The research, which analysed responses from 10,000 European citizens on their approach to investing and sustainability, found that 75 percent of respondents across Europe state that sustainability aspects are important or very important to them when investing money. In Italy, 84 percent of investors say it is important for them to invest their money in sustainability-orientated investments, closely followed by Portugal, 86 percent, and Spain at 82 percent.

The survey found that UK investors also have a high level of interest in sustainable investing; 83% of the UK sample is very interested in sustainability in general and 70 percent of UK investors said they would probably or definitely invest in funds with sustainability goals. However, only 35% of those surveyed in the UK think that sustainable investing has a positive impact on financial returns, a figure that varies dramatically amongst countries and indicates the need for greater awareness and information on sustainable investing.

Despite an increasing interest in sustainable investing across Europe, the research showed a lack of implementation only 20 percent of respondents across Europe with a financial adviser have ever previously discussed this topic with them.

Even when investments based on sustainability criteria were discussed with financial advisers, a sustainable investment was not necessarily made. In more than a quarter of the cases (26 percent), respondents stated that financial advisers did not offer them a corresponding product. In almost half of the cases both traditional and ESG products were offered.

Mathias Müller, Head of Retail / Wholesale Europe at AllianzGI commented:

“Despite some country-specific differences, the research demonstrates that investors across Europe are very open-minded when it comes to sustainable investments and are not as concerned about performance losses. However, there is a clear issue when it comes to implementation that needs to be addressed in order to make sustainable investing more accessible.

“Allianz Global Investors is well positioned to meet clients’ needs when it comes to sustainable investments. We have been active in this field for two decades and offer a broad range of products that we are continuing to expand for our clients.”

 
About the research
The Nielsen Company surveyed 1,000 private investors who were at least 18 years old have at least 200 euros available for a one-off investment, in each of the following countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

More on AllianzGI’s ESG approach can be found here.

ESG stands for environmental, social or governance criteria.

For further information please contact:
Alastair Fairbrother +44 (0)20 3246 7432
Sarah Einig +44 (0)20 3246 7846
Vivi McDuell +44 (0) 20 3246 7251

About Allianz Global Investors:
Allianz Global Investors is a leading active asset manager with over 730 investment professionals in 24 offices worldwide and managing more than EUR 500 billion in assets for individuals, families and institutions.

Active is the most important word in our vocabulary. Active is how we create and share value with clients. We believe in solving, not selling, and in adding value beyond pure economic gain. We invest for the long term, employing our innovative investment expertise and global resources. Our goal is to ensure a superior experience for our clients, wherever they are based and whatever their investment needs.

Active is: Allianz Global Investors

*Data as at 31 December 2018

Investing involves risk.  The value of an investment and the income from it will fluctuate and investors may not get back the principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.   This is a marketing communication.  It is for informational purposes only.  This document does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security and shall not be deemed an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

The views and opinions expressed herein, which are subject to change without notice, are those of the issuer or its affiliated companies at the time of publication.  Certain data used are derived from various sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of the data is not guaranteed and no liability is assumed for any direct or consequential losses arising from their use.  The duplication, publication, extraction or transmission of the contents, irrespective of the form, is not permitted.

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