NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The global investment management industry may not know what has hit it. Leadership does not always come from the grey haired folk, particularly in an age of fast technological change, where the best ideas can rise up from the crowd, without structure or planned deliberation.

Global investment manager Standard Life Investments will issue a White Paper in London today examining the rise of the so-called “millenials” and their impact on values-based investing. It is #GoodMoneyWeek on a certain social media platform. A recent U.K. poll for Standard Life Investments  by the polling organization YouGov, reveals a strong link between age and values.

The younger groups surveyed (those between 18 and 24) who were investors revealed the strongest inclination to invest in companies that achieve positive environmental and social outcomes. Sadly, this is a trend that decreases with age, apparently. But, before we all get jaded and think we know better on the future investor market, consider the findings.

The survey found that nearly half (48%) of respondents affiliate with some form of ‘principles-led’ investment, and 45% feel strongly about the environment. A staggering 63% were confident in thinking that values-based investing delivers the same or better financial returns. Just 27% have no ethical concerns that would impact investment decisions.