SINGAPORE – Companies here believe that investments in the metaverse and sustainability will drive growth in what is expected to be a difficult year, according to a survey.

It found that 66 percent of financial services companies surveyed say they are investing in technology to improve reporting and disclosures on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, while 59 percent are developing new products and services in this area.

The inaugural survey, commissioned by New York-listed fintech firm FIS, found that 61 percent of these companies are investing in technology to provide more detailed asset and security ESG ratings.

And 53 percent of financial services companies surveyed say they are looking for opportunities in the metaverse, while 40 percent of non-financial services…