ESG: A Global Imperative Reshaping Investments

What was once a secondary consideration has now become a global imperative. The response to ESG issues, particularly climate change, is transforming how economies operate. “Governments around the world are putting policies to battle issues like climate change,” Mervyn says. “It’s changing the business models (and) the way our economy operates.”

As organisations navigate new regulations and seek incentives, such as those for electric vehicles, they must strike a balance between upfront costs and long-term objectives—ensuring their capital investments deliver sustainable returns over time.

Already, economies covering 90% of global GDP have set net zero targets, and over half of the world’s largest companies are aligning themselves with this vision. The results so far have been encouraging, with market research platform Gitnux reporting in 2024 that companies with strong ESG credentials have seen a 3-5% increase in annual revenue growth. Those with high ESG ratings also consistently outperform competitors who neglect them.

This shift creates a new role for private bankers. They’ll need to understand how these policies affect different industries, determine which are the reliable markers to prove sustainability, and how to position client portfolios for a sustainable future.

“Private bankers would be expected to talk about changes in sustainability and ESG policy in the same way as they are meant to talk about energy price inflation or Fed interest rates,” he surmises. “You’ll be expected to know more about ESG in the future.”

The senior professional explains how these fundamental concepts are discussed in WMI’s Certificate in Introduction to Climate Change and Decarbonisation Strategies programme. Besides gaining a broad perspective on topics such as climate science and international agreements in order to understand the global push for sustainability, the curriculum also includes training in core skills to assess and advise on green products and initiatives.

With outlets like Bloomberg indicating that the world’s ESG assets are projected to hit $40 trillion by 2030, informed finance professionals will stand out with their enriched knowledge and become invaluable assets to their clients’ evolving investment journey.

A Growing Emphasis Across Generations

The rise of ESG investing is not just shaped by policies. It is being fuelled by increasing demand from individuals, particularly younger generations.

“The general public is caring more about ESG,” Mervyn reveals. “You see this in search trends for things like sustainable investing and climate change.”

Figures from PricewaterhouseCoopers substantiate this observation, with a report citing that a whopping 83% of consumers expect companies to actively shape their ESG best practices, and that 76% would discontinue relations with companies which mistreat employees, communities and the environment.

“This is particularly apparent for younger generations like Gen Z or the millennials,” Mervyn notes.

A Stanford University study supports this, revealing that while only 30% of boomers were invested in ESG issues when it comes to their investments, this grew to 60% with Gen X, and became a pronounced 80% with Gen Zs and millennials.

“If these generations are more interested in sustainable investing, as we see the intergenerational transfer of wealth, more and more of your clients may want to talk about ESG in the future,” he predicts.

As ESG considerations grow increasingly complex, effective ESG investing requires integrating all three pillars—environmental, social, and governance—into the decision-making process. Beyond environmental factors, social considerations evaluate a company’s labour practices, diversity and inclusion policies, and its impact on the communities in which it operates. Governance focuses on leadership quality, transparency, and risk management practices.

WMI’s programme provides advanced modules that delve into these areas, equipping professionals with the skills to assess the right metrics and deliver comprehensive reports that support informed discussions on sustainability. By considering all three pillars of ESG alongside traditional financial analysis, private bankers can help investors capture an organisation’s long-term potential.

A Sustainable Future Unlocks New Investment Opportunities

In response to this accelerating trend, the financial sector is embracing the increasing demand for sustainable investment options.

“Sustainable investing options are increasing,” notes Mervyn, referencing both market trends and insights from his work at Schroders. “We’re talking about equities, fixed income, private assets. There’s a lot of things that your end retail investor can invest in to achieve their sustainability objectives and their financial objectives.”

The same report by Github reflects this sentiment in Asia, where 60% of retail investors have shown particular interest in ESF-focused funds, and that with the exception of Japan, allocation to ESG investing is expected to surge over 20% in Asia over the next five years.

Furthermore, the rise of digitalisation is democratising access to sustainable investments. Platforms such as crowdfunding now enable individuals to invest directly in emerging opportunities like green bonds and carbon offset initiatives—areas once limited to large institutional investors.

Rather than viewing this as competition, Mervyn emphasises that these developments highlight the need for complementary expertise. Informed private bankers can leverage their knowledge and these new tools to enhance their client offerings.

“More products means more options for your end clients to deliver what they need,” he says. “This is partly one of the reasons why asset managers are building up their sustainable investment product ranges. We see funds evolving from just your general sustainable funds to lots of different themes, to even direct private assets investing in things like renewable infrastructure.”

There’s more and more investment options for you to help cater to your clients’ financial objectives as well as sustainability objectives,” he adds.

Conclusion

The integration of ESG considerations into financial strategies is no longer a niche movement but a crucial complement to traditional finance. As private bankers navigate an evolving landscape, a solid understanding of ESG frameworks, reporting, and products becomes a vital tool for building resilient portfolios, managing risks, and fostering a more sustainable future.

WMI’s ESG programmes embrace this shift, offering a practical and industry-relevant syllabus designed by leading experts. Through engagements with senior professionals like Mervyn, participants gain real-world insights and case studies, equipping them to apply their knowledge effectively post-graduation—for the benefit of their organisation, clients, and the planet.