SEBI Survey: Investors Rely on Fin-Influencers
In a changing financial landscape, investors are turning away from traditional advisors and increasingly relying on finfluencers (financial influencers). A new SEBI survey reveals that 93% of investors consider finfluencers trustworthy, while just 7% disagree.
The study highlights how digital peer groups and social media platforms dominate as the top sources of securities market information.
YouTube Leads the Way
91% of investors follow financial influencers on YouTube
64% follow Instagram
61% use Facebook
11% follow on Twitter (X)
Only 4% use LinkedIn
This shows that 8 out of 9 investors rely on YouTube for financial advice, making it the undisputed leader among platforms.
Friends & Social Media Still Matter
While finfluencers dominate, other sources remain relevant:
59% rely on friends, family, or colleagues
56% use social media discussions
34% depend on online tools such as Telegram, Facebook groups, and Reddit
Concerns: Risk, Returns, and Complexity
Investor worries remain high, with the survey showing:
79% fear losing money due to market risks
67% worry about uncertain returns
Concerns include lack of knowledge, complexity of products, and distrust in institutions
These fears are especially strong among stock market investors.
Knowledge Gap: Only 36% Know the Market Well
The SEBI report reveals a striking gap in investor knowledge:
36% have moderate to high market knowledge
50% have low knowledge
28% don’t understand how products work
27% don’t know how to begin investing
20% remain confused due to conflicting information sources
Despite widespread access to digital platforms, most investors lack clarity about risks, returns, and investment strategies.
Final Word
The SEBI survey highlights a growing trend: YouTube and digital finfluencers have become the go-to guides for India’s investors. However, with trust in influencers rising, so do risks — especially as many investors lack formal knowledge of markets. Regulators and financial institutions may need to adapt quickly to balance accessibility with protection.
