Contributions to new stocks & shares ISAs surge 13% in Q2, according to Scottish Friendly’s Investor Index
New investors seek to build long-term financial resilience amid ongoing economic uncertainty
Women and older investors lead the way, with larger increases in contributions than any other group
Meanwhile parents hike contributions by 12%
Contributions to new stocks and shares ISAs increase by 13% in the second quarter of 2025, according to the latest Investor Index data.
The mutual welcomes the growing trend among new investors who are making greater use of their stocks and shares ISA allowances to build long-term financial resilience amid ongoing economic pressures.
The data reveals notable differences across demographics. Women led the growth with a 15% increase in initial investments, outpacing the 11% rise recorded among men.
Regionally, with a 30% increase in opening contributions the Northwest was much higher than the UK-wide figure of 13%. This was followed by the Southwest and the East Midlands with 19% and 17% respectively.
By age, the sharpest jump came from investors aged 50 and over, who boosted their opening contributions by 22% in Q2. Those aged 35 to 49 increased their investments by 8%, while younger investors aged 18 to 34 showed a more modest 5% uplift.
A similar pattern occurred among Junior ISA (JISA) accounts, where parents also stepped up their saving efforts. Contributions to new JISAs increased by 12% in Q2, with fathers raising their initial investments by 13% and mothers by 10%. Marking a shift seen in previous quarters which saw mothers taking the lead when it came to opening a JISA for their child.
Scottish Friendly’s savings specialist, Kevin Brown, commented on the data: “In today’s uncertain economic climate, many savers are clearly prioritising building a more secure financial future. ISAs remain one of the most accessible and tax-efficient options for people looking to grow their savings steadily over time.
“The strong growth in initial investments – especially among women and older investors – shows a determined effort to make the most of these allowances despite wider challenges. It’s also encouraging to see parents increasing their contributions to Junior ISAs, signalling a forward-looking approach to family financial planning. Overall, these trends highlight a growing awareness and proactive mindset among UK households to safeguard their financial wellbeing for the long term through investing.’’
-ENDS-
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Notes to Editor:
Remember that the value of investments can go down as well as up and the child could get back less than you paid in. Past performance is no guide to future results. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances which can change in the future.
About Scottish Friendly
Scottish Friendly is a leading UK mutual life and investments organisation. It provides its members and their families with a wide range of investment and protection solutions and provides life and investment products and services to other financial organisations.
Scottish Friendly has roots stretching back to 1862. Established as the City of Glasgow Friendly Society, its name changed in October 1992 when it took over Scottish Friendly Assurance.
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Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
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