Endowus’ Post

The world is constantly evolving, much less financial systems and investor needs. The World Economic Forum has been one of the biggest global drivers of these changes, and they invited Gregory Van and Steffanie Yuen to speak at their inaugural Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems 2025 Symposium. Speaking on the panel on the Rise of Retail Investors, Greg spoke about how technology is transforming the wealth-building experience for people. While AI has been key in reshaping the experience, the starting point for such tools should be focused on the intention of building long-term wealth in a sustainable way for the future, not about selling and churning financial products. Steff shared her insights on Future-Proofing the Longevity Economy: Innovations and Key Trends, a topic that lies close to the Endowus mission as we support clients in their pursuit of retirement adequacy. What's heartening to see is that communities, businesses and societies are collaborating now more than ever to push for more progressive practices in finance. Here are some other key takeaways from the day's events: 👩🏻🎓 Investors are getting younger: 30% of Gen Z began investing during university or early adulthood, compared to 15% of millennials. 🤖 AI could be the future of financial advice: 41% of Gen Z would be open to using an AI assistant to manage their investments. Only 14% of baby boomers said the same. 💰 Financial focus is shifting toward the short term: In 2024, 51% of investors prioritised emergency savings, up from 41% in 2022, while those focused on having enough to retire dropped from 48% to 42%. ✊🏻 Ensuring financial resilience through key life events: Nearly 40% of people globally face financial instability after unplanned career interruptions, including breaks in their careers, illness or unexpected retirement. 🌍 Providing universal access to financial education: Only 33% of the global population is deemed financially literate, contributing to wealth inequalities that are in turn strongly correlated with life expectancy inequalities. 👴🏻 The evolution of jobs and skill development across age groups: Globally, up to 25% of individuals aged 55 and older wish to work in old age but face barriers in finding opportunities. Thank you, World Economic Forum, for having Greg and Steff share their insights at the symposium. #Endowus #WorldEconomicForum #RetailInvestors #LongevityEconomy