The number of young people investing in Belgium has surged in recent years. But in contrast to more traditional products favoured by older investors, one in five young investors are buying into cryptocurrency.
A recent survey by financial sector federation Febelfin also showed that young people are more likely to listen to "finfluencers" (financial influencers), with almost a quarter (23%) saying they would consider following their advice on investment products or cryptocurrencies.
The survey of more than 2,000 people in Belgium aged from 16 to 79 shows that 47% of Belgians invest in financial products other than savings accounts, up from 44% in 2023.
Between 2021 and now, the number of investors aged between 31 and 79 has risen from 44% to 50%, while the number of investors aged between 16 and 30 as shot up from 24% to 37%.
How do Belgians invest?
In general, the most popular investment products for Belgians are supplementary pensions (46%), investment funds (42%), insurance products (37%), and shares of listed companies (30%).
However trends differ for younger investors, who put their money into investment funds (35%), supplementary pensions (27%), shares of listed companies (25%), and cryptocurrencies (20%).
The survey showed that the three main barriers to investment are a lack of money (46%), insufficient knowledge (39%) and fear of losing money (33%).
Around a third (31%) of non-investors said they would put their money into something if they had more information. This rises to 48% among young people. Febelfin said there may be a lack of awareness or knowledge of key financial concepts among young people, as 11% of respondents between 16 and 30 did not even know if they are currently investing.
The financial services federation said that as young people are more likely to invest in cryptocurrencies and take the advice of "finfluencers", it is important they have access to "sound advice" to avoid scams and quick profit schemes.
Related News
- Bitcoin and Ethereum fall to their lowest levels in months
- Financial watchdog orders crypto trading platform to cease illegal activities in Belgium
- Belgium's most popular state bonds mature: Banks vie for €22 billion returned to savers
Febelfin, with the support of Assuralia (the professional association of insurance companies in Belgium), has launched Club Beleg as a resource for anyone interested in investing. The website provides beginner-friendly information on investing, saving and insurance, as well as educational material for young people and teachers.
"Savers and investors see the banking sector as an important information provider. Therefore, we also play a key role in providing financial knowledge and always strive to provide tailored information to everyone. In this context, Club Beleg is one of our essential initiatives to meet these needs," said Karel Baert, CEO of Febelfin.
The survey of 2,109 Belgians was conducted in 2024 by IndiVille on behalf of Febelfin and included 769 young people.
