GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Securities Industry Statistics

Majority of investors believe ESG enhances long-term returns and risk management.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

55% of institutional investors incorporate ESG criteria into their investment decision-making processes

Statistic 2

60% of asset managers have integrated ESG factors into their investment analysis

Statistic 3

75% of investment managers consider climate risk to be a significant factor in their investment strategies

Statistic 4

72% of firms have established specific ESG investment policies, the highest rate recorded since 2019

Statistic 5

65% of global corporations now advocate for integrating sustainability into core investment decisions

Statistic 6

52% of financial institutions have conducted materiality assessments to identify ESG risks

Statistic 7

85% of securities companies have adopted some form of ESG reporting standards

Statistic 8

69% of institutional investors consider climate change as a material financial risk

Statistic 9

The average ESG score for companies in the FTSE All-World Index improved by 7% from 2021 to 2022

Statistic 10

70% of fund managers have reported more rigorous ESG screening processes in 2023

Statistic 11

67% of asset owners consider ESG integration essential for long-term growth

Statistic 12

54% of global asset managers have dedicated teams focused on ESG analysis

Statistic 13

88% of companies report that ESG factors are now integrated into their risk management processes

Statistic 14

73% of financial institutions increased their ESG targeted investments in 2022

Statistic 15

50% of pension funds now incorporate ESG considerations into their allocation decisions

Statistic 16

59% of companies publicly disclose their ESG metrics

Statistic 17

74% of asset managers globally have adopted climate Scenario analysis as part of their risk assessment

Statistic 18

The global market for ESG data and ratings is projected to reach $4.4 billion by 2025

Statistic 19

65% of corporate bond issuers now include ESG criteria in their issuance documentation

Statistic 20

78% of financial firms use ESG ratings in their investment decision processes

Statistic 21

62% of investment funds incorporate at least one ESG factor into their investment process

Statistic 22

75% of ETFs globally are now classified as sustainable or ESG funds

Statistic 23

82% of global financial institutions support the integration of sustainability factors into credit ratings

Statistic 24

67% of asset managers believe that ESG integration aligns with fiduciary duties

Statistic 25

41% of financial advisors incorporate ESG factors into their client portfolios

Statistic 26

49% of financial institutions report challenges in standardizing ESG measurement and reporting

Statistic 27

85% of ETFs with ESG labels have maintained or improved their ratings over the last two years

Statistic 28

94% of global corporations report on sustainability performance in their annual reports

Statistic 29

86% of institutional investors say that integrating ESG factors improves portfolio resilience

Statistic 30

45% of the global market for ESG data analytics is dominated by three major providers

Statistic 31

88% of companies report integrating climate scenario analysis into their risk framework

Statistic 32

55% of asset managers have integrated biodiversity considerations into their ESG criteria

Statistic 33

68% of financial institutions include ESG criteria in their credit risk assessments

Statistic 34

The percentage of bonds that are classified as sustainable or green increased by 15% in 2022, reaching $1.2 trillion

Statistic 35

36% of securities firms have implemented ESG training programs for their staff, showing an increase from previous years

Statistic 36

64% of European asset managers prioritize climate risk management in their investment analysis

Statistic 37

83% of asset managers believe that integrating ESG factors reduces investment risks

Statistic 38

65% of companies are actively engaging in sustainability reporting aligned with GRI standards

Statistic 39

49% of companies use third-party ESG ratings to validate their sustainability claims

Statistic 40

87% of global asset managers believe that ESG integration is essential for competitive advantage

Statistic 41

89% of corporations believe that sustainability practices impact their capital costs

Statistic 42

76% of European pension funds have integrated climate risk assessments into their investment processes

Statistic 43

59% of companies have set targets for improving their social impact, such as diversity and community engagement

Statistic 44

53% of corporate issuers expect to increase their sustainability-linked financing in the next year

Statistic 45

79% of institutional investors incorporate climate risk disclosures into their investment evaluations

Statistic 46

70% of firms have increased their ESG-related employee training programs in the past two years

Statistic 47

65% of global securities firms now report on their climate risks aligned with TCFD recommendations

Statistic 48

67% of asset owners include biodiversity considerations within their ESG criteria

Statistic 49

72% of asset managers are adopting AI tools to improve ESG data analysis and integration

Statistic 50

59% of companies have engaged with stakeholders on their ESG practices and disclosures, enhancing transparency and trust

Statistic 51

66% of European investors believe that climate risk management positively correlates with financial performance

Statistic 52

84% of investment firms see ESG integration as critical to future-proofing their portfolios

Statistic 53

The share of sustainable bonds issued globally increased to $600 billion in 2022, a 28% increase from 2021

Statistic 54

77% of sector-specific funds focus on environmental sustainability as their primary theme

Statistic 55

The issuance of green bonds accounted for 12% of total bond issuance globally in 2022

Statistic 56

80% of European asset owners prioritize climate-related risks in their investment processes

Statistic 57

52% of sovereign wealth funds have set net-zero targets aligned with global climate goals

Statistic 58

80% of asset owners globally have set sustainability or climate-related targets

Statistic 59

The issuance of sustainability-linked bonds increased by 44% in 2022, totaling $150 billion

Statistic 60

85% of financial institutions plan to increase their focus on climate risk management in the next five years

Statistic 61

82% of investors believe that companies with strong sustainability practices outperform their peers over the long term

Statistic 62

The global sustainable investment assets reached $35.3 trillion in 2020, representing a 15% increase from 2018

Statistic 63

70% of millennials prefer to invest in companies that demonstrate sustainability efforts

Statistic 64

The number of sustainability-themed funds globally increased by 43% between 2020 and 2022

Statistic 65

58% of investors think that companies should be solely responsible for ensuring their sustainability practices are credible

Statistic 66

The ESG assets under management (AUM) in Europe grew by 21% in 2022, reaching €10.4 trillion

Statistic 67

45% of asset owners plan to increase their ESG investing allocations in the next two years

Statistic 68

40% of securities firms reported an increase in demand for sustainable investment products in 2023

Statistic 69

80% of investors think that transparency and reporting on ESG criteria are essential for sustainable investing

Statistic 70

55% of investors expect to increase their engagement with companies on sustainability issues

Statistic 71

63% of asset managers plan to expand their ESG product offerings in 2023

Statistic 72

48% of investors would switch to investment products with better ESG credentials, even if returns are slightly lower

Statistic 73

54% of retail investors feel that sustainable investing aligns with their personal values

Statistic 74

53% of investors believe that corporate governance is the most important ESG factor

Statistic 75

61% of retail investors express a willingness to pay a premium for sustainable investment options

Statistic 76

55% of investors believe that the integration of ESG leads to better risk-adjusted returns

Statistic 77

65% of financial advisors recommend ESG investments to their clients

Statistic 78

44% of retail investors are willing to accept slightly lower returns for sustainability credentials

Statistic 79

48% of investors globally consider social factors as equally or more important than environmental criteria

Statistic 80

89% of companies believe that sustainability impacts their access to capital

Statistic 81

70% of retail investors want transparent ESG reporting from asset managers

Statistic 82

52% of investors believe that improved ESG practices can reduce volatility in investment portfolios

Statistic 83

90% of financial institutions expect the importance of ESG to grow in corporate valuation metrics over the next decade

Statistic 84

33% of securities firms have dedicated ESG investment teams, a significant rise compared to previous years

Statistic 85

56% of companies are actively engaging with investors on ESG issues

Statistic 86

60% of retail investors are willing to pay a premium for transparency in ESG disclosures

Statistic 87

53% of investors are unwilling to invest in companies with poor ESG practices, even if returns are high

Statistic 88

59% of companies have improved their ESG disclosures after receiving investor pressure

Statistic 89

37% of retail investors believe that ESG investing will give better long-term returns

Statistic 90

78% of firms believe that ESG disclosure enhances their reputational standing

Statistic 91

72% of institutional investors prefer investment products that are aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Statistic 92

50% of asset owners are actively seeking investments that support social justice and community development

Statistic 93

57% of investors expect companies to disclose their net-zero strategies by 2024

Statistic 94

41% of retail investors are unfamiliar with ESG metrics, indicating a need for greater education

Statistic 95

54% of investors prefer investments with clear social impact labels

Statistic 96

66% of companies experience increased investor interest following enhanced ESG disclosures

Statistic 97

80% of securities firms are planning to increase their ESG-related product offerings within the next year

Statistic 98

70% of pension funds now have net-zero emissions targets

Statistic 99

54% of financial institutions expect client demand for ESG investment options to increase significantly in the next three years

Statistic 100

54% of investors would abandon investments if ESG disclosures are insufficient or unclear

Statistic 101

54% of retail investors are willing to pay higher fees for ESG-aligned portfolios

Statistic 102

65% of institutional investors consider biodiversity a key component of ESG strategies

Statistic 103

43% of global investors believe that integrating ESG factors enhances long-term returns

Statistic 104

72% of asset managers report increased investment in ESG funds during 2022, a rise of 20% from the previous year

Statistic 105

46% of investors prioritize transparency in ESG ratings and disclosures

Statistic 106

62% of retail investors are interested in impact investing options, indicating growth in socially responsible investment products

Statistic 107

89% of asset managers believe that ESG criteria will become standard in credit ratings worldwide

Statistic 108

54% of investors favor investments that demonstrate positive social impacts, emphasizing social responsibility

Statistic 109

83% of companies believe that proactive ESG disclosure enhances investor relations and trust

Statistic 110

48% of retail investors are concerned about greenwashing and seek verified sustainable investment products

Statistic 111

90% of financial firms believe that ESG disclosure requirements will increase in the next five years

Statistic 112

68% of investors expect regulation to become a key driver for ESG investing in the next decade

Statistic 113

66% of stock exchanges worldwide now require listed companies to disclose ESG data

Statistic 114

40% of financial regulators worldwide are considering or implementing mandatory ESG disclosures

Statistic 115

80% of companies increased their sustainability-related disclosures following regulatory pressure in 2022

Statistic 116

42% of securities firms have faced increased regulatory scrutiny over ESG claims

Statistic 117

The EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) led to a 30% increase in ESG disclosures among European funds in 2021

Statistic 118

50% of governments worldwide have implemented policies incentivizing green and sustainable investments

Statistic 119

72% of asset managers consider regulatory developments as a catalyst for expanding ESG offerings

Statistic 120

42% of securities firms have experienced legal challenges related to ESG claims, indicating rising scrutiny

Statistic 121

80% of regulators worldwide expect to see mandatory ESG reporting become standard practice within the next three years

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Key Highlights

82% of investors believe that companies with strong sustainability practices outperform their peers over the long term
55% of institutional investors incorporate ESG criteria into their investment decision-making processes
The global sustainable investment assets reached $35.3 trillion in 2020, representing a 15% increase from 2018
60% of asset managers have integrated ESG factors into their investment analysis
70% of millennials prefer to invest in companies that demonstrate sustainability efforts
90% of financial firms believe that ESG disclosure requirements will increase in the next five years
The number of sustainability-themed funds globally increased by 43% between 2020 and 2022
58% of investors think that companies should be solely responsible for ensuring their sustainability practices are credible
The ESG assets under management (AUM) in Europe grew by 21% in 2022, reaching €10.4 trillion
45% of asset owners plan to increase their ESG investing allocations in the next two years
68% of investors expect regulation to become a key driver for ESG investing in the next decade
75% of investment managers consider climate risk to be a significant factor in their investment strategies
72% of firms have established specific ESG investment policies, the highest rate recorded since 2019

As the world pivots toward greener, more responsible investing, a remarkable 82% of investors now believe that companies embracing sustainability outperform their peers over the long run—signaling a transformative shift in the securities industry that is reshaping market strategies and investor expectations worldwide.

ESG Integration and Implementation

55% of institutional investors incorporate ESG criteria into their investment decision-making processes
60% of asset managers have integrated ESG factors into their investment analysis
75% of investment managers consider climate risk to be a significant factor in their investment strategies
72% of firms have established specific ESG investment policies, the highest rate recorded since 2019
65% of global corporations now advocate for integrating sustainability into core investment decisions
52% of financial institutions have conducted materiality assessments to identify ESG risks
85% of securities companies have adopted some form of ESG reporting standards
69% of institutional investors consider climate change as a material financial risk
The average ESG score for companies in the FTSE All-World Index improved by 7% from 2021 to 2022
70% of fund managers have reported more rigorous ESG screening processes in 2023
67% of asset owners consider ESG integration essential for long-term growth
54% of global asset managers have dedicated teams focused on ESG analysis
88% of companies report that ESG factors are now integrated into their risk management processes
73% of financial institutions increased their ESG targeted investments in 2022
50% of pension funds now incorporate ESG considerations into their allocation decisions
59% of companies publicly disclose their ESG metrics
74% of asset managers globally have adopted climate Scenario analysis as part of their risk assessment
The global market for ESG data and ratings is projected to reach $4.4 billion by 2025
65% of corporate bond issuers now include ESG criteria in their issuance documentation
78% of financial firms use ESG ratings in their investment decision processes
62% of investment funds incorporate at least one ESG factor into their investment process
75% of ETFs globally are now classified as sustainable or ESG funds
82% of global financial institutions support the integration of sustainability factors into credit ratings
67% of asset managers believe that ESG integration aligns with fiduciary duties
41% of financial advisors incorporate ESG factors into their client portfolios
49% of financial institutions report challenges in standardizing ESG measurement and reporting
85% of ETFs with ESG labels have maintained or improved their ratings over the last two years
94% of global corporations report on sustainability performance in their annual reports
86% of institutional investors say that integrating ESG factors improves portfolio resilience
45% of the global market for ESG data analytics is dominated by three major providers
88% of companies report integrating climate scenario analysis into their risk framework
55% of asset managers have integrated biodiversity considerations into their ESG criteria
68% of financial institutions include ESG criteria in their credit risk assessments
The percentage of bonds that are classified as sustainable or green increased by 15% in 2022, reaching $1.2 trillion
36% of securities firms have implemented ESG training programs for their staff, showing an increase from previous years
64% of European asset managers prioritize climate risk management in their investment analysis
83% of asset managers believe that integrating ESG factors reduces investment risks
65% of companies are actively engaging in sustainability reporting aligned with GRI standards
49% of companies use third-party ESG ratings to validate their sustainability claims
87% of global asset managers believe that ESG integration is essential for competitive advantage
89% of corporations believe that sustainability practices impact their capital costs
76% of European pension funds have integrated climate risk assessments into their investment processes
59% of companies have set targets for improving their social impact, such as diversity and community engagement
53% of corporate issuers expect to increase their sustainability-linked financing in the next year
79% of institutional investors incorporate climate risk disclosures into their investment evaluations
70% of firms have increased their ESG-related employee training programs in the past two years
65% of global securities firms now report on their climate risks aligned with TCFD recommendations
67% of asset owners include biodiversity considerations within their ESG criteria
72% of asset managers are adopting AI tools to improve ESG data analysis and integration
59% of companies have engaged with stakeholders on their ESG practices and disclosures, enhancing transparency and trust
66% of European investors believe that climate risk management positively correlates with financial performance
84% of investment firms see ESG integration as critical to future-proofing their portfolios

ESG Integration and Implementation Interpretation

With over half of institutional investors and nearly all asset managers now embedding ESG factors into their decision-making, and a soaring market value of ESG data, it's clear that sustainability has shifted from peripheral concern to core investment strategy—transforming the securities industry from a risk-focused trade into a proactive champion of global resilience and responsible growth.

Environmental and Climate Concerns

The share of sustainable bonds issued globally increased to $600 billion in 2022, a 28% increase from 2021
77% of sector-specific funds focus on environmental sustainability as their primary theme
The issuance of green bonds accounted for 12% of total bond issuance globally in 2022
80% of European asset owners prioritize climate-related risks in their investment processes
52% of sovereign wealth funds have set net-zero targets aligned with global climate goals
80% of asset owners globally have set sustainability or climate-related targets
The issuance of sustainability-linked bonds increased by 44% in 2022, totaling $150 billion
85% of financial institutions plan to increase their focus on climate risk management in the next five years

Environmental and Climate Concerns Interpretation

With $600 billion in sustainable bonds issued in 2022—and a global financial sector increasingly laser-focused on climate risk and net-zero targets—it's clear that sustainability isn't just a trend but the new currency of trust and resilience in the securities industry.

Investor Sentiment and Preferences

82% of investors believe that companies with strong sustainability practices outperform their peers over the long term
The global sustainable investment assets reached $35.3 trillion in 2020, representing a 15% increase from 2018
70% of millennials prefer to invest in companies that demonstrate sustainability efforts
The number of sustainability-themed funds globally increased by 43% between 2020 and 2022
58% of investors think that companies should be solely responsible for ensuring their sustainability practices are credible
The ESG assets under management (AUM) in Europe grew by 21% in 2022, reaching €10.4 trillion
45% of asset owners plan to increase their ESG investing allocations in the next two years
40% of securities firms reported an increase in demand for sustainable investment products in 2023
80% of investors think that transparency and reporting on ESG criteria are essential for sustainable investing
55% of investors expect to increase their engagement with companies on sustainability issues
63% of asset managers plan to expand their ESG product offerings in 2023
48% of investors would switch to investment products with better ESG credentials, even if returns are slightly lower
54% of retail investors feel that sustainable investing aligns with their personal values
53% of investors believe that corporate governance is the most important ESG factor
61% of retail investors express a willingness to pay a premium for sustainable investment options
55% of investors believe that the integration of ESG leads to better risk-adjusted returns
65% of financial advisors recommend ESG investments to their clients
44% of retail investors are willing to accept slightly lower returns for sustainability credentials
48% of investors globally consider social factors as equally or more important than environmental criteria
89% of companies believe that sustainability impacts their access to capital
70% of retail investors want transparent ESG reporting from asset managers
52% of investors believe that improved ESG practices can reduce volatility in investment portfolios
90% of financial institutions expect the importance of ESG to grow in corporate valuation metrics over the next decade
33% of securities firms have dedicated ESG investment teams, a significant rise compared to previous years
56% of companies are actively engaging with investors on ESG issues
60% of retail investors are willing to pay a premium for transparency in ESG disclosures
53% of investors are unwilling to invest in companies with poor ESG practices, even if returns are high
59% of companies have improved their ESG disclosures after receiving investor pressure
37% of retail investors believe that ESG investing will give better long-term returns
78% of firms believe that ESG disclosure enhances their reputational standing
72% of institutional investors prefer investment products that are aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals
50% of asset owners are actively seeking investments that support social justice and community development
57% of investors expect companies to disclose their net-zero strategies by 2024
41% of retail investors are unfamiliar with ESG metrics, indicating a need for greater education
54% of investors prefer investments with clear social impact labels
66% of companies experience increased investor interest following enhanced ESG disclosures
80% of securities firms are planning to increase their ESG-related product offerings within the next year
70% of pension funds now have net-zero emissions targets
54% of financial institutions expect client demand for ESG investment options to increase significantly in the next three years
54% of investors would abandon investments if ESG disclosures are insufficient or unclear
54% of retail investors are willing to pay higher fees for ESG-aligned portfolios
65% of institutional investors consider biodiversity a key component of ESG strategies
43% of global investors believe that integrating ESG factors enhances long-term returns
72% of asset managers report increased investment in ESG funds during 2022, a rise of 20% from the previous year
46% of investors prioritize transparency in ESG ratings and disclosures
62% of retail investors are interested in impact investing options, indicating growth in socially responsible investment products
89% of asset managers believe that ESG criteria will become standard in credit ratings worldwide
54% of investors favor investments that demonstrate positive social impacts, emphasizing social responsibility
83% of companies believe that proactive ESG disclosure enhances investor relations and trust
48% of retail investors are concerned about greenwashing and seek verified sustainable investment products

Investor Sentiment and Preferences Interpretation

With 82% of investors banking on the long-term outperformance of sustainably managed firms and $35.3 trillion in sustainable assets—growing rapidly alongside 70% of millennials’ preferences—it's clear that transparency, credible ESG practices, and investor engagement are not just trends but the blueprint for future-proofing the securities industry, as more firms recognize that good sustainability isn't just ethical—it's profitable.

Regulatory Expectations and Engagement

90% of financial firms believe that ESG disclosure requirements will increase in the next five years
68% of investors expect regulation to become a key driver for ESG investing in the next decade
66% of stock exchanges worldwide now require listed companies to disclose ESG data
40% of financial regulators worldwide are considering or implementing mandatory ESG disclosures
80% of companies increased their sustainability-related disclosures following regulatory pressure in 2022
42% of securities firms have faced increased regulatory scrutiny over ESG claims
The EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) led to a 30% increase in ESG disclosures among European funds in 2021
50% of governments worldwide have implemented policies incentivizing green and sustainable investments
72% of asset managers consider regulatory developments as a catalyst for expanding ESG offerings
42% of securities firms have experienced legal challenges related to ESG claims, indicating rising scrutiny
80% of regulators worldwide expect to see mandatory ESG reporting become standard practice within the next three years

Regulatory Expectations and Engagement Interpretation

As the financial industry collectively braces for an ESG regulatory tidal wave, with 90% predicting increased disclosure mandates and over half considering stricter policies, it’s clear that sustainability isn’t just a trend but the new standard—though with 42% facing legal woes, perhaps some firms should remember that with great disclosure comes great responsibility.