed markets to emerging economies.
We partner with academia, industry, and regulators to build consensus and drive systemic change across the investment value chain.
We continuously evolve our methodologies, embrace new data sources, and pioneer approaches that keep pace with a rapidly changing sustainability landscape.
We publish our methodologies, disclose our data sources, and welcome scrutiny. Trust is earned through openness, not asserted through authority.
From a small research collective to a global association — here are the key moments that shaped GIASD into what it is today.
GIASD is established in London by a group of sustainable finance researchers and practitioners, following the Paris Agreement and UN SDG adoption.
Publication of our inaugural "Global Sustainable Investment Outlook," covering 15 markets and establishing our proprietary ESG scoring framework.
Introduction of the Certified Sustainable Investment Professional (CSIP) program, with the first cohort of 120 professionals completing certification.
Launch of our independent ESG assessment service, providing third-party validation for investment funds, corporate strategies, and sustainability-linked instruments.
Opened regional offices in Singapore and New York. Membership surpasses 200 organizations across 35 countries. Research coverage expands to 40+ markets.
Launched a dedicated climate finance research stream, publishing the first "Transition Risk Atlas" covering 12 high-emission sectors and 60 sub-industries.
Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience across investment management, sustainability research, ESG consulting, and academic finance.
President & CEO
Former Head of ESG at a top-tier asset manager. 20+ years in sustainable finance. PhD, London School of Economics.
Director of Research
Professor of Finance at INSEAD. Published 50+ peer-reviewed papers on ESG integration and climate risk pricing.
Director of Education
Designed ESG curricula for leading business schools. CFA charterholder. 15 years in professional education design.
Director of Assessment
Led ESG assurance at a Big Four firm. Expert in sustainability reporting standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD, ISSB).
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