Rupert Osborne, UK CEO of high-growth fintech Capital.com (UK) Limited, advocated for a new Retail Investment Strategy at the Igniting Growth Conference on 25 May 2025.
Osborne participated in a panel alongside key parliamentarians, including Callum Anderson MP (PPS to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology), Kanishka Narayan MP (PPS to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), and Lauren Edwards MP (Chair of the Financial Markets and Services APPG). The discussion focused on how financial services can drive inclusive national growth.
The conference provided an excellent opportunity for Capital.com to reaffirm its commitment to enhancing financial inclusion. With the right support and investment education, UK consumers have the potential to drive strong growth, supporting the Government’s Growth Agenda.
A recent report by the Centre for Policy Studies revealed that the UK is falling behind other nations in retail investing. Retail investors hold only 21% of assets under management (AUM), the lowest in Europe. In comparison, retail investors in the United States hold approximately 50% of AUM.
A new Retail Investment Strategy will assist consumers in understanding investment opportunities and risks, enhancing financial literacy and enabling better decision-making that can further contribute to economic growth. Barclays Bank has recently estimated that £430bn of UK consumer savings is currently held in cash by 13 million individuals – money that could be generating better returns if invested.
Rupert highlighted the existing potential in the UK market, noting that it is currently worth approximately £2.4 trillion in AUM, according to the Investment Association. While many in the UK are diligent savers, a significant portion of their wealth remains in low-yield cash deposits, limiting their long-term financial growth. One of the biggest opportunities lies in improving financial literacy and investment education – an area where the US has historically done better. Greater awareness and understanding of investment options can drive broader participation in local capital markets, enhance liquidity, and encourage retail investors to support domestic IPOs and stocks. Importantly, improving financial literacy can also help diversify investment strategies, reducing the UK’s heavy reliance on property as a primary asset class. By closing the knowledge gap, the UK can create a more financially empowered population, ensuring that both retail and institutional investors benefit from a more dynamic and inclusive market.
Rupert Osborne, CEO, at Capital.com UK, stated:
“I was thrilled to join a panel with Callum, Kanishka, and Lauren to discuss ways to enhance financial literacy and democratise access to financial markets across the UK. To achieve this, Capital.com is calling on the Government to launch a new Retail Investment Strategy, making it easier for everyone to participate in the economy and understand investment opportunities and risks.
“We are already doing our part by focusing on creating the necessary education tools for investors to empower them in learning and understanding the market and the opportunities it can potentially offer .
By developing innovative fintech solutions, educating customers, supporting hundreds of jobs, and generating millions in tax revenues, Capital.com is also proud to contribute directly to the UK Government’s ambitious economic growth agenda.”
