Opportunities in the Growing Field of ESG Investing

A Franklin Templeton survey among Canadian investors revealed that while ESG themes are important, there is a general lack of knowledge and awareness of ESG or sustainable investing. Duane Green, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Franklin Templeton Canada, shares our survey findings as well as other global results and discusses potential opportunities for financial advisors in this growing field.

The importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainable investing has been growing in recent years. In 2021, 39% of investors globally were invested in ESG products—an increase from 33% in 2020.¹

Our Canadian ESG survey, conducted by Directions Research, reveals that ESG is fundamentally important to investors, even those just learning what it is. We share findings from the survey, as well as data from surveys in other regions, along with our analysis and possible action items for financial advisors.

Investors lack ESG awareness

While it’s clear the world at large has a heightened awareness of environmental and social issues these days, there seems to be a general lack of ESG awareness among investors. Only 25% of investors in the United States² and 41% in Canada profess to know what ESG is,³ and those who have never worked with an advisor are less likely to know about it.⁴

Investors want ESG-integrated options

According to our survey, once a definition was provided, 61% of Canadian investors said it is important that their investment options include ESG—even those who didn’t previously know what it was. Additionally, ESG considerations are more important to women (65% for women vs. 58% for men) and younger generations (76% for Gen Z and 69% for millennials vs. 58% for Gen X and 53% for Baby Boomers). Despite this interest, a significant majority of these Canadians don’t hold or don’t know if they hold ESG-integrated investments.

In comparison, according to a Deutsche Bank survey, the worldwide percentage of investors who have completely integrated ESG into their overall process is 30%, with Europe higher at 37% and the Americas lower at 16%.⁵

Obstacles to ESG investing

It appears that the greatest obstacles to ESG investing are the lack of awareness and education. For Canadians who do not hold ESG-integrated investments, the top three reasons among those we surveyed are: “I don’t know enough about them,” “I’ve never thought about it,” and “My investment advisor has never discussed ESG with me.”

Analysis and possible action items for financial advisors

Financial advisors can play a key role in bolstering investors’ knowledge of ESG and ESG-integrated investment solutions. In doing so, advisors can reinforce their value to current and future clients. For example, because younger investors are more aware of and interested in ESG, advisors can use these conversations to build trusted relationships with those who will eventually inherit wealth. 

Franklin Templeton ESG Survey 2021, conducted by Directions Research in October 2021, among 1,236 respondents. Respondent criteria: 18+ years old Canadians, invested in any of the following: mutual fund(s), ETF(s) or individual stock(s)/bond(s).

Franklin Templeton is not affiliated with Directions Research.

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Originally Posted December 22, 2022 – Opportunities in the growing field of ESG investing

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1. Source: EY, “Can the difference of one year move you years ahead?” November 22, 2021.

2. Source: Gallup, “Where US investors stand on ESG investing,” February 23, 2022.

3. Source: Franklin Templeton ESG Survey 2021, conducted by Directions Research in October 2021, among 1,236 respondents. Respondent criteria: 18+ years old Canadians, invested in any of the following: mutual fund(s), ETF(s) or individual stock(s)/bond(s).

Franklin Templeton is not affiliated with Directions Research.

4. Ibid.

5. Source: Deutsche Bank Research, “ESG Survey — What corporates and investors think,” November 2021.