Romanians are taking major risks because they do not check whether investment platforms are safe

Although the interest in investments and digital financial instruments is increasingly visible, the habits of Romanians show that prudence and financial education remain at a low level. Many users treat the safety and protection measures of the platforms superficially, exposing themselves to major risks.

Romanians take risks without realizing it

A recent survey shows that only 3 out of 10 Romanians (30%) have ever opened an account on an investment platform, and an important part of them do not check whether the platform is regulated or safe. The results of the study carried out by iSense, at the request of XTB, indicate a clear need for information and accountability regarding the use of modern financial instruments and the platforms that make these instruments available.

Many Romanians invest without even checking the safety of the platforms

On a more detailed analysis of investment platform safety checking behaviors, the results show important differences between users: 36% of respondents always check whether a company is regulated and safe, 22% do so only sometimes, 28% never check, and 14% do not know or do not remember whether they have done such checks.

Generational differences are also visible. 18-34 year olds are more likely to check occasionally (34%), while not checking at all is more common among 45-54 year olds (33%) and 55–65 year olds (38%).

“This data shows an important paradox: younger generations, who typically have fewer resources, are nevertheless more cautious and safety-conscious, while older people, who generally have more money to invest, tend to be more relaxed about checks. Lack of information and trust based on perceptions can easily turn financial decisions into unnecessary risks”, explains Radu Puiu, XTB Romania financial analyst.

The results of the study outline, therefore, the image of a market at the beginning of the road, where the lack of financial education is combined with a high degree of risk. Although interest in investing is growing, prudence is lacking: almost a third of Romanians who invest do not check the safety of the platform before opening an account. The situation underlines the urgent need for information and use of regulated platforms, in a context of accelerated digitization.

Digital security is becoming an issue ignored by many of the users

When it comes to digital security, many Romanians seem to leave things to chance. Almost half of respondents (48%) only change their passwords when they have to, and one in five only change their passwords once a year. Only 26% follow security recommendations, which shows increased vulnerability and a relaxed attitude towards protecting their financial accounts.

“With the digitization of investments, account security becomes an essential condition for financial stability. Simple measures, such as changing passwords regularly and choosing regulated platforms, can prevent major risks and protect users' investments,” adds Radu Puiu.

The way Romanians get information about investments reflects a clear preference for sources considered safe and institutional. The official websites of banks, NBR and financial institutions remain the first option for 59% of respondents, a percentage that rises to 68% among 55-65 year olds. The specialized financial press ranks second with 38%, while only a quarter of participants (25%) say they rely on information provided by investment platforms, brokers or close friends.

Modern channels, such as social networks and influencers, attract 17% of Romanians, and the general press 15%. However, 1 in 10 respondents admit that they do not seek information related to investments or financial security at all, a signal of the persistent need for economic and digital education.

Analyzing these results, the survey shows a major discrepancy between Romanians' desire to protect their savings and how they actually manage their financial security. Although most prefer official sources when seeking information, enforcement of basic digital security rules remains limited. The conclusions confirm the need to develop a higher level of financial and digital education, able to transform the attention declared for the protection of money into a real prevention behavior.