We debunk the myth – What does investing really look like for Generation Z?
– Gen Z does not seek gambling or quick profits from cryptocurrencies, as stereotypes suggest. They look for protection against inflation and a way to save for a first apartment – says Marcin Groniewski, CEO of Erste TFI. – Gen Z grew up during high inflation and fully understand that money sitting in a bank account loses value.
As he emphasizes, Gen Z, i.e., people aged 18 to 30, are not risk-takers as older generations perceive them. In the group of investors, 28% declare readiness for higher risk, and half choose safe investments. This is the conclusion from the Erste TFI report “Generations in the Investment Market 2.0” (available at erste.pl/tfi), prepared based on 2026 research.
– Today, bonds are more popular among young people than cryptocurrencies. This generation grew up in the shadow of the 2008 financial crisis, the pandemic, and inflation. They know the world is unpredictable and, instead of playing all-in, they seek stability. The bravado of Gen Z is a myth – stresses Marcin Groniewski.
What does Generation Z invest in? Bonds beat cryptocurrencies
Bonds are chosen by 24% of surveyed Gen Z investors, and cryptocurrencies by 14%. Meanwhile, 13% pointed to voluntary retirement savings instruments, i.e., IKE and IKZE. Gen Z knows that future pensions may be low, but this awareness has not yet translated into action. It is too distant a perspective for them to factor into their financial decisions.
– The motivations of Generation Z to invest are very concrete and pragmatic – says the CEO of Erste TFI.
Gen Z – like millennials – view finance broadly. For them it is a tool for building financial security and fulfilling dreams. Older generations usually focus on one priority: security.
Gen Z also stands out with the highest share of people making additional regular contributions. Investors from this generation build capital long‑term. They are interested in finance, and they treat investing as a normal strategy and part of future thinking. Young people are curious, eager to learn, and increasingly confident.
– They understand that you can invest small amounts, so the first investment often does not exceed 500 PLN – says Marcin Groniewski.
Gen Z is less likely than older generations to say that the barrier to starting investing is too little money for investments (29% vs. 37%). A more serious problem, in their view, is a lack of sufficient knowledge. Young non‑investors admit that they often do not know what the first step should be. They usually have low savings, below 10,000 PLN. If they save, it is for some short‑term goal, e.g., holidays. These people see investing as something that is not for them, because it is associated with risk and stress.
On the other hand, young non‑investors are the most eager group to start investing in the near future compared to other generations – 39% of respondents indicated this. They admit that additional incentives would persuade them. They would most like a guarantee of invested funds and a clear step‑by‑step instruction. Non‑investing Gen Z is characterized by the greatest openness to learning about investing.
Financial education on social media – where does Gen Z get its knowledge?
– This generation does not fear admitting that they do not know something, and actively seeks information. The key difference: they learn from YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, not from textbooks. About 60% of new investors get their knowledge from social media – explains the CEO of Erste TFI.
Moreover, 30% of Gen Z investors make investment decisions influenced by social media. For the general population the percentage is 23%. This means that young people decide to enter the market not in a bank or with an advisor, but often on one of the popular platforms.
As Erste TFI experts point out, this makes them the most exposed group to phishing attacks or fake trading sites posing as well‑known brands. In their case the risk of falling for an investment scam is higher, as well as unverified advice from influencers. On the other hand, young people more often than other generations seek advice from friends and family before making the first investment. 19% cite artificial intelligence tools as a source of investment knowledge.
Source: Newseria
