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North America now leads the world in ESG adoption; No longer a phenomenon driven primarily by millennials, women, wealthy and European investors, global demand for ESG investments is accelerating among mainstream of investors
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Investors’ top reason for investing in ESG is to help support the environment; Nearly as many see it opening up new investment opportunities as concerns about performance trade-off fades
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Most investors believe that solutions to climate change and social problems is not up to government alone. Companies and private capital seen as crucial to sustainability and accountability
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Half (49%) of investors now asking for ESG to be integrated in the investment analysis process; Lack of knowledge about ESG strategies is biggest roadblock to broader adoption
BOSTON, November 09, 2021–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A majority (60%) of investors around the world reject the idea that companies are responsible only for creating value for shareholders, according to a survey of more than 8550 individual investors in 24 countries by Natixis Investment Managers (Natixis IM). The findings show that investors also expect accountability from companies for their impact on the environment and society, and they want to see more action from policymakers and the private sector, including fund managers.
The Natixis IM survey, published today as world leaders are gathered in Glasgow for the climate change conference COP26,1 found:
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77% of respondents believe it’s their responsibility as investors to hold companies accountable for their impact on society including climate change and inequality
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82% of investors say that companies have a responsibility to address social issues, even more than those who say it’s the government’s responsibility (78%)
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45% consider it important to invest in companies that are transitioning to more sustainable business models
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67% would be more inclined to invest in funds that demonstrate a better carbon footprint, a key factor in reducing climate change
With total assets worldwide in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment strategies reaching $1.6 trillion2 in 2020, Natixis IM found signs that the ESG momentum continues to build. The survey found that 21% of individual investors currently employ ESG investing strategies. Of those, 24% invested in ESG for the first time in just the past year while 33% of those who were previously invested added to their existing holdings. Nearly half (49%) of those not yet invested in ESG say they are interested in learning more.
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Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/natixis-investment-managers-survey-finds-135900387.html