The Blog

Trading and Investing Platforms Preferred by Gen Z

Meet The Engagement Appeal Ambassadors

Joseph Vambe

I’m Joseph Vambe, a 24-year-old education ambassador for TEA. My journey has been driven by a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2018, I had the honour of becoming the first Stormzy Scholar at Cambridge University, an experience that profoundly shaped my outlook on education and community leadership. Now, as the youngest elected Councillor in Southwark, I dedicate myself to fostering inclusive environments where everyone has a voice.

Niam Patel

Niam Patel is a dynamic 23-year-old Gen Z entrepreneur and a key figure in TEA’s strategy and development. A former student at Cambridge University, Niam chose to pursue his passion for business and investing by co-founding Circular Regeneration and Card Culture. His expertise in tech, new asset classes, and sustainability is self-taught, and he continues to push boundaries in these fields.

Investing and Trading Platforms Used by Gen Z

As a member of Gen Z and an active participant in The Engagement Appeal’s (TEA) initiatives, I find the platforms I use for investing to be more than just tools for buying and selling stocks. Platforms like Interactive Investor have an added layer of significance for me, as they genuinely engage retail investors like myself in the wider investment process. What sets Interactive Investor apart is its emphasis on shareholder engagement, making me feel more connected and informed about the companies I invest in. For instance, their notifications about voting opportunities and upcoming AGMs allow me to take an active role in decision-making, something that should matter to every retail investor. Knowing that my voice can influence the direction of companies aligns with my broader values around equity and inclusion, where everyone, regardless of their investment size, can make an impact.

This engagement is not only empowering but crucial in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. I believe that all investors, especially the younger generation, should be encouraged to engage in this way. Many people overlook how vital these votes and meetings are. Voting on important issues such as executive pay, environmental policies, or corporate governance is how shareholders can influence the direction of the companies they invest in. By participating, we help hold companies accountable and ensure that they operate in ways that align with our values.

Interactive Investor also excels in building a community around its platform. Active discussion boards and online communities are integral parts of this platform, where users can share insights, ask questions, and discuss market trends. For me, this sense of community is invaluable. Being able to engage with other investors, many of whom are much more experienced, provides me with a wealth of knowledge I wouldn’t have access to otherwise. The openness and accessibility of these discussions are important for new investors looking to learn and for experienced ones seeking fresh perspectives. This sense of belonging and collective learning is part of what keeps me invested—not just in stocks but in the broader process of growing as an informed, engaged retail investor.

Platforms like Robinhood, which I also use, have built their appeal on accessibility and ease of use. Robinhood’s sleek, simple interface makes it easy for first-time investors to start trading, but it’s also where many people get their initial exposure to markets. Its commission-free trading model has been a game-changer in making investing accessible to all, and this is a major reason why platforms like it have become popular with Gen Z. However, Robinhood lacks some of the deeper engagement that Interactive Investor offers, particularly when it comes to fostering long-term, informed investing habits rather than short-term trades. While simplicity is important, being truly engaged in the companies you invest in—beyond just clicking to buy and sell—gives you a more informed and empowering investing experience.

Similarly, Niam Patel’s choice of Trading212 and Gemini reflects broader trends in Gen Z’s investing preferences. Trading212, with its wide range of assets and accessible interface, has become a favourite among young investors. The educational resources it offers are crucial for people like Niam who taught themselves about investing and who now want to delve deeper into strategy and market analysis. As for Gemini, Niam’s caution when it comes to security and regulatory compliance in the crypto space mirrors the growing awareness among younger investors about the importance of choosing platforms that are both trustworthy and secure. After the high-profile collapse of exchanges like FTX, platforms that offer better security and oversight, like Gemini, are becoming preferred choices for crypto trading.

For broader market trends, the choices of these platforms reflect how retail investors—especially Gen Z—are navigating the evolving financial landscape. The accessibility of platforms like Robinhood and Trading212 caters to the digitally-savvy generation who have grown up with technology at their fingertips. The rise of cryptocurrency platforms such as Gemini highlights the expanding interest in alternative assets, with many young investors seeing crypto as a new frontier for wealth generation. However, it’s crucial that we approach these trends with informed decision-making, where security, regulatory compliance, and trust become the guiding principles.

Ultimately, why does this matter for retail investors, and why should my peers care?

First, these platforms offer access to financial markets in ways that were previously unimaginable. The barriers to entry have lowered significantly, meaning more people can participate in wealth creation. Second, the engagement element—whether it’s through voting notifications, AGMs, or active discussion communities—empowers retail investors to do more than just trade. We can engage in shaping the future of the companies we invest in and make informed choices that align with our values.

For TEA, promoting financial literacy and engagement is key. Platforms like Interactive Investor support this mission by providing the tools and resources needed to make informed decisions. In an increasingly digital world, where platforms are becoming the primary access point for financial markets, we must choose platforms that not only allow us to invest but also engage us in the process, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

The message to take away is simple: don’t just invest—engage. Whether it’s through shareholder voting, participating in AGMs, or joining active discussion boards, being an engaged investor is about more than just money. It’s about being part of a broader community that is shaping the future of businesses, industries, and the economy. For Gen Z investors, in particular, who will be the future drivers of these changes, the platforms we choose and how we engage with them will play a significant role in how we influence the world around us.

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