23 March 2026
Latest research from Quilter has found that more than four in ten (42%) investors want the option to invest in companies enabling the green transition, contrasting recent political rhetoric and performance concerns.
The survey of Quilter’s customer panel found less than a quarter (24%) did not want the option to invest in this way, while a third (34%) were unsure. Of the investors that did want to invest in companies enabling the green transition, close to one in three (29%) believe at least half of their portfolio should be invested in such a way, with more than half (54%) wanting a minimum exposure of 25%.
Furthermore, a similar proportion (44%) want their investments to play a role in achieving net zero. For those investors 41% believe their portfolio should exclude companies not meaningfully transitioning to net zero, although responses suggested a need for balance and understanding that for some companies there will be a more gradual change.
However, for those who want to see exclusion, a large majority (60%) want to see investments avoided in high emitting sectors such as oil, gas and aviation. Coal is overwhelmingly the sector people most want to see excluded, closely followed by the worst oil and gas emitters, highlighting pragmatism from investors by wanting to understand emissions and exclude the worst offenders, but not to have a portfolio that has blanket exclusions that may hamper the transition.
The survey has previously revealed that 74% of investors are concerned about climate change, with two-thirds (67%) taking action themselves by reducing home energy usage, and a six in ten (60%) reducing food waste.
Ido Eisenberg, head of responsible investment at Quilter, commented:
“Recent years have brought an increasingly challenging backdrop for the green transition, with a rise in populist rhetoric pushing back against renewable energy and policies. Despite this, consumers clearly recognise that climate change is real, happening now, and already influencing their daily lives. They understand that these impacts extend to their portfolios, regardless of who holds political power. The recent weeks have clearly demonstrated how reliance on fossil fuels can drive market volatility.
“At the same time, the results show a marked disconnect between the high level of climate concern among investors and the relatively low adoption of investment products that integrate climate considerations or support the transition. This is the gap we want to close. People intuitively grasp that their investments can influence climate outcomes, just as climate change can influence their financial outcomes. Yet this understanding is not consistently translating into action. As an industry, we aim to bridge this gap through better education and by offering products that meet investors’ climate‑related needs.”
“It is crucial, therefore, that investment firms do not shy away from the developments already seen in responsible and sustainable investing over the past decade. Customers want these options when it comes to their portfolios, and these assets will outlast whichever political party is the flavour of the day.”
