Credit Union Central of Ontario has successfully completed its initial offering of the company’s “Global Integrity’ Equity-Linked Deposit product, launched in January for the 2002 registered retirement savings plan season.

This five-year term deposit is based on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index family and tracks the performance of twelve companies selected from this sustainability benchmark. Global Integrity is the first financial product in Canada benchmarked against the DJSI.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes track the performance of the world’s sustainability leaders, and offer investors objective and reliable benchmarks for these sustainability investments.

Global Integrity allows Canadian investors to participate in this expanding market. “Credit unions, and their members, have long supported the concept of socially responsible investing,” explains Phil Braginetz, vice president, Treasury of Credit Union Central of Ontario. “Central believes that Global Integrity not only meets this commitment, but provides a sound investment opportunity for our members as well. This product was offered through more than 50 credit unions, and the demand exceeded our expectations.”

“Adoption by Credit Union Central of Ontario is affirmation that sustainability is a concept that is being accepted in North America as well, says Mike Petronella, managing director of Dow Jones Indexes.