Refinitiv today released the findings of its Wealth Management report titled ‘The Gold Standard: Redefining Investor Data Needs’. The report examines how investors’ trading activities, data needs and digital expectations are likely to evolve in the future.
The ‘Redefining Investor Data Needs’ report is based on research commissioned by Refinitiv that surveyed 1,030 self-directed and advised mass affluent investors in September 2020, located in nine global financial centers: Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK and U.S.
The study finds that self-directed and advisory clients’ needs are rapidly changing. In the future, they will need new data and digital capabilities to take advantage of promising investment opportunities and avoid potential risks. In short, Investors in different regions – whether self-directed or advisory clients – and across all ages want to receive content that can positively influence their investment decisions.
Key findings of the study include:
- 39 percent of investors do not feel equipped with the data and content to make investment decisions. Wealth management firms should reassess the channels and formats of the content delivered to optimize insights for the current market environment.
- 34 percent of investors globally are more interested in ESG investing than 6-12 months ago. Enthusiasm for ESG rises to 61% of millennial investors. With greenwashing one possible hurdle, it is important they are empowered with high-quality data to screen out risky opportunities, benchmark companies and customize their impact goals, depending on level of interest.
- 41 percent of investors more interested in ESG say well governed companies perform better. With the increased focus on company governance made possible by ESG investing, wealth firms will need to empower investors with data that offers transparency, such as specific insights on management teams, shareholders and corporate social responsibility strategies.
- 54 percent of investors surveyed agree news analytics would be a game changer when choosing future investments. There is already strong interest in alternative data to explore favored sector opportunities. The most innovative firms will introduce these non-traditional data sources, which give investors the edge by offering valuable additional context to help them make their investment choices.
- 33 percent of those surveyed do not find webinars to be useful. Given the number of perceived virtual gatherings for the foreseeable future, providers should question whether the content, user experience, expert commentary or data underpinning their webinars are falling short – or all of the above.
Joe Mrak, Global Head of Wealth Management, Refinitiv said: In the face of unprecedented change and uncertainty, the importance of trusted and accurate data has never been greater. Our research shows that investors across the board, whether self-directed or advisory clients, have a growing need for a more comprehensive data offering that spans traditional analysis and non-traditional alternative data. The industry will need to continue advancing in critical areas such as ESG to empower investors to make decisions with confidence.”
For a copy of the Refinitiv wealth management report titled ‘The Gold Standard: Redefining Investor Data Needs’, please visit: https://www.refinitiv.com/redefining-data-needs .
Refinitiv has a rich history of servicing the Wealth Management industry from front to back office. Over the last year, the firm has invested heavily in the business and is committed to bringing the most advanced solutions to the market. The ongoing transformation includes building out the firm’s solutions through strategic acquisitions such as Scivantage and the launch of Refinitiv Digital Investor.
