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The idea of young investors may seem like an oxymoron: investing requires large amounts of money, and young people (especially Millennials) are notoriously short of extra cash to invest. Yet there are younger investors out there bringing new energy and insights to the playing field. Excited by the volatile world of investing—and new options, such as ESG-related opportunities—young investors are taking advice from their older peers, but also forging their own paths.
Henry Kravis, co-founder of private equity firm KKR, is excited for what the newer generation has to offer. With over 40 years of experience in investing, Kravis offered young investors some sage advice:
“If I can take one thing other than integrity and instill that in people, I’d want it to be curiosity because to me, people who are curious are going to be better investors and better stewards of others’ money.”
Kravis’ advice comes at a time when financial advisers are becoming increasingly curious about the untapped potential of Millennials. Indeed, a recent study by Jefferson National confirms that the most prosperous investors are specifically targeting Gen X and Millennial clients. Results from the study reveal that advisers who manage more than $250 million are primarily focusing on Gen Xers. Advisers who earn at least $500,000 per year are concentrating on Millennials.
But Millennials are proving to be a different breed of investor. A recent study conducted by Scorpio Partnership and FactSet revealed that young investors are more than twice as likely to request ESG screenings as older investors. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) screenings allow investors to consider more than just profitability; the screenings provide insight into the ethical component of investments. The recent trend shows that Millennials are more concerned with virtuous business practices than their older counterparts. The cultural shift has caused financial advisers to rethink their recruitment strategies and prioritize companies who exhibit moral values.
It may seem strange, but young investors are changing the face of investing. Their enjoyment of risk and their interest in ethical business practices are affecting the way advisers approach investing, creating a whole new game for the future.
