Merchants demand ESG focus from payment providers, Ecommpay survey shows

January 6, 2025

A striking 61% of e-commerce merchants stated they would “definitely” choose a payment service provider (PSP) based on its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values, according to new research by Ecommpay.

Ecommpay, a global payments platform, has unveiled new research demonstrating the increasing importance of sustainability in payment provider selection.

According to the survey, 61% of e-commerce merchants would “definitely” select a payment service provider (PSP) based on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials, while a further 38% indicated they might do so. Notably, all respondents confirmed ESG considerations play some role in their decision-making process, with 41% citing a strong influence and 53% somewhat influenced.

When evaluating specific providers, between 86% and 94% of respondents recognised Ecommpay and five other named providers as sustainable and socially responsible. Ecommpay achieved a standout approval rate of 90% for its commitment to ESG values.

Ecommpay chief marketing officer Miranda McLean said, “Businesses have been increasingly prioritising their own sustainability for some time, and it is clear that this focus now extends to their partnerships. Payment partners are being chosen based on their sustainability and overall commitment to Equality, Sustainability and Governance. It is important that providers can demonstrate their ESG credentials to prospective clients.”

Despite this, data from the Payments Association reveals that only 5% of payment businesses regard ESG as a priority in the next 12 months. This highlights a gap between the expectations of merchants and the current focus of PSPs, signalling an opportunity for providers to align with market demand.

Ecommpay is taking active steps to bridge this gap through its inclusivity programme, Ecommpay for Good. This initiative supports businesses in improving the accessibility of their websites, products, and services, benefiting both customers and business performance. The programme reflects Ecommpay’s dedication to financial inclusivity and sustainability while offering mid-sized and enterprise businesses the tools to trade globally.

McLean added, “As part of our goal of reaching ultimate financial inclusivity, we have made significant commitment to increasing accessibility and equality for Ecommpay clients and their customers. Our payment solutions are inclusive and sustainable, and our new website has been designed with accessibility at its core. We are now calling for others in the industry to take similar action. Together we can ensure that affordable, convenient and flexible payments can be made accessible to everyone.”