NatWest, which has branches in Birmingham, has announced a new investment education module aimed at 14-16-year-olds, specifically those born between 2010 and 2012. The initiative is designed to help address the UK investment confidence gap, as a recent survey by the bank reveals that over half of adults say receiving financial education before the age of 18 would have made them more likely to invest.
Survey highlights lack of early financial education
In a study of 5,000 UK adults, NatWest found that over half of respondents would have been more inclined to invest if they had received financial education before turning 18. Additionally, almost seven in ten (69%) reported that investing was never discussed at home while they were growing up. These findings underscore the need for early financial literacy programs.
New module for youth clubs
Developed in partnership with the National Youth Agency and delivered through NatWest Thrive, the new investment education module is designed for young people aged 14 to 16. It builds on the programme's existing focus on core money skills such as saving, budgeting, and day-to-day money management. Through games, discussions, and a live market simulation, participants learn the fundamentals of saving, investing, and risk.
NatWest Group is the only UK high-street bank working with the National Youth Agency to deliver financial education in youth clubs via trained youth workers. This approach ensures support reaches young people in the communities where it is needed most.
Statements from NatWest and National Youth Agency
Solange Chamberlain, CEO of NatWest's Retail Bank, said: "Financial confidence doesn’t just benefit individuals; it’s vital for the long-term growth the UK needs. Young people are navigating an increasingly complex world, now more than ever, yet many reach adulthood without the confidence or understanding to make informed financial choices. Extending financial education into the primary curriculum is a welcome step forward, and we want to play our part by supporting customers at every life stage."
Leigh Middleton, CEO of the National Youth Agency, added: "We’re delighted that NatWest continues to believe in the power of youth work to transform young lives through the unique voluntary, informal and trusted relationship that youth workers develop with young people. Thanks to their ongoing commitment, we are looking forward to seeing many more young people have access to financial education beyond the classroom."
Middleton also highlighted that NatWest is investing in youth worker training through its Apprenticeship Levy, helping to grow and upskill the youth sector. This aligns with the National Youth Agency's ambition to more than double the number of qualified youth workers at Levels 1-6 by 2035, enabling more young people to access support for their emotional, social, and economic wellbeing.
