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Oikocredit Canada Survey: Investors want to learn more about intentionally investing for social returns alongside financial returns
Oikocredit Canada Survey: Investors want to learn more about intentionally investing for social returns alongside financial returns
September 2020-March 2021
Oikocredit Canada, with the support of Kindred Credit Union, initiated a survey to understand what Oikocredit stakeholders are looking for in an impact investing product.
Objectives of the Survey
With the pandemic, extreme weather and racial inequity repeatedly in the headlines in 2020 and 2021, more Canadians are interested in investing in products that address social and economic problems and deliver impact alongside financial returns. At the same time, retail investors are seeing a growing number of options for impact investment products that promise to deliver social returns alongside financial returns but may question whether the claims of these investment products are understandable, measurable and achievable. The objective of the Oikocredit Canada survey was to understand the preferences of Oikocredit stakeholders and what they are looking for in impact investing products.
How we conducted the Survey
OCSA formulated the survey questions with input from Kindred Credit Union (Kindred). Between September 2020 and March 2021 a total of 129 Oikocredit stakeholders responded to the survey.
Results of the Survey
There were four key insights from the survey:
- Oikocredit stakeholders support OI in intentionally investing to create a positive impact on the lives of the underserved.
- Education is needed to overcome the barrier of the lack of information about impact investing products.
- Impact investing products would appeal more if there were lower minimum investment thresholds and RRSP eligibility.
- Expected financial returns for impact investment products ranges, with the majority of stakeholders expecting market rates of return.
Next Steps
Oikocredit Canada is working on new impact investment products aimed at generating positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. Following the very helpful feedback Oikocredit Canada stakeholders provided this survey, we have identified two potential new impact investment products. To understand the appetite for these two products, we have designed a follow-up survey that we will share with you in the coming days. Your responses to our questions in this new survey will help make sure that whatever product we provide is one that you want.
