Creating a More Sustainable Future at Brooklyn Fi

At Brooklyn Fi, we believe financial planning transcends traditional wealth management—it's about creating lasting positive impact for future generations. While often that impact is made reality through planning strategies, we recognize that it may manifest itself in various ways—including how we do business. We realize that meaningful change requires integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into everything we do.

The financial services industry has traditionally been resource-intensive, from paper-heavy processes to gaudy energy-consuming office spaces. We're proud to be at the forefront of transforming how a modern financial firm can operate more sustainably while delivering exceptional service to clients.

Our digital-first approach naturally aligns with environmental sustainability, but we've taken it several steps further:

  • Fully paperless operations eliminate unnecessary printing, storage, and waste

  • Virtual client meetings and digital document signing dramatically reduce travel emissions

  • Cloud-based planning tools minimize our technology footprint while maintaining bank-level security

  • Remote-first culture eliminates daily commutes and the need for energy-intensive

    office space

  • Digital archiving replaces traditional paper storage and shipping

  • Electronic statements and reporting reduce ongoing paper consumption

The Human Side of Sustainability

Let's be honest - nobody really misses those soul-crushing commutes or fluorescent-lit office spaces. Our remote-first model isn't just better for the planet - it's better for our people too. Our team members get to spend more time with their families (or their pets, or their sourdough starters) instead of sitting in traffic. 

The flexibility means someone can take their kid to soccer practice without guilt, or work from a cabin in the woods if that's their thing. And because we're not tied to a physical location, we can hire amazing talent and serve clients anywhere - whether they're in Brooklyn or Boise.

When it comes to sustainable investing, we're not just about avoiding the "bad stuff." We take a comprehensive approach that looks for opportunities to generate both solid returns and positive impact. 

We carefully vet ESG and socially responsible investment options that align with our clients' values, while maintaining our focus on long-term sustainable returns rather than chasing short-term gains. We've also implemented planning tools that allow clients to assess how their values align with their investments to make better-informed decisions. about how to align their portfolio. Think of it as doing well by doing good.

You know that saying about "putting your money where your mouth is"? We take it seriously. Beyond just talking about sustainability, we encourage our team to actively engage with our communities through volunteer programs, educational content, and partnerships with environmental nonprofits. Every team member has two volunteer days a year to give back to their community in a way they feel will make a positive impact. We’ve had team members coach high school robotics teams, use the time to raise funds for local fire departments and charitable organizations, and support efforts to register new voters. Beyond this, we’re often eager to give back to our profession by volunteering to speak at conferences and industry events to educate other planners on the unique planning work we do here at BKFi.

 

Technology as a

Force for Good

We're basically sustainability nerds who love playing with cool tech. We use AI-powered analysis to optimize sustainable investment strategies, leverage digital platforms to eliminate paper waste and employ cloud computing to minimize our physical infrastructure needs. Our automated systems reduce manual processing and waste - because let's face it, nobody misses filing cabinets.

Looking Ahead: Our Ongoing Commitment

As we grow, we're continually expanding our sustainability initiatives:

  • Working toward B-Corp certification to formalize our commitment

  • Expanding our sustainable investment offerings

  • Growing our community engagement

  • Enhancing our digital-first service model

The Path Forward

We recognize that building a sustainable future requires ongoing commitment and innovation. As a financial services firm, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to help lead the transition to a more sustainable economy. Through our operations, investments, and community engagement, we're working to ensure future generations inherit both financial security and a healthier planet.

Our approach demonstrates that firms can deliver excellent service while prioritizing sustainability. We're proud to help lead the financial services industry toward more sustainable practices, and we invite our clients to join us in building portfolios - and a planet - that will serve generations to come.

John Owens