Ethical Finance Series
Faith-Based Investing.
The Complete Picture.
Every major faith tradition has a framework for ethical wealth. Explore how Islamic, Christian, Catholic, and Jewish investment principles converge on shared values and diverge on specific criteria.
Explore Your Ethical FrameworkBeyond the label.
The concept of aligning investment decisions with moral and spiritual values is not unique to any single religion. From Islamic Shariah finance to Christian Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) and Jewish values-based investing, faith communities across the world have developed sophisticated frameworks for ensuring that wealth is accumulated and deployed in a manner consistent with their beliefs.
While the specific criteria differ, there is remarkable common ground across traditions: a shared rejection of industries that cause harm (weapons, gambling, alcohol, adult entertainment) and a shared emphasis on stewardship, justice, and community benefit.
The Four Traditions: An Overview
Islamic (Shariah)
The most codified and institutionally developed framework. Governed by AAOIFI standards, Islamic screening applies both sector exclusions (alcohol, gambling, pork, conventional finance) and financial ratio tests (debt < 33% of assets, interest income < 5% of revenue). Overseen by independent Shariah supervisory boards.
Christian (Biblically Responsible)
Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) applies screens based on Biblical principles. Common exclusions include abortion, pornography, gambling, alcohol, and tobacco. Some frameworks also screen for companies that actively undermine traditional family values. Providers include Inspire Investing and the Timothy Plan.
Catholic (USCCB Guidelines)
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) publishes Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines. These exclude companies involved in abortion, contraception, weapons of mass destruction, and anti-family entertainment. The guidelines also emphasise positive engagement with companies on social justice issues.
Jewish (Torah-Based)
Jewish values investing draws on concepts from Halacha (Jewish law) and Tikkun Olam ("repairing the world"). Exclusions typically include weapons manufacturing, gambling, and tobacco. There is a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship (Bal Tashchit) and fair labour practices (Ona'ah).
Cross-Faith Screening Comparison
| Exclusion Category | Islamic | Christian (BRI) | Catholic (USCCB) | Jewish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Excluded | Excluded | Variable | Variable |
| Gambling | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Tobacco | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Weapons / Defence | Excluded | Partial | WMD Excluded | Variable |
| Conventional Banking | Excluded | Included | Included | Included |
| Debt Ratio Test | Applied (<33%) | Not Applied | Not Applied | Not Applied |
| Abortion / Contraception | Variable | Excluded | Excluded | Variable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Informed decisions. Not marketing.
Our screener supports multiple ethical frameworks. Screen over 13,500 tickers against AAOIFI-standard criteria — the most rigorous ethical standard available.
Explore the Screener