Why Financial Education Can’t Wait Until University
Too many young people discover too late that financial institutions expect evidence of commitment before they even sit their A-levels. By the time an undergraduate applies for an internship, employers already expect them to understand markets, risk and commercial awareness.
That is exactly why Junior Trader exists — and why the programme is now open to all students aged 16+, whether entering through their school or as individual participants nationwide.
This year’s competition offers a structured introduction to real markets:
• selecting an index, a metal and a currency
• managing exposure
• applying portfolio theory
• trading across the Christmas retail period
• and producing a final analytical report
Last year, every team beat the market. Not because of luck, but because students were eager to understand risk, discipline and balanced decision-making — skills that professionals often develop only later.
This year our guest trader is none other than Chat GPT. Will the students beat the machine?
Junior Trader is now also recognised as a Duke of Edinburgh Silver or Gold Skill, giving young people a credible way to demonstrate early commitment to finance. This is part of our mission to improve diversity, accessibility risk management and governance with the next generation of investors.
And for undergraduates and alumni seeking deeper challenge, Junior Trader+ provides an advanced pathway onto the dealing floor.
Whether through schools, academies, or individual entry, access should never be a barrier to ambition – if you need a bursary to cover your costs, just ask!
Registration for 2025 is now open.
