BaFin Survey on Sustainable Financial Products: Clear Consumer Rules in Demand
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) recently conducted a representative online survey in June 2025 to gauge German consumer interest and expectations regarding sustainable financial products. The results underscore the ongoing relevance of sustainability in finance and highlight a strong consumer desire for transparency and clear regulatory frameworks.
Key Survey Findings
- High Consumer Interest: Approximately 65% of the 1,528 respondents expressed interest in sustainable financial products — 39% somewhat interested and 26% strongly or very strongly interested.
- Definition of Sustainability Matters: Consumers interested in sustainability generally reject products lacking clear environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.
- Demand for Transparency: Nearly all participants expect clear, easily accessible sustainability information before purchasing financial products.
- Combating Greenwashing: 70% want clear labeling of any investments perceived as unsustainable, particularly excluding controversial weapons and entities involved in severe human rights violations.
- Strong Ethical Expectations:
- ~66% favor excluding human rights violators from sustainable products.
- Over 50% also expect exclusion of investments in controversial weapons and coal-fired power expansion.
- Minimum Sustainable Investment Quota: Consumers suggest that at least 40% of investment capital in these products should be dedicated to sustainable investments or initiatives that facilitate transition to a sustainable economy.
Views on Product Categories under SFDR Reform
The EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) is under revision to enhance clarity. BaFin’s survey assessed consumer perceptions of four possible ESG product categories:
| Product Category | Credible Sustainability Rating by Interested Consumers |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Product | 80% (e.g., wind farms, hospitals) |
| Transition Product | >50% (funding shifts from conventional to climate-neutral practices) |
| Exclusion Product | 40% (excluding harmful sectors without positive ESG goals) |
| Mixed Product | ~30% (blend of above categories with variable proportions) |
Implications for Sustainable Finance
BaFin’s survey reinforces that consumers prioritize transparency, ethical standards, and clear labeling in sustainable financial products. The current revision of the SFDR offers a crucial opportunity to align regulatory definitions with consumer expectations, potentially enhancing trust and market growth in the sustainable finance sector.
About BaFin’s Survey
- Sample Size: 1,528 participants, with 1,000 expressing interest in sustainable finance.
- Method: External service provider conducted an online survey.
- Date: June 2025. Further details and full questionnaire are accessible via BaFin’s official publication.
For stakeholders in sustainable investment products, these insights emphasize the importance of clear communication and strict exclusion criteria to meet evolving consumer demands and regulatory standards.
Source: BaFin, "Survey on sustainable financial products: Consumers expect clear rules," October 14, 2025
BaFin Official Link
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