Why are UK adults urged to invest by the FCA?

The FCA encourages investment as many UK adults hold significant cash savings that lose value due to inflation and could yield better returns through investing.

What are the main barriers to investing for UK consumers?

Consumers often feel unsure of their options, overwhelmed by complexity, or need more support than general guidance offers.

How does the FCA plan to support UK investors?

The FCA is introducing new rules and targeted support to bridge the gap between general information and paid financial advice.

Home / Business and Economy / UK Urged to Invest: Millions Miss Out on Better Returns

UK Urged to Invest: Millions Miss Out on Better Returns

11 Dec, 2025

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Summary

One in ten UK adults lack any cash savings.
Seven million UK adults could earn more by investing.
Many avoid investing due to uncertainty and lack of support.

UK Urged to Invest: Millions Miss Out on Better Returns

Millions of individuals in the UK are encouraged to consider investing as an alternative to simply holding cash savings. Regulatory data indicates a significant portion of the population faces financial precarity, with one in ten adults reporting no cash savings and an additional 21% having less than £1,000 available for emergencies.

Analysis suggests that approximately seven million UK adults possessing £10,000 or more in cash savings might achieve better returns through investment opportunities. While investing involves risk, as asset values can fluctuate, the purchasing power of stagnant cash is continuously diminished by inflation.

Many consumers who are financially positioned to invest refrain from doing so due to a lack of clarity on options, feeling overwhelmed, or needing more direct support. Targeted initiatives are being developed to bridge the gap between general guidance and professional, fee-based financial advice.