More than a third of DIY investors seek high level of investment risk

• 50% of self-directed investors say the level of investment risk they’re willing to take is higher than usual
• Gen Z (aged 18-28) are the most bullish with their risk appetite, with 50% looking to take a high level of investment risk
• The power of advice cannot be understated though. Confidence increases further among DIY investors who receive financial advice, with 56% taking a high level of investment risk

Investing always carries a level of risk, though self-directed investors – dubbed DIY investors, in that they actively choose their own investments – are turning up the dial as more than a third (36%) are currently looking to take a high level of investment risk, according to latest research from Charles Stanley Direct.

When asked what level of investment risk self-directed investors were looking to take in the first couple of months in 2026, one in ten (11%) said they’ll be taking a very high level of risk, followed by 25% who said a high level. 45% said they’re looking to take a moderate level of risk when it comes to their investments.

Looking at the risk appetite investors’ are looking to take, 50% say it is higher than usual. Of this, 13% say it is significantly higher, while 37% say it is slightly higher.

Gen Z are the most bullish cohort when it comes to investment risk appetite. Half (50%) say they are currently looking for a high level of risk when it comes to their portfolio, compared to 41% of Millennials (age 29-44) and 18% of Gen X (45-60 year olds). With a longer time horizon on their side, this provides greater opportunity for investments to grow and recover from any market falls.

60% of Gen Z self-directed investors also say they are taking a higher level of risk than they usually do, surpassing the national average.

The power of financial advice also goes some way in building confidence among DIY investors. 56% of investors who receive advice say they are looking to take a high level of investment risk, compared to just 19% who do not currently, nor ever have, sought finance advice.

Rob Morgan, Chief Investment Analyst at Charles Stanley Direct, comments: “DIY investors have started the year in a positive frame of mind and showing signs of optimism as they adopt risk-seeking behaviour. This is most notable among younger investors, who naturally have more time on their side and are keen go-getters in turning their financial ambitions into reality.

“While the start of the year may typically ring in new confidence or resolutions, investors also need to take care and hedge their portfolios appropriately. Whether a seasoned investor or just starting out, it’s important to take a long-term view and make sure portfolios are well diversified to weather any market storms. Investing involves a degree of risk, but making educated investment decisions could help offset potential losses due to market volatility.”

Methodology:

The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,000 DIY Investors in the UK (’Self-Directed’), defined as; investors who actively choose their own investments (stocks, shares, crypto etc), making their own asset allocation decisions, excluding; ‘passive investors’ who just invest in managed ‘index funds’/ETFs who don’t select their own individual stock and instead invest a diversified portfolio that is managed by someone else, aged 18+.

Research was conducted between 28th November 2025 and 4th December 2025.