A digital artist has used AI to create an image of what Brits think a stereotypical ‘investor’ would look like.
The image shows the man wearing a crisp, well-fitted suit and a Rolex watch.
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It follows research of 2,000 adults which found four in 10 believe investing is only for ‘wealthy people’.
Based on the poll, the stereotypical investor is a male in his early 40s, most likely to be eating an expensive looking steak with salad in a cosy home office.
Other items in their possession include a briefcase, multiple smartphones and expensive cufflinks.
While one in six envisioned them wearing a Bluetooth headset so they could remain handsfree on calls.
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The research, which was commissioned by Virgin Money to support their ambition of helping investors grow their money as simply as possible, challenges stereotypical perceptions of what investors are.
It revealed that 32% believe they would be priced out of making any meaningful money from any investments of their own.
A quarter simply aren’t sure whether investing is affordable, with the average adult believing you would need to invest a minimum of almost £1,600 to give it a go.
But 32% admitted they don’t have a deep understanding of how it all works, while a third wouldn’t know where to start.
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And 68% think investing is too complicated for them with too much unnecessary jargon involved.
Jonathan Byrne, chief executive officer at Virgin Money Investments, said: “The landscape of investing has changed massively in recent years, becoming more accessible and popular with new audiences, especially young adults.
“This research shows many people still think of investing as out of reach and requiring large sums of money to get started, but that’s just not true.
“It’s actually becoming significantly simpler to do so – investing can be as straightforward as opening a savings account.”
The study found 35% do have confidence in their investing ability, believing if they were to invest today, they’d make a return.
Half (49%) would be more inclined to try investing if they were able to do so with smaller sums of money, with an average of £166 a month considered a comfortable amount.
Stocks, stocks & shares ISAs were the most familiar methods of investing to respondents, alongside bonds and cryptocurrencies.
While the research carried out through OnePoll found investing in a fund is seen as a good method according to 46%.
The findings follow a study published last year, which found younger age groups have started to invest more.
The FCA data identified a 6% increase among 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 year-olds and a 5% increase among 35 to 44 year-olds between 2020 and 2022.
Jonathan Byrne from Virgin Money Investments, which enables people to invest from just £25 a month in a Stocks and Shares ISA, Investment account or a pension, added: “Investing can be for anyone, and we believe it’s one of the best ways for people to grow their money.
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“It’s easy to think it’s only for the wealthy, but that’s not the case anymore – the fact that more women and younger generations are getting involved with investing is a positive sign.
“We want to challenge the investor stereotype for good and show that investing is a great option for lots of people – you certainly don’t need a fancy suit, Rolex or home office to make your money work harder, which is why we’ve made investing straightforward, with no jargon, no waffle – just three no-nonsense options.”
