1 Million New ETF Investors Expected in Italy in 2026

January 5, 2026  |  Katharina Albrecht
Asset Blog ETF Boom 1920
ETFs are on the rise. Discover why more and more Italians are investing in them and what’s driving this new wave of financial curiosity.

By next year, the number of Italians investing in ETFs could reach 3.5 million – a 50% increase compared to today. This is not only impressive growth but also a clear sign: investing is becoming part of everyday life in Italy. What was once “reserved for professionals” is now a habit for anyone who wants to actively shape their financial future.

Why This Matters to You

Have you always thought investing was “too complex”? ETFs prove otherwise. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a simple, cost-effective way to invest in many companies at once. It’s bought like a share but spreads your money across an entire market, enabling growth even with small amounts.

Remarkably, ETF participation among young Italians aged 18 to 34 has already risen by 32%. Behind this lies a shift in mindset – a generation beginning to understand how to make their money work for them.

What’s Driving This Change?

More and more people realise that money sitting in a bank account earns no return. In Italy, 38% of investors said they only started investing after seeing others grow their savings through the markets. At the same time, digital progress and broker platforms have opened the door to a new, democratised investment culture.

The Power of Small Steps

42% of Italians are considering starting an ETF savings plan within the next two years. The key point: it doesn’t matter how much you start with. What counts is consistency. Regular investing, even with small amounts, can deliver real results over time. ETFs are giving millions of people access to a new way of investing – regardless of how much they can set aside.

The Bottom Line

This year’s “People & Money” study makes it clear: you don’t need to be a financial expert to get started. Learn, start small and stay committed. Even modest, regular steps can make a big difference in the long run. ETFs are more than just a trend. They’re helping millions of Italians turn curiosity into action. Perhaps it’s time for you to discover what ETFs can do for you.

Source: November 2025. BlackRock People & Money Study / YouGov Plc.

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Author Katharina-Albrecht coloured
Katharina Albrecht
EMEA Wealth Partnership @ BlackRock
Katharina is part of the EMEA Wealth Partnership Marketing Team at BlackRock. In this role, she supports the expansion of pan-European marketing partnerships for the iShares and Wealth business. Previously, Katharina worked at a boutique consultancy for asset managers and subsequently took on a role focusing on sales and marketing strategies. Katharina holds a Bachelor's degree from EBS University of Business and Law and a Master's degree in Business Administration and Digital Business from Copenhagen Business School.