Although the vast majority (85%) of asset owners surveyed believe ESG factors are material to the investment process, only 29% are considering ESG factors for more than half of their organization’s total assets under management.
This gap between ESG perception and implementation came through loud and clear in the results of Morningstar’s first Voice of the Asset Owner Survey, conducted jointly by Morningstar Indexes and Morningstar Sustainalytics. When asked what may be slowing full implementation of ESG strategies, asset owners cited a combination of factors including concern about impact on returns, lack of available products and reluctance of clients and key stakeholders.
Tom Kuh, Head of ESG Strategy, Morningstar Indexes
“Our comprehensive global quantitative survey, which was built on qualitative outreach, gathered the perspective of 500 asset owners from 11 countries representing $32.7 trillion in assets. Through the survey we gleaned insights from some of the most influential investors in the world. Results showed that ESG is important to the world’s largest investors, but they encounter challenges implementing their ESG investment policies.”
To speak with Tom Kuh for more insight on the survey, reach out to Tim Benedict at tim.benedict@morningstar.com or (203) 339-1912.
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