Romanian investors under 35 display distinct behaviour on the capital market: they trade more actively on international exchanges, prefer flexible instruments such as fractional shares and predefined portfolios (PIES1), and rely primarily on digital and international sources of information. The data comes from the study “Perceptions of Investment,” commissioned by Investimental, the first brokerage firm authorised by Romania’s Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) in the past 16 years.
While the 46–65 age group values reputation and platform longevity, younger investors focus on functionality, cost, and performance. This shift in priorities is accelerating the local market’s maturity and redefining how trust is built within the financial ecosystem.
The findings show a clear age gap in adopting modern investment tools. Across all age categories, more than two-thirds of users who have access to fractional shares have used this option. Among those aged 46–65, the share drops to 55%, showing lower interest compared to younger segments.
The gap widens for predefined portfolios: 69% of investors aged 25–35 who are aware of them have used them, compared to an overall average of 52%. This product simplifies diversification, removing technical barriers for less experienced investors.
“We’re seeing how investors are becoming more informed and cautious while capital market participation is becoming increasingly accessible. Features such as fractional shares and predefined portfolios are not just convenient tools—they’re transforming who can invest and how. Today, you don’t need to be an expert to start, and a diversified portfolio can be built with just a few hundred lei instead of tens of thousands. Users are now gravitating towards modern, high-performance platforms. In short, the local market is becoming more connected and aligned with international standards,” said Valentina Berevoianu, CEO of Investimental.
The study suggests that entry barriers are no longer about capital or expertise, but about access to information and the right tools. Motivation is also shifting: while previous generations relied on professional advice or institutional reputation, younger investors are guided more by peers—friends, colleagues, and close social contacts. As investing becomes normalised within social circles, the psychological barrier to entry fades once someone in the group starts and talks about it openly.
“Young investors approach things differently. They constantly seek information from multiple, sometimes unexpected sources, and are unafraid to experiment. They want simplicity and mobile control. What seemed complicated to their parents now feels intuitive, putting pressure on the entire industry to keep pace,” said Gabriel Aldea, Deputy CEO of Investimental.
On average, investors use five information sources regardless of age, but the type of sources differs widely. The 25–35 group relies much more on video and social platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, X, and Discord), while investors aged 46–65 stick to traditional media such as television, LinkedIn, and the local business press.
A notable 2025 trend is the sharp rise of non-finance influencers as information sources—they are now the fourth most frequent source, with usage rising from 20% in 2024 to 34% in 2025. Their informal style and accessible explanations help broaden financial literacy.
Younger investors also consume more international media, showing significant growth compared to 2024, while the older group prefers Romanian outlets. This international orientation is reflected in behaviour as well, with young investors trading far more on foreign markets.
The overall trend is clear: Romania’s capital market is becoming more open, more diversified in instruments, and better aligned with global dynamics. Trust is increasingly built through direct experience, measurable results, and community recommendations.
The “Perceptions of Investment” study was conducted by Exact Business Solutions through CAWI methodology between 6–26 March 2025 on a sample of 608 urban respondents aged 25–65, with monthly incomes above 4,500 lei and savings of at least 3,000 EUR. The analysis included 292 active investors, 244 potential investors, and 72 non-investors.