Key banking insights 2021
In this piece, we’re rounding up the highlights of a year of banking and insurance insights and trends.
Following a year of continued upheaval, one story was on everyone’s minds: Are dog owners more likely to insure their pets than cat owners? YouGov research shows that, in seven key markets, they generally are.
Moving on to the COVID-19 pandemic, research we conducted for Bloomberg highlighted the financial impact of the crisis on people in 17 global markets. Data showed that, overall, two in five said the pandemic had increased their cost of living.
Within the same dataset, we asked the public if they trust banks to protect their money and their information from cyber criminals. In both cases, more than half do not. The same study shows that three in ten consumers have an unfavourable view of the banking industry in general.
The year of COP26 put climate change back on the agenda, and our data showed that half of global consumers believe financial services companies have to do more to fight its adverse effects.
Our global content also included a webinar on consumer trends in the financial services industry, focusing on COVID, consumer adoption of digital channels, retail investing, and a range of other topics. You can download the full session here.
On a regional level, YouGov’s Purchase Funnel Rankings gave us a reason to examine the customers of brands such as State Farm in greater detail. The insurer also topped our rankings for car insurers with the best reputations.
Another study, using data from YouGov profiles, explored the relationship between financial stability and wellbeing for American consumers. Money may not solve all of life’s problems, but there is a correlation between how financially comfortable an American feels and how well they perceive themselves to be.
Outside of the US , YouGov dived into eco-investing in Britain – highlighting investors at different levels of engagement – while research about attitudes to mortgage applications showed that many Britons consider banks’ criteria “unfair”.
In a more Christmassy vein, we’ve just released our festive insights for Great Britain. There are more than a few stocking fillers to see you through to 2022.