Consumers Demand Clear Rules for Sustainable Financial Products — Findings from BaFin Survey

BaFin, the German regulator, ran a survey in June 2025. The survey asked consumers about sustainable financial products. It showed a strong interest in sustainability. It also showed that consumers want clear rules and full transparency.

Key Survey Insights

• Consumer Interest: About 65% of the 1,528 respondents showed interest in sustainable financial products. They expressed their views clearly. This fact confirms that sustainability matters to German investors.
• Definition of Sustainability: Most respondents see clear Environmental, Social, and Governance goals as necessary. They do not call products sustainable if these goals are missing.
• Transparency Expectations: Nearly all interested consumers want clear data on sustainability. Sixty percent demand that this information appears before they sign any contract.
• Honest Labeling: Seventy percent want clear labels for any investment seen as unsustainable. They worry about products linked to controversial weapons or human rights problems. They want to avoid any sense of deception.

Consumer Expectations on Product Standards

• Exclusion Criteria: About two-thirds want sustainable products to avoid human rights violations. More than half also insist that controversial weapons and coal power are not part of the products.
• Investment Proportions: Respondents think that at least 40% of investment funds should go to sustainable projects. They also support funds that help the economy become more sustainable.

Perceptions of EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) Categories

The EU is revising its SFDR categories. Consumers have clear views on these categories:

• Sustainable Financial Products: Eighty percent accept products that invest only in ecological or social activities. Examples are wind farms and hospitals.
• Transition Products: Over 50% agree with products that support a shift to sustainable practices. An example is climate-neutral manufacturing.
• Exclusion Products: Forty percent accept products that simply exclude certain sectors. They see these products as less clear on sustainability.
• Mixed Products: Only 30% accept products that mix different strategies. Consumers are cautious when the mix varies in proportion.

BaFin’s Role and Next Steps

BaFin hired an external provider to run the survey. The regulator used the consumer views to guide its work. The results support the EU Commission’s plan to update the SFDR. They stress the need for clear, honest, and standard sustainability information that meets consumer expectations.

References

• BaFin Press Release: Survey on Sustainable Financial Products (14 October 2025)
• EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) ongoing amendments
• Consumer Questionnaire and Presentation on Sustainable Investing (available in PDF format via BaFin website)

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