A global survey to find out what investors really think about the crisis

One of the features of the current financial crisis is the comparative lack of comment from the bulk of the market participants. Certain high profile investors such as George Soros and Warren Buffett have been widely quoted, but might not be regarded as typical industry participants. We also have the recent testimony by some of the major figures of failed institutions given to the Congressional Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. But a more broadly based view of what the financial services is thinking seems to be lacking thus far. This might be due to the hectic times that the markets have recently witnessed, or else a desire to keep heads down at a time when the industry is under fire.

In response to this, the recently formed finance professionals’ think tank, Network for Sustainable Financial Markets, in partnership with AQ Research, has launched a global survey of investment sector professionals. The goal is to ensure the voice of ordinary investment professionals is heard in the debate about the future of financial markets, not just about today’s debate but also about the underlying dynamics which affect both the crisis response but also the longer-term rehabilitation.

The Network includes some of the world’s most high-profile sustainable investment supporters, including corporate governance expert Dr Robert Eccles from the Harvard Business School, Professor Keith Ambachstheer, Director of Rotman International Centre for Pension Management, University of Toronto and world renowned expert on pensions and Professor Frank Partnoy, one of the world’s leading experts on the complexities of modern finance and financial market regulation.

We believe that an evidence based approach is important. It is clear that we are already entering a period of intense and fundamental debate about the future of the financial services industry, how it is regulated and its role in economic life. Concerned industry participants should be want their voice to be heard, particularly as they will be most affected by the future restrictions.

The survey asks investment professionals for their opinion on fundamental questions on the causes, cures and consequences of the credit crisis.

The survey, which is completed anonymously, can be found here. It will close on 31 October 2008. We estimate that it will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The results will be extensively reported in financial media and will also be available to participants.

The organizers invite you to complete the survey and forward it to contacts you may have who are investment professionals.