Many investors may have heard of responsible investment (RI), ESG and sustainable or impact investing. Even so, many of them may not have explored what exactly these terms mean. The assumption is often made that adopting RI, ESG or impact investing requires entering new markets or an overhaul of their investment strategy – not realizing that they may (at least partially) already have done this through their existing investment approach and policies.

Thus, the appetite for sustainability-oriented business within the global Muslim society is clearly emerging. Yet, among the majority, efforts and discussion on how goals such as fighting climate change, reducing inequality or preserving biodiversity should be formally incorporated into the investment strategy is still fragmented and in an embryonic stage.