Financial influencers, also known as finfluencers, have become increasingly popular across social media in the past few years. TikTok alone has attracted millions of people to videos posted under its FinTok hashtag, which covers everything from investment tips to salary negotiations.
Meet some of the influencers that have made a big impact in the space.
Gabriel Nussbaum, who quit his 9-to-5 at Barclays (BARC.L) in December 2022 to become an influencer, was motivated to share his insights on personal finance and reframe people's thinking around money.
Nussbaum, now also known as That Money Guy, is one of few creators whose career trajectory has taken him from engineering to finance to TikTok.
His accessible content has earned him a loyal following, particularly among beginner investors, with over 1.5 million followers across social media platforms.
Nussbaum emphasises the importance of setting achievable goals by learning something small every week or month to improve financial literacy.
He highlights that while schools teach students how to get a job and make money, there is a lack of understanding on how to manage that money once it is earned.
He encourages others to seek knowledge that is readily available, “There are some incredible resources, incredible creators and incredible brands trying to educate you. So lean into that.
I promise you it's not scary and it's not as boring as you think it might be.”
Nussbaum was named Best Personal Finance Finfluencer at the inaugural 2024 Finfluencer Awards, hosted in partnership with Yahoo Finance UK; an event that spotlighted influential voices in the world of finance content creation.
Another such story is that of Richard McDonald who got his first stock, Scottish Hydro Electric now SSE (SSE.L), on his sixteenth birthday as a gift from his parents.
This was the beginning of his journey as a financial markets professional who has gained over two decades of experience across top-tier institutions including Credit Suisse, Brevan Howard, and Macquarie (MAQ.AX).
McDonald, also known as RichMacroTrades online, has combined his deep industry knowledge with a passion for financial education and media.
Along with presenting “Trade Live with IG”, a live show covering market commentary and news, he uses his online platforms to teach and improve financial literacy for those across the country.
Having spent over 50,000 hours in front of a screen, he brings a wealth of knowledge to TikTok where he helps those interested in trading and investing.
He advises people to adopt a targeted approach to investing, “Learn a little bit of technical analysis, learn a little bit of fundamental analysis, and then don't try and be a jack of all trades.
"Focus on five or six different companies. Get to know the management, get to know the product and the industry that they're involved in. That way you can start to get that edge over the rest of the market.”
McDonald was one of the panelists at the 2024 Finfluencer Awards.
Among the finfluencers present was Ramin Nakisa, an investment banker turned Youtuber.
Nakisa worked in investment banking from 2001 to 2016 until he pivoted to teaching finance in an investment bank.
He has written two books about finance and investment which aim to educate people on making smart investments and avoiding costly mistakes.
Known by his Youtube followers as PensionCraft, Nakisa explains finance in a non-mathematical way and focuses his content on all things pensions. He encourages followers to pursue a purposeful retirement by planning ahead.
“It's best if you retire into something, have something planned, follow your passion," he says. "Think about what you want to do, and it might be a new job."
He added: "You could start up a business, and many people do that in retirement. It's not a holiday.”
Nakisa won the award for Best Economist Finfluencer at the Finfluencer Awards 2024 for explaining complex financial topics like pensions and retirement planning in a relatable manner.
Ramin Nakisa (L) won the award for Best Economist Influencer. ·yahoo finance uk
The 2024 Finfluencer Awards showcased the consequential work of content creators, each of whom is making an impact on the financial education landscape.
Through their platforms, they’re helping people make smarter financial decisions and laying the foundation for more secure financial futures. Other winners include:
BrickzWithTipz, the property-focused platform run by Antoinette and Tayo Oguntonade, took home the award for Best Property Finfluencers.
They have successfully created a space where homebuyers, especially first-timer buyers, can access crucial information about home ownership.
Michael Taylor, from Shifting Shares, won Best Trading Finfluencer.
His expertise in UK stock trading, particularly on markets like AIM and FTSE, has made him a go-to source for traders looking to expand their knowledge.
On the investing front, Mitch Investing secured the Best Portfolio Guidance Finfluencer award. Mitch, a well-known figure on YouTube, has gained popularity for his in-depth analysis of stock market trends.
His focus on long-term growth rather than short-term gains has made him a favourite among both new and experienced investors.
Recognised as the Rising Star, Timi, also known as Mr Money Jar, has quickly built a reputation for breaking down financial concepts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
His approachable style has resonated particularly with younger audiences, as he encourages everyone to start investing, regardless of their income level.
The award for Best Investment Finfluencers went to Andreea and Jamie, the dynamic duo behind Stocks and Savings.
The couple, both chartered accountants, have made a name for themselves by offering valuable advice on managing money as a team. They stressed the importance of viewing money as a tool for achieving life goals rather than as the goal itself.
Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.
