(2) do the company's activities have a negative impact on land, air or water? and (3) how is the company run, or more specifically, is there diversity among the board of directors, independence and executive compensation that is reasonable? Back in June, Sustainalytics, a global sustainability research firm, partnered with Maclean's to release their list of Canada's most socially responsible corporations. Considering that socially responsible investment assets increased 16% in 2012 and now represents 20% of assets under management in Canada, this list will definitely come in handy for many investors. Let's take a look at companies in the financial industry that make the grade and have proven to be socially responsible. Bank of Montreal ( TSX:BMO ) Sustainalytics listed the following reasons for Bank of Montreal making the list: (1) "BMO's board diversity policy ensures that women represent at least a third of the bank's independent board of directors.