This report presents compelling evidence which shows that wealthy individuals can be motivated to try social investments.

Key findings: 

• Many of the more affluent wealthy investors – those with over £100,000 in investment assets – can be motivated to try social investments.
• They are motivated by a desire for their wealth to achieve a social good as well as have the potential to produce a return.
• However investment motivations for the less affluent wealthy investors (with between £50,000 and £100,000 in investment assets) are much more diverse and complex. Social investment products for this group are therefore more difficult to present appropriately.

This research used a combination of approaches to reach the conclusion that the primary motivator for wealthy investors with over £100,000 in investment assets is 'social/ethical values'.

The potential for a lower return or for the need for social enterprises to work with government are not a barrier to involvement. The overwhelming motivation for becoming a social investor is that, as with other parts of their lives, their wealth should have a positive impact on society.

This publication is one in a series of three that sets out what we have learned about the social investment market through the Big Society Finance Fund – its current nature and its potential for growth.

Author:
Antony Elliott