By Julien Le Noble, Chief Executive Officer at GTN Asia
Developed markets offer a broad array of asset classes and products across the sophistication continuum while developing markets often yearn for straightforward access to mainstream products. The “one-size-fits-all” approach is no longer viable.
The financial world continues to undergo significant transformation, opening up new avenues for investors, more client-centric journeys, and more transparent pricing. Tech innovation continues to sweep across the globe, particularly in thriving hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong, where fintech and wealthtech companies are redefining the way we invest.
Conversations with clients and peers worldwide consistently reveal a key theme: investor needs are as diverse as the regions they come from. Developed markets offer a broad array of asset classes and products across the sophistication continuum while developing markets often yearn for straightforward access to mainstream products. The “one-size-fits-all” approach is no longer viable.
Today, financial literacy is on the rise, driven by growing financial aspirations and improved accessibility to investment. People seek more than just basic banking or self-directed services. The need to educate themselves on investing through communities of like-minded individuals is growing. However, the playing field isn’t always level. In regions with limited technological infrastructure, traditional investing can be daunting, especially with the perceived high capital requirements. This fear often deters new investors from entering the market, hindering their ability to build wealth for the future.
This is where it gets exciting, with a great opportunity for intermediaries and financial institutions to lower the accessibility barrier even further with fractional trading. Enabling broader market access is poised to change the game for regional investors. Imagine being able to invest in a fraction of a share of your favorite tech giant without the full upfront cost. This allows everyone, regardless of their initial capital, to participate in the market’s growth potential. Furthermore, increased access to various markets empowers investors to diversify their portfolios and mitigate risk. They are no longer confined to the limitations of their local exchanges.
By embracing these innovations, financial institutions and intermediaries can tap into entirely new market segments, fostering financial inclusion and creating a more sustainable future for themselves and their clients.
The future of finance is about democratisation and empowerment. Fractional trading and broader market access are the tools that will unlock a new era of wealth creation for regional investors everywhere.