A growing number of UK investors under the age of 40 are opting for investments that generate returns whilst making a positive contribution to the world, new research shows.

This year’s poll, conducted by British bank Barclays, found that 43% of investors under the age of 40 had made an impact investment. This was up from 30% when the poll was conducted in 2015.

The 2018 poll also found impact investments had been made by 9% of those aged 50-59 but just 3% of those aged over 60.

In a media statement, accompanying the research, Damian Payiatakis, head of Impact Investing at Barclays, explained that older generations have yet to convert to the potential in impact investments.

He explained: “It’s the older generation who have more investible wealth today and whose choices will be significant in shaping the investment market and the world their children and grandchildren live in.

“Ultimately though, if impact investing is to truly enter the mainstream and become integrated into regular investment processes, the industry will need to build an approach that captures the interest of, and caters to, the whole spectrum of investors.”

The research also found that the amount that under 40s are willing to invest a much higher percentage of their portfolio in impact investments than their older peers.

Those aged under 40 said that impact investments made up 17% of their reported investible assets, compared to just 6% of the portfolios of those aged over 60.

Dr Peter Brooks, head of Behavioural Finance at Barclays, added: “Our research shows different age groups require different approaches, and highlights the importance of engaging these different investors with compelling stories.

“By talking about specific examples of how impact investing can make a difference to the world, we really bring the concept to life for investors, whatever their motivations, attitudes and preferences.”