529 plans also miss the boat when it comes to ESG

529 plans also miss the boat when it comes to ESG
You'd think a 529 college savings program would be the perfect vehicle for environmental, social and governance causes, but things appear stalled.
MAR 16, 2019

If​ ever there was a market ripe for ESG investments, it would seem to be the 529 college savings program, which turns 20 this year. Even though most contributors to college savings plans are young parents who tend to be more conscious of environmental, social and corporate governance causes, the 529 plan market has yet to adjust to what is likely a healthy appetite for ESG products and strategies. (More: ESG options scarce in 401(k) plans) Paul Curley, director of college savings research at Strategic Insight, said only 10 states, plus Washington, D.C., offer even a single ESG fund on their 529 plan investment menus. In those plans, just 2% of assets have been allocated to ESG funds. To get a sense of the growth or lack thereof to date, the current number of states offering ESG funds is up from nine in 2013, when just 1% of assets were allocated to ESG funds. But Mr. Curley believes the tide is slowly turning. He expects more states will soon make ESG options easier to access for those saving for college. "Right now, the ESG offerings tend to be stand-alone options, while about half the assets in 529 plans are allocated to age-based strategies," Mr. Curley said. "But the investment lineups are becoming more diverse, and the industry recognizes and realizes the target market and demographic is shifting." (More: Why millennial demand for ESG is falling on deaf ears) One sign of the shifting dynamics in the 529 space is a steady decline in adviser-sold plans as more savers do it themselves. According to Mr. Curley, adviser-sold assets represented 43% of total 529 plan assets in 2018, down from 62% in 2003.

Latest News

'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)
'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)

Jim Cahn, of Wealth Enhancement Group, lifts the lid on his firm's partnership model, his views on RIA M&A, and the widely slept-on reason why advisors are merging into larger organizations.

Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering
Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering

The fintech firm is cementing its status in the workplace savings space with its latest ESA offering, which employers can integrate into their existing benefits package.

'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love
'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love

Wealth managers offer unique ideas for couples to grow closer emotionally and financially.

Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers
Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers

Survey findings suggest increased sense of financial security and more optimistic 2025 outlook, while highlighting employers' role in ensuring retirement readiness.

DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments
DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments

Falling prices for some securities within the $4 trillion state and local government debt market spotlight how the push to shrink spending is sending shockwaves across the US.

SPONSORED Record growth: Interval funds emerge as key players in alternative investments

Blue Vault Alts Summit highlights the role of liquidity-focused funds in reshaping advisor strategies

SPONSORED Taylor Matthews on what's behind Farther's rapid growth

From 'no clients' to reshaping wealth management, Farther blends tech and trust to deliver family-office experience at scale.