Sharesies is a groundbreaking investment platform that has captured the attention of New Zealanders with its innovative approach to making investing accessible to all. Founded in 2017 by Brooke Anderson, Leighton Roberts, and Sonya Williams, Sharesies was born out of a vision to democratize the world of finance and provide an opportunity for every Kiwi to become an investor, regardless of their financial background or experience.
The idea for Sharesies took shape when the founders realized that traditional investment platforms often had high barriers to entry, making it difficult for everyday New Zealanders to participate in the share market. They sought to bridge this gap by creating an easy-to-use, affordable, and user-friendly platform that would allow individuals to invest in a diverse range of financial products, from shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to managed funds and bonds.
Sharesies made its official debut in March 2017, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The platform’s simple and intuitive interface, combined with its low minimum investment requirement, struck a chord with New Zealanders, prompting a surge in new investors eager to start their investment journey.
At the core of Sharesies’ philosophy lies the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to build wealth and secure their financial future. This inclusive mindset has shaped the platform’s ethos and has driven its commitment to making investing accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Sharesies envisions a future where financial literacy is widespread, and investing is a tool for empowerment and growth.
Sharesies’ user-friendly mobile app and website have been instrumental in attracting a wide and diverse user base. The platform’s intuitive design allows even those with little to no investment experience to navigate the world of finance with confidence. Through the app, users can easily set up an account, deposit funds, and start investing in a matter of minutes.
Moreover, Sharesies’ low minimum investment requirement has been a game-changer for aspiring investors. With the ability to start investing with as little as a few dollars, the platform has opened doors for those who previously felt excluded from the world of investing due to financial constraints.
Sharesies’ commitment to financial education has been another cornerstone of its success. Recognizing that many potential investors may feel intimidated by the complexities of investing, Sharesies has invested in creating educational resources and content to demystify the process. Through articles, tutorials, and webinars, the platform empowers users with the knowledge and confidence to make informed investment decisions.
The platform’s comprehensive range of financial products has also contributed to its popularity. From individual company shares to ETFs that track global indices, Sharesies offers a diverse array of investment options, allowing users to tailor their investment portfolios to suit their risk tolerance and financial goals.
Additionally, Sharesies’ responsible investing options have resonated with investors who are keen to align their investments with their values. The platform offers a range of funds that prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, enabling investors to support companies and initiatives that prioritize sustainability and social impact.
Sharesies’ impact on New Zealand’s investment landscape has been significant. The platform has played a pivotal role in fostering a new generation of investors, transforming the perception of investing from a daunting endeavor to an accessible and empowering journey. As more New Zealanders join the platform, a sense of community has emerged, with investors sharing insights, experiences, and support on their financial journeys.
The success of Sharesies has not gone unnoticed by the financial industry. Traditional investment providers have taken note of the platform’s ability to attract a new and diverse customer base, prompting them to rethink their own strategies and offerings. The rise of digital investment platforms like Sharesies has sparked a broader conversation about the democratization of finance and the need for traditional financial institutions to evolve and cater to changing consumer preferences.
In recent years, Sharesies’ growth has accelerated, with the platform continually expanding its suite of investment products and features. The team behind Sharesies remains committed to its mission of democratizing investing and is constantly exploring ways to enhance the user experience and provide even more opportunities for investors.
Beyond its impact on individual investors, Sharesies’ growing user base and assets under management have contributed to the growth of New Zealand’s share market. As more Kiwis embrace investing, the local share market has experienced increased liquidity and participation, providing a boost to the broader economy.
Sharesies’ story is a testament to the power of innovation and determination in reshaping traditional industries. The platform’s founders had a vision to create a financial ecosystem that prioritized accessibility and empowerment. Today, that vision has become a reality, and Sharesies continues to inspire a new generation of investors to take control of their financial futures.
In conclusion, Sharesies’ journey from a visionary idea to a transformative investment platform has redefined the landscape of investing in New Zealand. By breaking down barriers and making investing accessible to all, Sharesies has empowered individuals to grow their wealth and secure their financial future. With its inclusive approach and commitment to financial education, Sharesies stands as a beacon of change, challenging the status quo of the financial industry and paving the way for a more equitable and empowered future of investing in New Zealand.
Inclusive Investment Platform:
Sharesies aims to make investing accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background or experience, with a low minimum investment requirement.
User-Friendly Interface:
The platform offers a simple and intuitive mobile app and website, making it easy for users to navigate and start their investment journey with confidence.
Diverse Range of Financial Products:
Sharesies provides a comprehensive selection of investment options, including individual shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), managed funds, and bonds, allowing users to build diversified portfolios.
Responsible Investing Options:
Sharesies offers funds with a focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, enabling investors to align their investments with their values and support sustainable initiatives.
Financial Education Resources:
Sharesies invests in educational content, including articles, tutorials, and webinars, to empower users with knowledge and insights for informed investment decision-making.
Fractional Investing:
The platform allows users to invest in fractional shares, making it possible to own a portion of expensive stocks that may have been out of reach for smaller investors.
Auto-Investing:
Sharesies offers a feature that enables users to set up recurring investments, automating their contribution and ensuring a consistent investment approach.
Community Engagement:
Sharesies fosters a sense of community among investors, providing a space for users to share insights, experiences, and support, encouraging collaboration and learning.
Transparent Fee Structure:
Sharesies maintains a clear and straightforward fee structure, making it easy for investors to understand the costs associated with their investments.
Growth-Oriented Mission:
Sharesies is committed to continuous improvement and expansion, constantly exploring new opportunities and features to enhance the investment experience for users.
Sharesies, the brainchild of Brooke Anderson, Leighton Roberts, and Sonya Williams, emerged as a revolutionary investment platform in New Zealand, challenging the traditional norms of finance and democratizing the world of investing. Founded in 2017, the platform’s inception was rooted in a shared belief that investing should be accessible to all, irrespective of financial status or knowledge. With a vision to empower New Zealanders to grow their wealth and secure their financial future, the founders embarked on a journey to reshape the investment landscape of the country.
The journey of Sharesies began with a spark of inspiration derived from observing the barriers that prevented many Kiwis from entering the world of investing. Traditional investment platforms often required significant initial capital, which created a significant entry barrier for those with limited funds. Additionally, the complexity of financial jargon and lack of accessible educational resources deterred many from taking the first step towards building their investment portfolios.
The trio of founders recognized that New Zealand was a nation with a strong savings culture, yet a large percentage of its population remained uninvested in the share market. They saw an opportunity to bridge this gap and transform New Zealanders from savers to investors, thereby creating a more inclusive and financially empowered society.
Sharesies officially launched in March 2017, marking a turning point in New Zealand’s investment landscape. The platform’s mobile app and website offered an intuitive and user-friendly interface that appealed to individuals across all age groups. Novice investors, who had previously felt overwhelmed by the complexities of finance, found comfort in the straightforward and simplified approach of Sharesies.
What set Sharesies apart from conventional investment platforms was its unique minimum investment requirement. With as little as just one dollar, individuals could begin their investment journey. This groundbreaking feature was a game-changer, as it not only allowed those with limited funds to invest but also encouraged a culture of regular and consistent contributions.
Sharesies was not just a platform for financial transactions; it was a gateway to financial education. The team recognized the importance of financial literacy in empowering individuals to make informed investment decisions. They set out to create a comprehensive library of educational resources that would demystify financial concepts and equip users with the knowledge to navigate the world of investing confidently.
Through articles, guides, and webinars, Sharesies provided valuable insights into various investment products, market trends, and risk management strategies. The platform’s educational efforts extended beyond traditional finance, delving into responsible investing and ESG considerations. This commitment to responsible investing resonated with a growing number of investors who sought to align their portfolios with their values.
Sharesies envisioned a future where everyone had the opportunity to participate in the growth of the economy and harness the potential of long-term investing. The platform’s fractional investing feature further exemplified this vision. Fractional investing allowed users to own a fraction of a share, making it possible to invest in high-value stocks without having to purchase a whole share. This innovation democratized the ownership of expensive stocks and diversified investment options.
As more individuals joined the Sharesies community, a sense of camaraderie emerged. The platform fostered a vibrant community where investors shared their experiences, sought advice, and celebrated milestones together. This collaborative environment created a safe space for beginners to ask questions and learn from seasoned investors, further bolstering the platform’s mission to democratize investing.
Sharesies’ impact transcended individual investors; it reverberated across the broader investment landscape of New Zealand. The platform’s rapid growth and popularity coincided with a shift in the mindset of traditional financial institutions. Sharesies’ success demonstrated the untapped potential of a previously underserved market, prompting established players to rethink their strategies and offerings.
As traditional institutions took notice, they recognized the need to adapt and embrace digitalization to remain relevant in an ever-changing financial landscape. The rise of Sharesies and other digital investment platforms heralded a new era of financial services, where customer-centricity, accessibility, and technology were at the forefront.
Sharesies’ transformative journey also inspired the nation’s regulatory landscape. The success of the platform brought attention to the importance of consumer protection, responsible investment practices, and financial inclusion. Regulatory authorities, in collaboration with the financial industry, began exploring ways to create a conducive environment for digital investment platforms while safeguarding investor interests.
Over time, Sharesies expanded its range of financial products to cater to diverse investor preferences. The platform introduced a wide array of managed funds and ETFs, allowing users to tailor their investment portfolios to align with their financial goals and risk appetites. This diversification further solidified Sharesies’ position as a comprehensive investment platform.
Sharesies’ commitment to responsible investing and ESG considerations evolved into a broader movement in New Zealand. The platform’s emphasis on sustainability and social impact inspired a wave of investors who sought to use their capital for positive change. The integration of ESG funds and responsible investing options into mainstream investment strategies became increasingly prevalent.
The platform’s impact on the financial literacy landscape extended beyond its digital realm. Sharesies embarked on various initiatives to promote financial education in schools and universities, fostering a culture of financial awareness from an early age. The team collaborated with educators to develop age-appropriate financial literacy programs and workshops, empowering the next generation to make informed financial decisions.
As the investment landscape continued to evolve, Sharesies embraced technology to enhance the user experience continually. The platform explored innovative features such as auto-investing, which enabled users to set up recurring contributions, automating their investment journey. This approach encouraged disciplined investing and helped users build wealth gradually over time.
Sharesies’ journey was not without its challenges. The platform navigated regulatory changes, market fluctuations, and scalability issues that come with rapid growth. The team worked tirelessly to address feedback from users, refine features, and enhance security measures to ensure a seamless and secure experience for investors.
Looking ahead, Sharesies remains committed to its founding mission of democratizing finance and fostering financial empowerment. The platform’s journey has inspired other fintech startups in New Zealand and beyond to create innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of consumers in an increasingly digital world.
Sharesies’ impact extends beyond the numbers; it has touched the lives of countless individuals who have taken the step towards financial independence and security. Through a combination of technology, education, and community, Sharesies has ignited a positive change in the financial landscape of New Zealand, creating a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
In conclusion, Sharesies’ journey is a testament to the transformative power of innovation and inclusivity in the world of finance. By reimagining investment accessibility and prioritizing financial education, Sharesies has empowered New Zealanders to become investors and take charge of their financial future. Its impact on the investment landscape has inspired traditional institutions to adapt, regulators to prioritize consumer interests, and investors to embrace responsible and sustainable investing. Sharesies’ vision of a financially inclusive and empowered society continues to shape the trajectory of the financial industry in New Zealand and serves as an inspiration for fintech ventures worldwide.
