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Investor preferences, financial literacy and intermediary choice towards sustainability

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  • Cucinelli, Doriana
  • Soana, Maria Gaia

Abstract

Based on a large and representative sample of Italian adults, our study aims to detect the determinants of retail investor preferences for socially responsible (SR) financial intermediaries, i.e., intermediaries adopting environmental, social and governance strategies and offering both traditional and SR financial products. We demonstrate that SR financial intermediaries are chosen by individuals characterized by high self-reported orientation towards SR investments and high financial literacy. Disaggregating financial literacy into its three determinants, we show that the higher the financial knowledge and the more correct financial behavior of retail investors related to savings and financial control, the higher their preference for SR financial intermediaries. On the other hand, individual financial attitude towards savings and spending displays a negative relationship with this preference. Moreover, retail investors with more specific knowledge about portfolio diversification choose more SR financial intermediaries than other people.

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  • Cucinelli, Doriana & Soana, Maria Gaia, 2023. "Investor preferences, financial literacy and intermediary choice towards sustainability," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:66:y:2023:i:c:s0275531923001538
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2023.102027
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    Cited by:

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    5. Aristei, David & Gallo, Manuela & Vannoni, Valeria, 2024. "Preferences for ethical intermediaries and sustainable investment decisions in micro-firms: The role of financial literacy and digital financial capability," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    SRI; Financial literature; Financial knowledge; Retail investor; SR financial intermediaries;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G53 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Financial Literacy

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