The banking scandals that have rocked UK markets in recent months may significantly benefit ethical financial services providers, according to research from UK-based Ecclesiastical Investment Management.
The banking scandals that have rocked UK markets in recent months may significantly benefit ethical financial services providers, according to research from UK-based Ecclesiastical Investment Management.
A poll conducted between 21-24 September of 2,000 UK adults ahead of National Ethical Investment Week this week found 17% of those surveyed are more likely to invest ethically as a result of the banking scandals.
For one quarter of respondents, ethical funds appear to be out-performing their non-ethical funds. Only 9% of investors who hold both ethical and non-ethical funds find the non-ethical ones to be better performers.
"Given that 73% said they choose funds based solely on the potential return, this hints at a bright outlook for the ethical investment industry," the firm said.
Ecclesiastical is a specialist insurer of charities, education, care and faith sectors, heritage buildings and fine art. Founded in 1887 to provide insurance for the Anglican Church, it now also sells financial services through independent financial advisers, and is one of the UK's top ten corporate donors, donating around £55m in charitable grants over the past five years.
Ecclesiastical Investment Management has four screened funds: the Amity UK Fund; the Amity European Fund, the Amity International Fund and the Amity Sterling Bond Fund.
