HSBC’s fourth Investor Insights Survey[1] has shown that Australians are increasingly seeking investment information (2025: 92%, 2024: 85%) with financial advisers being the number one trusted source.
Financial advisers remain #1 source of information for Australian investors: HSBC study
HSBC’s fourth Investor Insights Survey[1] has shown that despite market fluctuations Australian investors are continuing to adopt a consistent and regular investing approach, diversifying more and increasing the portion of monthly net income allocated to investing.
Donahue D’Souza, Head of Investments at HSBC Australia, said “The survey results indicate investors are turning towards ‘trusted’ sources of information, potentially as a way to assist them in taking a holistic view of their finances.”
Sources of investment information
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Financial adviser | 34% | 26% |
| Market research / industry and analyst reports | 30% | 21% |
| Banks | 25% | 22% |
| I don’t seek investment information | 8% | 15% |
Regarding social media, the most popular platform for investment information is YouTube (12%).
Sources of investment information: social media
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | 12% | 12% |
| 8% | 8% | |
| 7% | 9% | |
| TikTok | 6% | 5% |
| 4% | 3% |
Financial goals: investing for the future
Saving for an emergency fund is the most common driver for investing over the next five years (40%), followed by paying for a holiday (25%) and buying a house (22%).
When it comes to buying luxury items, Gen Z are most likely out of all generations to invest money to afford these items (23%). “The current economic climate may be one reason investors are considering saving for an emergency.
“However, it is interesting to note that Gen Z are the most likely out of all generations to invest in order to buy luxury items. Shorter term goals like buying a small luxury item may seem more achievable compared to saving for a house deposit right now,” said D’Souza.
ADDITIONAL STATISTICS
Average minimum amount thought to be needed to start investing
- On average, Australian investors now think more is needed to start investing compared to last year.
- Younger Australians believe you need over $20,000 to start investing (Gen Z: $20,840 and Millennials $20,275)
- 2025: $18,002
- 2024: $13,251
- 2023: $15,245
- 2022: $14,762
Frequency of monitoring investments at least monthly
- Australian investors are monitoring their investments more frequently than last year.
- Monitoring at least monthly
- 2025: 76%
- 2024: 67%
- Not monitoring at all
- 2025: 2%
- 2024: 10%
Frequency of making investments
- Not investing regularly:
- 2025: 17%
- 2024: 26%
Main drivers for investing over next 5 years
- Save for an emergency fund (40%)
- Pay for a holiday (25%)
- Buy a house (22%)
- To pass onto the next generation (21%)
- Pay for children’s expenses (19%)
Investment sectors six months ago vs now / next six months
| Financials | Technology | Real Estate | Materials | Healthcare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six months ago | 48% | 34% | 29% | 27% | 25% |
| Next six months | 37% | 30% | 27% | 22% | 20% |
Plans to distribute wealth in the future
| Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Baby Boomer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I plan to have my will manage how my wealth is distributed after I'm gone | 40% | 48% | 52% | 67% |
| I plan to help my child/ren financially now or soon | 31% | 38% | 27% | 20% |
| I plan to pass on all or part of my wealth before I retire | 24% | 25% | 8% | 6% |
| I plan to leave all or part of my wealth to charity | 21% | 19% | 8% | 7% |
| Other | 0% | 1% | 2% | 0% |
| Unsure - I haven't thought about it | 24% | 16% | 20% | 11% |
| Not applicable - I don't expect to have significant wealth to distribute | 4% | 4% | 4% | 8% |
ABOUT THE SURVEY
HSBC undertook the research to better understand Australian investor’s behaviours and views regarding the investment market. From 21 – 25 March 2025, 1,010 Australian investors aged 18+ excluding those that invested only through superannuation, savings accounts or primary home that they live in were surveyed by YouGov via an online confidential poll.
GENERATION DEFINITIONS
- Gen Z (1997-2009) (only ages 18+ relevant for this survey)
- Millennials Gen Y (1981-1996) (ages 29-44)
- Gen X (1965-1980) (ages 45-60)
- Baby Boomer (1946-1964) (ages 61-70)
Important information
The statements contained in this media release are general in nature and do not constitute investment research or a recommendation, or a statement of opinion (financial product advice) to buy or sell investments. Some of the statements may be considered forward looking statements which provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. Such forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements. HBAU, HBAP and the HSBC Group of companies do not give any warranty or make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the forward-looking statements contained herein, or as to changes in the statements after the publication.
HSBC Australia
In Australia, the HSBC Group offers an extensive range of financial services through a network of branches and offices. Principal HSBC Group members operating in Australia include HSBC Bank Australia Limited (ABN 48 006 434 162 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 232595) and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (ABN 65 117 925 970 and AFSL 301737).
HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 58 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,017bn at 31 December 2024, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
[1] Survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of HSBC between the 21st – 25th March 2025.
Media enquiries:
Jacqui Coleman
E-mail: jacqui.coleman@hsbc.com.au
Lillian Birchall
E-mail: lillian.birchall@hsbc.com.au