The French and Responsible Finance

Following a favorable year for savings in 2025, indicators related to responsible investing remain very stable in 2026. 87% of French people hold at least one savings product, 52% of whom hold a product other than a savings account. Experience with responsible investing remains limited but is holding steady: 14% of savers and 21% of those holding non-savings-account products have already made such an investment.

A recommendation from a financial advisor is a key driver. Among savers who received a recommendation, 62% actually invested, which is about 4.5 times higher than among the general saving population. Among those who have never been approached, 26% say they are willing to invest, a proportion that rises to 44% among 18- to 24-year-olds and 39% among 25- to 34-year-olds.

Young people appear to be a prime target for responsible investing. Although they do not invest any more than the average, those under 35 place greater importance on environmental and social impacts in their investment decisions: 68% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 65% of 25- to 34-year-olds, compared to an average of 52%. They are also more convinced of the power of their savings to bring about change: 65% of 18- to 24-year-olds believe they can have a positive impact on the environment and society through their investments, compared to an average of 47%.

However, the impact of responsible investing remains difficult to gauge, despite high expectations of financial institutions: 57% consider their impact to be neutral. Nevertheless, 60% believe that financial institutions should engage with companies and pressure them to improve their social and environmental practices.