Institutional Investors Maintain Course Amid Escalating Geopolitical Risks

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The survey found that a significant 82% of respondents have noticed an increase in geopolitical risks since the start of the year. European investors particularly feel the pressure, with 85% responding to increased risks, compared to 80% in the Americas and other regions. Unstable political environments and shifting global alliances are major factors contributing to this sentiment.

Despite these challenges, 75% of the institutional contingent report their risk appetite remains unchanged, indicating resilience amid turbulent times. Bfinance highlighted that the view of increased risk is shared across all investor categories, from pension funds to sovereign wealth funds, suggesting a wide-reaching consensus on the issue.

In terms of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations, nearly half of the investors report no change in strategy. However, opinions are shifting, with 24% viewing ESG as less appealing amidst growing policy resistance in the US. Around 50% are actively reassessing their approaches to ESG-related investments, focusing particularly on sustainability and climate-oriented strategies.

This divide on ESG priorities varies among investor types. Mission-linked investors like endowment funds are staying committed to ESG objectives, while those under more economic performance scrutiny are reconsidering their positions. Notably, institutional investors showed a split stance: 36% are staying the course, yet significant proportions are either downgrading (25%) or upgrading (17%) the appeal of ESG.

Ultimately, Bfinance's study shows a strategic recalibration phase for institutional investors, even as geopolitical uncertainties and policy shifts, especially in the US, prompt reassessments of certain tactics. Yet the dedication to long-term goals persists, with European investors leading in maintaining ESG principles whereas US investors navigate a shifting policy environment.

Published:Thursday, 17th Apr 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

NSW strata charger reforms could reshape apartment EV budgeting

28 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori

NSW has moved closer to making apartment EV charging a practical part of vehicle ownership, with the Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2026 assented on 23 October and government guidance indicating further reforms planned to start in 2027. For electric vehicle buyers in strata buildings, the change is not just a property-law update; it could affect how households think about finance, charging access and the real cost of switching from petrol to electric. - read more

RBA's October warning sharpens focus on motorcycle repayments

28 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia's latest parliamentary testimony has given motorcycle buyers a timely reminder that borrowing conditions remain sensitive to inflation, lender pricing and household budget pressure. Governor Michele Bullock told a Senate economics committee on 28 October 2026 that inflation has remained above target, the cash rate has risen by a cumulative 100 basis points this year, and the Monetary Policy Board will meet again next week to assess whether the tightening already delivered is enough. - read more

Broker Review Puts Loan Recommendations Under Fresh Scrutiny

28 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori

ASIC’s latest review of mortgage broker conduct has put a spotlight on how loan recommendations are explained, documented and challenged when a cheaper option is available. Although the review focused on home loan brokers, the practical lesson is broader: borrowers should understand not only the advertised rate, but also why a particular loan structure, lender or feature is being presented as suitable. - read more

Charging Access Becomes a Bigger Part of Electric Truck Funding

28 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s electric truck conversation has shifted from vehicle availability alone to the practical question of where, when and how commercial vehicles will charge. Ampol’s October 2026 activity has made that shift clearer, with the company announcing a proposed acquisition of Evie Networks and a separate memorandum of understanding with Foton Mobility Distribution to explore charging solutions for electric commercial vehicles. - read more

ASIC Review Highlights the Need to Question Costlier Loan Recommendations

28 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori

ASIC’s 13 October 2026 review of major mortgage broker groups has delivered a timely reminder for borrowers: a loan recommendation should be understandable, evidence-based and clearly connected to the customer’s needs. The regulator found that broker practices generally aligned with its guidance, but also identified gaps in how some higher-cost loan recommendations, supervision processes and complaints were handled. - read more

Click for more Finance News