Socially Responsible Investing: How Millennials are Driving It

Anyone looking to attract young affluent investors may want to consider socially responsible investments (SRIs). 

More than a quarter of investors under the age of 45 have allocated at least 25% of their investments in socially responsible companies, according to a study by Spectrem Group. This compares to more than 45% of all investors older than 45 years old who do not invest in socially responsible companies. Spectrem surveyed 3,070 investors with assets ranging from $100,000 to $25 million.

For almost half (49%) of Millennials with a net worth of more than $1 million, social responsibility is a factor in choosing an investment, according to Spectrem’s research. This compares to 43% of Gen X, 34% of Baby Boomers and 27% of seniors.

For Millennials who are not millionaires, social responsibility was an even higher priority. Fifty-three percent make investment decisions based on social factors, compared to 42% of Gen Xers, 41% of Baby Boomers and 39% of seniors.

Spectrem research has also found that Millennials are the most cynical when it comes to corporations who claim to be socially responsible. Three-fourths of millionaire Millennials (compared to 49% overall) said they believe that socially responsible corporate behavior is nothing more than public relations, according to a separate study Spectrem conducted in 2013. (For related reading, see: Extreme Socially Responsible Investing.)

Millennials show far less concern over issues outside the social responsibility area. While 64% of seniors are concerned over terrorism, just 36% of Millennials share that worry. Eight-four percent of seniors are concerned over the political environment in the U.S., compared to 54% of Millennials.  

Spectrem found that familiarity with SRIs was higher among younger investors. It also found that the wealthier the investor, the more familiar they were with socially responsible investing. 

Spectrem asked survey respondents to rate their familiarity with terms related to SRI on a scale ranging from 0 (no familiarity) to 100 (great familiarity). Overall, the familiarity with socially responsible investing clocked in at 46.75. Familiarity with impact investing was much lower at 28.94.

In general, the younger the investor, the more familiarity he or she has with socially responsible investing. Among investors under the age of 36, familiarity with socially responsible investing was at 47.42, and familiarity with impact investing was at 35.76.

Ultra-high net worth investors, or those with a net worth between $5 million and $25 million, reported familiarity with socially responsible investing at 55.11, well above the average. The familiarity among mass affluent investors, or those with a net worth between $100,000 and $1 million, came in at 42.24. (For related reading, see: Vehicles for Ethical Investing.)

Men reported more familiarity with socially responsible investing than women. Their rating was 49.27 compared to a 42.37 familiarity rating for women. Familiarity with impact investing, meanwhile, was at 31.22 for men compared to just 25.02 for women.

The main reason why investors choose to invest in socially responsible firms is to create a better world for their children and grandchildren, according to Spectrem. Most investors who don’t choose socially responsible investments invest purely for financial gain.

Water conservation, promoting good health and exercise, and developing solar energies are socially responsible investors' top three organization/charity types of choice.

Socially responsible investing is a priority for much of the younger affluent generations, Gen Y in particular. Advisors looking to attract this demographic should consider socially responsible investments as one of the ways to do so. (For related reading, see: Benefits and Drawbacks of Ethical Investing.)