Women, ESG and Investing

Aberdeen Standard Investments

‘Women care…and want to invest responsibly'
This largescale research study, comprising a nationally representative sample of almost 9,000 UK adults, and women-only focus groups across the country, identifies today’s working women as lead decision-makers and money managers, conscientiously engaged in managing money for themselves and their families. It highlights their keen interest in the way in which environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues impact on their lives and their finances. Women care about where and how their money is invested and want to invest responsibly.

1 in 4 women liked the idea that their investment choices could make a positive difference in the world
Interest in, and awareness of, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals was most prominent among women and 18-24 year olds
1 in 7 women with some form of investment had chosen to invest responsibly
1 in 5 women would be encouraged to do so if they had a better understanding of how their individual investment could make a positive impact
“I want my money to earn some money but not at someone else’s peril…”
“I choose funds which are morally, sustainably acceptable”
“I don’t want my money being used to harm anybody else or the environment”

While the women surveyed lagged behind men in terms of investments held (15% of women hold investments compared to 25% of men), on a global scale, women’s wealth is expected to grow faster than men’s.(1)

The investment industry has an important role to play in catering to the investment preferences among women and tomorrow’s generation of retirees – today’s millennials and generation Z.

More about the research at www.aberdeenstandard.com

(1) The female wealth market is expected to rise from USD13 trillion to USD18 trillion over the next five years (UBS Wealth Management). By 2020 women will control USD72.1 trillion of assets around the globe, thanks to their collective wealth increasing by about 7% a year (Boston Consulting Group).

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Men and women both want to use their investor power as a force for good, according to Aberdeen Standard Investments