Advisers report growing demand for ethical investments

Almost a quarter of independent financial advisers (IFAs) have reported an increased investor interest in ethical investments over the last year.

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But, according to the Association of Independent Financial Advisers' (Aifa) latest IFA environmental survey, 82 per cent of IFAs claim information to advise on this area is limited or hard to find.

The survey into ethical investments and green work place policies was conducted by independent research agency NMG. It found that 23 per cent of advisers have seen an increase in enquiries for green investments.

This demand has led to 70 per cent of IFAs who deal in savings, investments and pensions to offer advice on green and ethical investments.

Meanwhile, a third of IFAs questioned claimed to have a green policy in place in their own workplace. However, half of respondents said they were yet to consider implementing such policies.

This lack of action is partly due to a lack of available information on how to put green policies in place - 42 per cent of respondents said their was a lack, while 40 per cent said they had sufficient information.

Director general of Aifa Chris Cummings said: "Ethical investment is a topical issue – with a quarter of IFAs having experienced increased investor interest in this area.

"We need to ensure that this interest is answered with the right advice, yet our survey showed 45 per cent feel the information currently available is limited, and a further 37 per cent say the information there is adequate but hard to find.

"Aifa is committed to keeping members up to date, and that is why, as part of National Ethical Investment Week, we are holding a seminar on green and ethical investment, which will include information on the market as it stands, and a panel debate to discuss some of the key issues."



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