logo
Scroll. Swipe. Stake: How Gen Zs and Millennials Are Reinventing Investing

Scroll. Swipe. Stake: How Gen Zs and Millennials Are Reinventing Investing

Digital Natives with a Wealth-Building Mindset
Live Events
Inclination towards Transparency and Ownership
Fuelled by Infrastructure and Institutional Interest
Rewriting Ownership and Identity
Why Gen Z and Millennials Are Wired for Web3
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel
According to the World Economic Forum 's Global Retail Investor Outlook 2024, younger investors perceive crypto as more comprehensible than traditional investments such as ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and stocks. While 29% avoid stocks due to a lack of understanding, only 24% say the same about crypto.This data reflects a deeper generational shift, a larger generational shift, in which Millennials and Generation Zs are not only digital natives but are also reinventing the concept of investing. These groups are more technologically adept, willing to explore, and more accepting of new-age financial assets. Their focus isn't just saving, it's building wealth by tapping into emerging, disruptive opportunities.Growing up with the internet, smartphones, and the real-time social media wave has influenced Millennials' and Generation Z's digital fluency. This naturally leads them to explore emerging technologies such as blockchain, Web3 , and decentralized finance (DeFi).Their psychological behavior, which is characterized by curiosity, awareness, and a desire to look into and construct, offers them the patience to study and engage with crypto ecosystems. They aren't looking for instant gains instead, they are planning long-term wealth strategies.According to Hashed Emergent's report titled India Web3 Landscape 2024, more than half of Indian Web3 developers have entered the profession in the previous two years, with 85% under the age of 27. This suggests not only early investment by Gen Zs and Millennials but also an active participation in building the ecosystem.Younger generations, who frequently begin investing earlier than their predecessors, are increasingly drawn to models that provide transparency, control, and shared ownership. Web3 makes that commitment. With technologies like crypto wallets, DeFi protocols, and token-gated access, young investors see an opportunity to get around antiquated systems and take control of their financial future.According to the same Hashed Emergent report, India is home to over 1,200 Web3 startups, making it the third-largest Web3 startup hub globally, many of which are founded or driven by youth.The surge in Web3 acceptance is also accompanied by broader infrastructure support, ranging from UPI prevalence and smartphone accessibility to digital-first financial literacy . The educational landscape is also catching up, with institutions and edtech platforms launching blockchain-focused programs to accommodate rising demand from students and developers.Web3 is more than just a technology for Gen Zs and Millennials; it represents an ideological shift. They are rethinking what it means to own, create, and participate in the digital world through activities such as DAO governance and digital collectible trading.They do not only desire to consume. They want to create, co-own, and shape the digital worlds that they inhabit. Web3 provides them with the architecture and autonomy to do so.Unlike their predecessors, who may have preferred safer and more regulated investment options like gold, real estate, or fixed deposits, Gen Z and Millennials appear to have a psychological preference and tendency towards experimentation and digital-first investing.Their appetite for challenges is influenced by exposure to startups, side hustles, the creator economy, and instant access to global financial information.For these generations, investing isn't just a financial act, it has become a form of identity, participation, and belief in a future-forward system.This perspective drives their early embrace of crypto, DAOs, and other tokenized assets, which provide direct ownership and a sense of co-creation in systems they believe in.According to reports, this group is less constrained by traditional financial rules and motivated by peer influence, digital trends, and community validation, which is consistent with the way the Web3 ecosystem operates.Their willingness to explore, build, and take on challenges, not just as early adopters but as the architects of the decentralized future, is what will define the next wave of digital innovation.(The article is attributed to Kushal Manupati, Regional Growth & Ops Lead of South Asia, Binance.)

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SEC's crypto confusion deepens as next-gen ETFs test limits
SEC's crypto confusion deepens as next-gen ETFs test limits

Economic Times

timean hour ago

  • Economic Times

SEC's crypto confusion deepens as next-gen ETFs test limits

Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel A new line of yield-chasing crypto funds is forcing the Securities and Exchange Commission to confront unresolved gaps in its regulatory framework, just as the Trump administration eases oversight of digital immediate dispute centres on two proposed funds from ETF firms REX Financial and Osprey Funds that would allow investors to earn rewards by deploying Ether and Solana tokens to help validate blockchain transactions, a process known as staking. The firms said they had cleared an initial SEC registration hurdle last week, but agency staff took the unusual step of objecting that very same evening. Staff warned the products may not meet standards to qualify as investment companies under federal law, raising broader questions about the regulation of a hot corner of the crypto-investment staff noted that to meet the definition of an investment company, a firm must primarily invest in securities. That's a problem when it comes to digital assets: there are no clear lines around what crypto activities trip securities laws and what don't.'When ETFs generate income from staking, they may start to resemble traditional investment companies under the Investment Company Act — especially if investors are relying on the managerial efforts of others to earn those returns,' said Adam Gana, an attorney at law firm Gana Weinstein LLP. 'However, these types of ETFs are testing the boundaries of what counts as an investment company, and the SEC is sending mixed signals.'Gana added that 'just because you throw some stocks into the mix doesn't mean the SEC will look the other way.'The SEC, REX and Osprey declined to comment. The general counsel at REX said earlier that the firm expected to satisfy the SEC's crypto industry has long argued that many tokens aren't securities and shouldn't fall under the SEC rules. Under Trump, the agency has appeared open to these arguments, and its new chair, Paul Atkins, is a proponent of digital currencies. SEC staff guidance has signalled that memecoins and stablecoins may fall outside securities recently as May 29, the staff said federal securities laws generally don't apply to staking activities — further complicating the regulatory picture as firms try to launch novel piecemeal statements create inconsistent policy, according to Corey Frayer, director of investor protection at the Consumer Federation of America.'The SEC and the industry don't get to treat crypto assets as securities when it's convenient, and not as securities when they want weaker regulation,' said Frayer, who served as a senior adviser to former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, a frequent target of crypto industry the crux of the matter is the so-called Howey test , which comes from a 1946 Supreme Court decision that still governs securities classification. Under the test, an asset can be considered a security — and thus will fall under SEC purview — if investors contribute capital with the expectation derived from the managerial efforts of others. Bitcoin is generally considered a commodity but the status of other tokens like Ether and Solana are less Commissioner Hester Peirce, head of the agency's crypto task force, took the unusual step of highlighting the SEC staff's queries about whether the proposed funds met the definition.'I have those same questions,' Peirce wrote in a post on Trump embraced the digital-asset industry during his reelection campaign, pledging to make the US the 'crypto capital of the planet.' Since re-entering the White House, he has established a national stockpile of Bitcoin, anointed a 'crypto czar' and welcomed memecoin enthusiasts to a private dinner in have recently been successful in resolving SEC staff concerns about novel offerings. Earlier this year, agency staffers rebuked an ETF by State Street Corp. and Apollo Global Management — the world's first to invest in private credit — hours after the fund listed over concerns about the fund's liquidity and its ability to comply with valuation rules. The firms took action to rectify the executives are optimistic that US regulators will eventually greenlight the staking ETFs.'They've followed a crawl-walk-run approach — first futures ETFs, then spot ETFs, and hopefully staking ETFs,' said Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management Inc., which acquired an Ethereum staking platform last year. 'I'm hopeful we'll get to the finish line soon.'

Flipkart Unveils Annual Beauty Trends Report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025
Flipkart Unveils Annual Beauty Trends Report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025

The Wire

timean hour ago

  • The Wire

Flipkart Unveils Annual Beauty Trends Report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (NewsVoir) • Gen Z and Creators are fueling Flipkart's beauty revolution • K-beauty products continue to surge in popularity, with sheet masks, snail mucin serums, and hydrating essences seeing over 90% year-on-year growth • 5 beauty products are sold every second on Flipkart • Flipkart's premium beauty and personal care selection is … Continue reading "Flipkart Unveils Annual Beauty Trends Report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025"

Flipkart Unveils Annual Beauty Trends Report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025
Flipkart Unveils Annual Beauty Trends Report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025

Business Standard

time2 hours ago

  • Business Standard

Flipkart Unveils Annual Beauty Trends Report with NielsenIQ at Glam Up Fest 2025

NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 7: Flipkart, India's homegrown e-commerce marketplace, unveiled its inaugural Glam Up Annual Beauty Trends Report at the flagship Glam Up Fest 2025, offering exclusive insights into the fast-evolving beauty preferences of Indian consumers. Launched in partnership with Nielsen IQ, the report showcases how Flipkart is pioneering India's Next Billion-Dollar beauty boom. The report explores how evolving consumer preferences, rising affluence, and growing demand across new regions are fueling India's beauty boom, with trends like skinimalism and SPF rituals making beauty more personal, science-led, and socially influenced. The report highlights the growing preference for premium quality products, with over 5 beauty essentials sold every second on the platform across haircare, makeup, and skincare. Over 148 million beauty products were sold on Flipkart in 2024, spotlighting Flipkart's role in strengthening the online beauty revolution in India and continuing to cater to the shifting consumer attitudes towards beauty. Gen Z is leading the beauty revolution, reshaping their routines with a clear focus on active ingredients, simplified steps, and inspiration that starts with social media and creators. Their presence in the online beauty and personal care space is expected to increase from 40% in 2024 to 47% by 2030. Searches for niacinamide, ceramides, and other science-led activities continue to rise. Viral trends like glazed donut skin, and slugging reflect a move towards hydration-first, result-driven routines. Beauty in 2025 is no longer just about products, it is about intentional choices shaped by conscious consumers and creator-led influence. Commenting on the launch, Manjari Singhal, Head of Business, Cleartrip, FMCG, and General Merchandise, Flipkart, said, "The beauty landscape in India is in the midst of a vibrant transformation, and no one is driving it more than GenZs. Their evolving preferences, digital fluency, and expressive approach to beauty are reshaping the industry as we know it. At Flipkart, we've always believed in staying close to the consumer. The Glam Up Trends Report is a reflection of that belief, an effort to listen, understand, and anticipate what beauty means to the next generation. This report is the result of a deep, collaborative effort between Flipkart and NielsenIQ teams." Priyanka Bhargav, Senior Director, Research & Insights, Flipkart, said, "Beauty today is bold, expressive, and constantly evolving and no one captures that spirit quite like Gen Z. Whether it's their focus on skin health, passion for active ingredients, love for nostalgic aesthetics, or embrace of hybrid formats, they're redefining the beauty playbook. The Glam Up Trends Report helps decode this dynamic shift. With rich data, real consumer voices, and cultural context, it highlights what's truly resonating. Trends like Hydration Daze, Scientific Obsession, kiSKIN, and Cherry Cherry Lady go beyond surface appeal, they reflect how young India is engaging with beauty in deeper, more expressive ways. This report is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between the Flipkart Insights Team, the beauty and personal Care team, and our intelligence partner, NielsenIQ. We hope it sparks fresh thinking, challenges conventions, and inspires the next wave of beauty innovation." Key Trends: * Skin-First Beauty Becomes the Default: The foundation of beauty is now skincare. Minimalist routines with hydration and barrier repair are dominating both shopping carts and social feeds. Flipkart recorded a 120% spike in gel moisturisers and over 80% growth in face serums, while face wash sales rose 123% year-on-year. Shoppers are prioritising lean formulations with active ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C, choosing to treat rather than cover. K-beauty products continue to surge in popularity, with sheet masks, snail mucin serums, and hydrating essences seeing over 90% growth year-on-year, reflecting a growing appetite for globally trending skincare routines. * Scientific Obsession & Hydration Daze: Beauty routines are increasingly rooted in science. Consumers seek efficacy and transparency, gravitating toward ingredient-first formulations like powder cleansers, dew boosters, and barrier-repair creams. 62% of Gen Z search for beauty by ingredients, not brands. Face creams and gels rose 1.4x YoY, and niacinamide searches surged ~70%, underscoring the rising preference for hydration-focused, evidence-backed skincare. * Hair Game Strong: Hair rituals on Flipkart are redefined, with shoppers moving from traditional oils to performance-driven solutions rooted in science. The demand for peptide-powered serums, K-gloss treatments, rice water-infused rinses, and scalp-balancing treatments has accelerated, reflecting a clear shift toward targeted, ingredient-led care. Flipkart witnessed a 2x growth in sales of hair serum, and searches for scalp-related concerns, like dandruff serums and itch-relief treatments, have grown by over 85%. This signals a new consumer mindset of haircare should be as intentional and effective as skincare, lightweight, functional, and focused on long-term scalp and strand health. * Scent-sational: Fragrance as a Daily Ritual of Self-Expression: Fragrance on Flipkart has transformed from an occasional indulgence to a daily ritual of identity and mood-setting. Consumers are embracing "smellmaxxing", layering mists, roll-ons, and perfumes to create personalised scent profiles that reflect their personality and routine. Flipkart recorded a 2.2x growth in overall fragrance sales in Q1'25 vs Q1'24, with searches for attars alone increasing by 2.5x, signalling renewed interest in culturally rooted, artisanal scents. Gourmand notes inspired by desserts like marshmallow, pistachio, and brown sugar are trending across social channels, especially among younger shoppers. Fragrance today is about more than just smelling good; it's about self-expression, emotional connection, and everyday wearability. * Cherry Cherry Lady - Makeup That Does More: Makeup on Flipkart is getting smarter, with functional beauty leading the way. Consumers are choosing hybrid formats that deliver both colour and care. Lip oils, SPF-infused tints, and barrier-friendly blush sticks are replacing traditional, single-purpose products. Shoppers are looking for fewer steps and more benefits, favouring products that adapt to their fast-paced, skin-conscious routines. Gloss-forward lip products continue to gain momentum, while searches for Surma-inspired eye looks have surged 33x in Q1'25 vs Q1'24, reflecting a blend of modern utility and cultural revival. Today's makeup is not just about aesthetics, it's about ease, efficacy, and everyday relevance * Sun-In & Stunning: SPF is no longer optional. Daily protection has become a routine essential, with portable sunscreen sticks and gels supporting reapplication habits. Sunscreen sales doubled, and searches for SPF-related products rose by 76% YoY, indicating that sun protection is now seen as both a health and aesthetic necessity * Korean Street: The K-Beauty Effect: Korean beauty continues to shape Indian skincare. Products like skin blur serums, serum-infused glow boosters, and mini "skintellectual snacking" formats are seeing rapid adoption. Searches for Korean beauty grew ~81% YoY, making it one of the fastest-rising segments on Flipkart. * From Plains to Peaks, Beauty Speaks: Regional beauty needs are becoming increasingly important. Variations in air quality, water hardness, humidity, and diet are influencing skin and hair concerns across India. Flipkart is addressing these micro-needs with tailored assortments, especially in Tier 2+ cities, to serve a broader spectrum of Indian consumers The Indian beauty landscape is undergoing a transformation, and Gen Z is at the center of it. With their digital fluency and trend-first mindset, this generation is redefining how beauty is discovered, chosen, and celebrated. Flipkart, through its annual flagship events like Glam Up Fest 2025, is bringing together deep consumer insights, wide reach, and strong partnerships to lead this shift, bridging the gap between global innovation and local access, to help redefine beauty for the next generation of Indian consumers. The Flipkart Group is one of India's leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Cleartrip and Established in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India's digital commerce revolution. With a registered user base of more than 500 million, Flipkart's marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 1.4 million sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has created thousands of jobs in the ecosystem while empowering generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Flipkart has pioneered services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI, Easy Returns, and UPI. These customer-centric innovations focus on enhancing digital payment offerings for all customers while making online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store