Maria Lykouras
The Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association (SIAA) has welcomed the release of the ASX Australian Investor Study 2026, which marks 40 years of research into Australian investor participation and behaviour.
The number of Australians investing outside their superannuation and primary home has grown by 2.5 million since 2020, a 28% increase, reaching a record 11.5 million investors in 2026.
Maria Lykouras, SIAA Chief Executive Officer on the findings demonstrating Australia’s strong investing culture and the opportunity to support more Australians on their journey: “The ASX Australian Investor Study has become an important benchmark for understanding how Australians invest, what they are seeking from markets and where barriers to participation remain. As a longstanding affiliate member of SIAA, ASX continues to play an important role in supporting Australia’s capital markets and providing valuable insights that help inform the industry, policymakers and investors.”
Maria on the record shift towards investment participation outside superannuation and primary home: “One of the most significant findings in this year’s study is that a record 11.5 million Australians now invest outside of their superannuation and primary home. This demonstrates the important role investing plays in helping Australians build long-term wealth and improve their financial security. “It is also encouraging to see strong levels of participation in shares, ETFs and other listed investments, highlighting the important role capital markets continue to play in supporting both investors and the broader economy.
“At the same time, the study highlights the significant opportunity that remains.
“Almost 10 million Australians have either never invested outside of their superannuation or family home, or have stopped investing altogether. Of those, approximately 950,000 intend to start investing within the next 12 months.”
Maria on the next wave of younger and more diverse investors:
“Importantly, younger Australians account for almost four in ten intending investors, while women represent 61 per cent of those planning to start investing. If these trends continue, we could see a more diverse and inclusive investor base emerge over the coming years.
“The findings also reinforce that confidence and knowledge remain some of the biggest barriers preventing Australians from investing. Many intending investors are unsure where to find trusted information, which investment products are right for them, or how to get started. That highlights the continued importance of investor education and the critical role that brokers, advisers and other market participants play in helping Australians make informed investment decisions.”
Maria on the importance of improving financial literacy and access to advice: “The growing demand for financial advice is another important finding. More Australians are seeking guidance to help them navigate increasingly complex financial decisions, with younger Australians leading this trend. However, access to advice remains a significant challenge. There has never been a more important time to improve access to quality, affordable financial advice. We need a regulatory framework that continues to protect consumers while making it easier and more commercially viable for advisers to provide advice, particularly to Australians with relatively straightforward financial needs.”
Maria on the role technology can play in supporting greater access to investing and advice: “The study also highlights the growing role technology is playing in how Australians engage with investing. AI and other digital tools have the potential to improve financial literacy, support advisers and reduce the cost of delivering advice. However, technology should complement professional advice, not replace it. As innovation continues, policymakers must ensure that consumers can benefit from technological advances while still receiving appropriate protections and safeguards.
“Ultimately, the findings show that more Australians want to take an active role in shaping their financial future. Our goal should be to ensure they have access to the information, tools and professional support they need to invest confidently and achieve their long-term financial goals.”