- Lack of familiarity remains the biggest barrier for IFAs to recommend ESG investment options to clients
- 45% of advisers say education sessions would encourage them to suggest ESG funds more frequently
Nearly half of UK IFAs believe that the biggest barrier to recommending ESG investment options is their clients’ lack of familiarity with the concept, according to a new study by Foresight, a leading independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager.
The research, conducted among over 100 IFAs, revealed that 43% see lack of familiarity as the biggest hurdle, which is significantly higher than the 29% who said so in 2020.
While it may seem that awareness of ESG in the retail investor space has diminished, it may be that advisers’ own understanding has improved to such an extent that they appreciate more fully the knowledge gaps among their clients. Nearly two in five (39%) this year also cite confusing terminology surrounding ESG investment as a barrier.
