Ethical Wealth Management

Introduction

Over the past five years, the wealth management industry in several major markets has seen significant growth of what is often known as 'ethical wealth management'. In the UK, as well as in some markets in western Europe, wealth managers are noting increasing levels of client interest in investment or banking propositions that are socially responsible or that offer sustainable investing.

Scope

• Sizes ethical wealth management markets in nine of the largest European markets;
• Provides examples of successful ethical wealth management businesses from Europe and the United States.

Highlights

The European SRI market remains largely the domain of institutional investors, according to Eurosif's research. The dominance of large, long term, independent institutional investors in the major markets for SRI in Europe, particularly the UK and the Netherlands, means this segment has a great deal of influence over the development of SRI products;

The increasing sophistication of many high net worth individuals, as shown by Datamonitor's annual Wealth Management Market Leaders survey of leading European wealth managers, also contributes to increased awareness of the implications of investment among clients;

Many wealth managers feel that unless the various forms of ethical wealth management perform as well as standard services, there is little incentive to create SRI offerings. Although a significant proportion of wealth managers feel that clients are receptive to ethical services, some feel a degree of conflict between doing good and doing well.

Reasons to Purchase

• Size the ethical wealth management market in Europe;
• Learn how competitors have developed their SRI offerings and which offerings are most effective.