Kasikorn Asset Management (KAsset) stated that after reviewing sustainable investment data, the company found that the number of investors that are interested in this type of investment has increased significantly, especially those from the U.S.
According to Morgan Stanly’s Institute for Sustainable Investing’s 2025 annual report, the institute conducted a survey on 195 individuals with 401(k) plans (for retirement) and found that 74% of them were interested and already utilized sustainable investment strategies. Only 36% of those individuals were offered as an alternative option for their retirement.
However, the U.S. corporate had conducted a survey on 99 individuals and found that about 62% of them have low to intermediate interest in this investment, reflecting the inconsistency between the demand of the employee and the awareness of the company that set the retirement plan.
Morningstar stated that this gap was created by the tool and resource limitation. Moreover, Ms. Samantha Lamas, a behavioral researcher, explained that although several employees are interested in sustainable investment, they cannot commit to it due to the lack of knowledge, clear options, or support system. A convenient digital tool, such as a system that allows individuals to adjust their retirement plan in one click, will greatly shift commitment into investing.
Another essential factor is the limitation in the regulation. According to Morgan Stanley’s report, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is reviewing the regulation to allow asset managers to utilize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework when making investment decisions in the retirement plan if all options generate the same amount of return.
Although the amount of sustainable investment in the U.S. is slowing down, the investing trend around the world is expanding, with investors focusing on ESG framework as the main strategy to create stability investment. This will also expand an opportunity to access financial tools, such as green bonds and clean energy projects.
Meanwhile, the Stock Exchange of Thailand published a report titled “Nine Reasons Why ESG Framework is an Investing Opportunity to Generate Return in 2025,” with detail stating that the company that focus on the framework often received consumer’s confident, has high capability to compete, and be able to address the global challenge. This reflects that the ESG framework is not only a trend but also an investment direction toward a sustainable future.
