Buenos Aires, November 29 (NA) — Young people aged 13 to 17 can now trade new financial instruments in the capital markets, following an expansion introduced by the National Securities Commission (CNV), with a focus on promoting financial education from an early age. “The CNV's decision to allow teenagers from the age of 13 to open a trading account (always with authorization and supervision of a tutor) is a hugely important step to bring financial education closer to new generations,” stated María Laura Acosta, a specialist advisor in finance, savings, and investments. In an interview with the Argentine News Agency, she pointed out that “in Argentina, we usually reach adulthood making financial decisions by trial and error, without tools or planning habits.” “If kids at that age learn the responsible management of money: how to save, what an investment is, how to have a budget, it is easier for them to understand concepts like risk, goals, and investment horizon from an early age,” she added.
Personal finance from a young age
Until now, this segment was limited to trading in Open-Ended Investment Funds (OEIF), specifically Money Market funds. The new regulation changes the participation of this age group: it allows the inclusion of funds that replicate the movements of stocks, bonds, and other variable-income instruments.
The president of the CNV, Roberto E. Silva, declared that the measure represents a key “advance” in the training and financial integration of new generations. The objective is for young people to understand the value of planning and saving to build their economic future from a young age.
The consulting firm Max Capital detailed what changes from now on:
Previously, minors could only invest in Money Market Funds. Now they can also access a wider range of Open-Ended Investment Funds. Restrictions for Closed-End Investment Funds and Open-End Investment Funds for Qualified Investors remain in place.
A shift in financial management trends
Financial specialist advisor María Laura Acosta stated that “in Argentina we are accustomed to living with inflation, volatility” so “learning to save, diversify, and protect capital from a young age can change the future of an entire family.” “General financial knowledge is still low. Culturally, the only thing known is the dollar, fixed-term deposits or real estate”. However, she identified that in recent years—especially after the pandemic—there is “a very marked evolution” that includes:
More young people opening accounts to invest. Greater access to digital platforms and free education. Growth of content on social media about savings, inflation, and the dollar. Interest in CEDEARs, bonds, funds, and retirement insurance.
“Today, people consult more, and that is a very positive trend. Even so, there is a long way to go: we need financial education to be incorporated into schools and universities,” the specialist concluded.
