SG, HK investors more cautious amidst COVID

About 69% and 62% of Singaporeans and Hong Kongers, respectively, are now investing responsively.

The majority of investors in Singapore and Hong Kong have become motivated to invest responsibly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a study found.

In Wealthy, Healthy Planet – The Power of Personal Wealth in Sustainable Development, St. James’s Place Wealth Management Asia surveyed 2,000 affluent to high-net-worth investors in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Of whom, 69% of Singaporeans and 62% of Hong Kongers were found to be more cautious when investing.

“COVID-19 has spotlighted many of the critical sustainability issues we face and motivated investors to play a role with how and where they invest,” Gary Harvey, CEO, SJP Singapore, said.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for private wealth to play a growing role in driving forward sustainability agendas in Asia and globally.”

In Singapore, 64% of investors agreed that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability are key factors in investing today.

The difference between age groups is wider in Singapore compared to Hong Kong, with 67% of investors aged 25-34 years old and 60% amongst those aged 45 years old and above.

Amongst Hong Kong investors, 61% say that ESG and sustainability are now key considerations in making investment decisions. This varied slightly between age groups with 63% of the younger investors, saying it is important, compared to 61% of those aged 45 years old and above.

“COVID-19 has brought sustainability to the top of corporate agendas with environmental and social issues such as climate change and social equality being top concerns for Singaporeans and Hongkongers,” Oliver Wickham, head of Business, SJP Hong Kong and Shanghai, said in a statement.

“Even as ESG issues continue to grow in importance, investors that are best positioned for the future will be the ones that engage in purpose-driven investments and who try to find ways where their investments can be better allocated to achieve both sustainability and other important societal goals.”