Scottish savers lead UK in boosting contributions into new ISAs in Q1 2025
Initial contributions into new ISAs by Scottish investors rose by more than any other UK region in Q1 2025, compared to the previous quarter
Scottish parents were also among the UK’s most generous JISA contributors
The data points to a growing desire to build financial resilience in uncertain times
Scottish investors started the year with a strong show of financial intent, increasing their initial contributions into new ISAs by 19% on average in Q1 2025 – the biggest quarterly rise of any UK region, according to new research from Scottish Friendly.
The mutual’s latest Investor Index, which uses its own customer data, shows the uplift in initial contributions into new ISAs by Scottish investors significantly outpaced the UK average (11%).
Scottish parents were also among the UK’s most generous Junior ISA (JISA) contributors, increasing the initial amount they put into new JISA accounts by 15% – well above the national average of 10%.
The figures point to a growing desire among Scottish investors to build financial resilience in the face of continued cost-of-living pressures and wider economic uncertainty.
On a UK-wide basis, women who opened new ISA accounts in Q1 increased their contributions by 13% compared with the previous quarter. Men increased theirs by 9%.
Contributions also rose across all age groups across the UK – most notably among those aged 50-64, for whom opening values rose 15%. Younger adults (18–34) opening new ISAs boosted their new contributions by 9% and those aged 35–49 increased by 6%.
Scottish Friendly’s savings specialist, Kevin Brown, commented on the data: “It’s encouraging to see Scottish households leading the way when it comes to investing for the future. In the face of ongoing economic uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures, many people across Scotland are clearly taking proactive steps to build greater financial resilience.
“What stands out in this quarter’s data is not just that Scots are still investing, but that they’re investing more. Whether it’s individuals putting more into their own ISAs or parents increasing what they set aside for their children’s futures, it shows a growing awareness of the need to plan ahead and take control of their financial wellbeing – even in tough times.”
-ENDS-
Contacts:
Paul Thomas, Head of News and Content at MRM
07884 667981
Editors notes:
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.
Scottish Friendly, Galbraith House, 16 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, G2 4HJ
Scottish Friendly Assurance Society Limited. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Scottish Friendly Asset Managers Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.