ESG Funds: 27% of savers hold them, compared to 41% in 2025, according to CPRAM
According to the seventh edition of the Responsible Investment Barometer, published on October 15, 2026 by CPRAM (an Amundi subsidiary) and Insight AM, the ESG and climate fund market is consolidating around a core of more committed and active savers. The study, conducted by OpinionWay among 1,029 French savers between June 15 and 26, 2026, covers the entire market and not just the group's products.
Fewer holders, but a stable core of committed investors
According to the barometer, 27% of savers surveyed declare holding generalist ESG funds, compared to 41% in 2025. For climate funds, the proportion stands at 25%, compared to 38% a year earlier. According to the study, this decline concerns savers who allocate less than 5% of their assets to these funds, while the share of those allocating more than 5% remains stable.
The document also notes an evolution in preferences: interest in funds that systematically exclude certain sectors is declining by 7 points, in favor of a "best-in-transition" approach, which favors companies most committed to their transition.
Age introduces a significant gap in responses. According to the barometer, 62% of those under 35 declare holding climate funds, nearly three times the sample average, compared to 12% of those 65 and older.
Performance, advice and labels at the forefront of expectations
Among savers who invested in climate funds in 2025, 76% declare themselves satisfied, with the stability and performance of the investment appearing ahead of environmental impact among the reasons cited. At an equivalent risk level, 50% of respondents prioritize financial performance exclusively, 39% place equal importance on performance and positive impact, and 10% make environmental impact their sole priority. The use of a third party for investment decisions now concerns 58% of savers, an increase of 4 points compared to 2025.
Labels are advancing as a benchmark: 49% of respondents believe that a label, particularly the ISR label, could encourage them to invest in a climate fund, compared to 44% in 2025, and the proportion reaches 75% among holders of ESG and climate funds. A fund's contribution to energy sovereignty would strengthen the interest of 68% of savers (92% of climate fund buyer-holders, 60% of non-holders). Lack of knowledge, cited by 49% of respondents, remains the primary barrier identified.
"Wealth management advisors and private bankers have an essential role to play in better promoting these solutions and meeting expectations regarding performance and clarity," stated Arnaud Faller, Chief Operating Officer and CIO of CPRAM. Noémie Hadjadj-Gomes, Chief Responsible Officer of the asset management company, in turn estimated that savers "are more open to financing the transition of sectors with higher carbon intensity".
