BaFin Survey Highlights Consumer Demand for Clear Rules on Sustainable Financial Products

In June 2025, Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) ran an online survey. They included 1,528 participants. The survey asked about sustainable financial products. The report shows that consumers value clear, honest facts. Consumers care about how sustainability drives their investments.

Key Survey Findings

• Consumer Interest in Sustainability:
About 65% of consumers show interest in sustainable products. Thirty-nine percent are somewhat interested. Twenty-six percent are very or strongly interested.

• Clear Definitions Matter:
Consumers need clear goals. When a product lacks clear ESG objectives, consumers do not see it as sustainable.

• Demand for Transparency:
Almost all consumers want clear details. Sixty percent ask for sustainability information before they buy.

• Avoiding Consumer Deception:
Seventy percent demand clear labels. They want labels on investments with risks such as controversial weapons or human rights issues. This clarity helps them avoid deception.

• Exclusion of Unethical Investments:
Two-thirds of consumers want products to exclude human rights violations. Over half oppose investments in controversial weapons and coal power.

• Sustainable Investment Minimums:
Consumers suggest that at least 40% of investment capital go to truly sustainable projects. These projects also support the move to a sustainable economy.

Perceptions of ESG Product Categories

BaFin gathered opinions on product types defined by the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR):

• Sustainable Products:
Eighty percent of interested consumers view products that invest only in ecological or social projects (like wind farms or hospitals) as sustainable.

• Transition Products:
More than half consider products that finance a shift to climate-neutral energy as sustainable.

• Exclusion Products:
Only 40% see products based solely on excluding harmful sectors as sustainable.

• Mixed Products:
Less than 30% accept products that mix various sustainability methods.

Context: Revision of the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)

Since 2021, the SFDR has made sustainability disclosures mandatory for investment and insurance products. The European Commission now works on revising the rules. They aim for clearer definitions. BaFin’s survey shows that German consumers favor neat, distinct product groups. Clear and simple details help build trust.

Further Resources:

• BaFin’s Questionnaire on Sustainable Financial Products (PDF)
• Presentation on Minimum Proportion of Sustainable Investments (PDF)

BaFin’s work responds to a growing demand for truly responsible investments. Consumers need clear rules and simple, honest information.

Source: BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority), Survey on Sustainable Financial Products, October 2025.

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