UK investors are increasingly turning to advisers for guidance and support when it comes to environment, social and governance (ESG) investing, research published by M&G Wealth has indicated.

A report by the wealth manager, titled Family Wealth Unlocked, revealed that over a third (35%) of consumers expect their adviser to be an expert when it comes to ESG investing.

A further 23% anticipate their adviser will bring this investment opportunity into financial planning discussions, although less than one in ten (9%) would not want their adviser to bring the subject of ESG investing to the table.

M&G Wealth’s report provided insight into attitudes towards estate planning and intergenerational discussions around wealth, with the research based on 2,000 UK adults who have received financial adviser from an adviser in the last five years.

Despite the expectations among investors that advisers will present them with ESG investment options, M&G Wealth said its findings point to a “lack of knowledge and certainty” among UK investors when it comes to this type of investing. Almost a quarter (24%) cited a requirement for more information to be able to decide what to do, while 14% stated they were unsure how to go about it.

When it came to concerns about performance, around one fifth (19%) of respondents believed investing sustainably will impact the performance of their investments.

“ESG considerations are increasingly a part of our everyday lives and decision-making processes,” commented ESG investment expert at M&G Wealth, Cat McInally. “From changes to our lifestyles through to how we invest our savings, the fact that people are coming to together to make a difference to our lives, communities, and the planet can only be a good thing.

“While the current cost-of-living crisis may have taken some people’s eye off the ball in terms of sustainable issues, one simple and impactful thing they can do is consider sustainable investment options for any savings they have.

“While our research shows, there is clear growing demand for ESG investing, a significant proportion of UK investors are not totally clear on what it is or how to go about it, and this is where it’s vital that advisers are tooled up with all the necessary information they need to help them.”

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