BNP Paribas’ ESG Global Survey 2025, which covered 420 institutional investors managing nearly $34 trillion in assets, found that 87% are maintaining their sustainability objectives, even as some adopt a lower-profile approach. Nearly half of those maintaining ESG goals say they are now less vocal about their efforts, reflecting a shift toward “quiet commitment” in today’s polarized landscape.
Regional differences stand out: 7% of respondents in the Americas are scaling back on ESG—compared to just 2% in EMEA and less than 1% in APAC. Still, 85% expect ESG progress to continue or accelerate through 2030, though 23% believe this will happen with less publicity. Sustainable investing strategies are also maturing. Thematic investing—focusing on energy transition, biodiversity, and climate adaptation—is now used by 50% of respondents. Meanwhile, data and transparency challenges remain the top obstacle (58%), driving increased investment in ESG data, analytics, and in-house expertise. A growing 70% of institutional investors now express concern over the overreliance on ESG ratings, which they fear could encourage surface-level compliance rather than real impact.
Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Signals report, based on a survey of 1,765 active individual investors across North America, Europe, and APAC, echoes strong commitment at the individual level. 88% expressed interest in sustainable investing, with younger generations leading the charge—99% of Gen Z and 97% of Millennials showed strong ESG interest.
Energy transition remains a top priority globally, while regional themes vary: North American investors focus on healthcare innovation, while Europe and APAC prioritize battery storage, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. Financial advisors are central to ESG’s future: 80% of investors globally, and an even higher 96% of Gen Z, say they’re more likely to work with advisors who offer sustainable options.
Across both surveys, four key themes emerge:
ESG investing is firmly embedded in investor strategy—despite louder political backlash.
Investors are shifting from broad ESG labels to targeted, thematic, and impact-focused strategies.
There’s a growing move toward in-house ESG data capabilities and away from one-size-fits-all ESG ratings.
Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping investor expectations, ensuring ESG stays central to the investment conversation.
