In the US socially responsible investments by major financial institutions totals US $ 3,1 trillion, roughly 13% of total invested assets under management. SRI has grown tremendously over the past few years, and at twice the rate of total market capitalisation.

In industrial economies there is an increasing demand for investment options that give a premium to corporations with socially sound practices. The definitions of "socially sound" practices as well as the rating methods of corporate performance are complex and varied. Another open issue is the involvement of social partners.

SRI could have far-reaching implications for the work of the ILO. It holds the promise of influencing the application of fundamental labour rights globally and complementing other ILO promotion tools.