Consumers 'should assess green claims carefully'

Investors concerned about the ethical credentials of firms that provide them with personal finance services should check their policies in detail, it has been suggested.

Corporate responsibility research firm Eiris states that it is up to the individual consumer to check what policies those companies providing them with help with money have in place.

The money news follows an increased interest in environmentalism and ethical behaviour among financial institutions, with Citigroup last year committing to a $50 billion (£25 billion) investment in green projects.

Mark Robertson, spokesperson for Eiris, said: "Increasingly more funds now are looking at adopting positive criteria, so, as well as avoiding negative areas such as gambling and tobacco companies, they will work on engagement."

Some financial service providers have been accused of "greenwashing", whereby they present an impression of ethical investment to attract more consumers.