Viktor Prokopenya

Founder of · Visiting Professor, University of Leeds · Trustee, Natural History Museum · Built for Better Decisions

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

The way we live, work, and manage money has changed faster than our approach to teaching these skills.
Today, financial capability is as essential as digital literacy, yet nearly 80% of people say they’ve never received formal financial education.

As @AnaBotin writes in @thetimes, the UK government’s decision to embed financial literacy into the national curriculum for schools in England from 2028 is a major step forward, but it needs to be the beginning, not the end, of reform.

If the UK and other economies are serious about long-term resilience, three priorities are essential:

✅ Support teachers with confidence and resources.

✅ Make financial education lifelong, not just for school-age children.

✅ Help more people invest wisely, so savings keep pace with longer lives and rising retirement needs.

Knowledge drives progress. Confidence with money gives people the ability to plan, adapt, and seize opportunities. That’s why banks, governments, and educators must work together to close the gap.

Read the full piece: https://t.co/8oRp1eDu2l

#FinancialLiteracy #FinancialEducation #FutureOfFinance #LifelongLearning

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

Financial literacy is not just a personal advantage; it’s a societal imperative. This article from @FT_FLIC is a timely reminder that the financial services industry has a responsibility to foster greater understanding and inclusion.

Across Europe, far too many people lack the basic tools to make informed decisions about money. The consequences are tangible: missed opportunities, inefficiencies in capital markets, and increased financial vulnerability at a time of mounting economic pressure.

💡The good news? Education works. Countries that embed financial literacy in school curriculum see higher participation in capital markets and stronger economic growth. Yet in many places, cultural taboos and a lack of resources are still keeping money conversations off the table.

We need to change this narrative. By making financial education accessible, impartial, and more engaging, we can empower individuals to save, invest, and thrive.

Read the full article: https://t.co/6L68Xb3wzQ

#FinancialLiteracy #FinancialEducation #Inclusion #FutureOfFinance

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

I recently had the opportunity to write for @Profadviser on a topic that is critical to Britain’s future: financial literacy.

Britain is drowning in debt. Personal debt now stands at £1.89 trillion, and the average adult owes nearly 93% of their annual earnings. These aren’t just numbers—they represent a structural weakness in our economy and a looming social crisis.

For decades, financial education has been treated as optional. Today, millions learn about compound interest not in classrooms, but when their credit card balance balloons. That’s not financial planning, it’s financial entrapment.

The UK government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy is a welcome step, but we need systemic reform to:

- Embed financial literacy early and often in education.

- Leverage technology responsibly to democratise access to finance.

- Address behavioural barriers with practical, engaging tools.

@capitalcom's mission is to empower people to make better financial decisions. Our research partnership with @OxfordSBS explores how behavioural science can make financial education more effective, because knowledge isn’t a luxury, it’s a resilience strategy.

Every pound invested in education today saves multiples in welfare, mental health care, and lost productivity tomorrow. Britain cannot afford to wait for the next crisis to teach its citizens how money works.

Read the full piece: https://t.co/vSCmGsHZGN

#FinancialLiteracy #FinancialEducation #FutureOfFinance #CapitalCom

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

A new year brings fresh opportunities to set intentions and make smarter financial decisions🎆

Now is the time to build small habits that can strengthen your financial wellbeing and create lifelong impact:

- Setting a clear savings goal.

- Learning the basics of investing.

- Tracking your spending and budgeting effectively.

At @capitalcom, our mission is simple: to empower people with the knowledge and tools to make better financial decisions. With over 1 million clients across 28 markets, we’ve seen firsthand how financial literacy transforms confidence and opens doors.

What’s one financial habit you’ll commit to in 2026? Share your resolution below and let’s inspire each other to turn knowledge into action.

#FinancialLiteracy #FinancialEducation #CapitalCom #FutureOfFinance #NewYearGoals

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

Financial empowerment begins with knowledge 💡

Our latest Fear or Fortune report at @capitalcom highlights a pressing issue: 8 in 10 UK savers remain hesitant to invest. The underlying reasons—confusion, misinformation and fear of scams—are holding many back from exploring the world of investing.

While 88% of respondents feel confident using savings accounts, this confidence drops dramatically when it comes to stocks, ETFs and other investment vehicles, only 1 in 10 feels at ease navigating these options.

At https://t.co/c1C4ItgaFO, we recognise that bridging this gap is a shared responsibility. This is why we have partnered with @OxfordSBS, investing £1.5M to advance research and broaden access to financial literacy.

The momentum is building: by working together, we can help more people take control of their financial future and invest with confidence.

Read the full report: https://t.co/El4qv4P0uW

#CapitalCom #FinancialLiteracy #FinancialEducation

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

Reflecting on a productive Abu Dhabi Finance Week for @capitalcom!

I was proud to launch https://t.co/c1C4ItgaFO's white paper in collaboration with @apcoworldwide on MENA's e-trading boom. A special thank you to Dr @ThaniAlZeyoudi for participating in the launch and delivering insightful opening remarks.

On the sidelines of #ADFW2025, https://t.co/c1C4ItgaFO also signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the @ADGMAcademy, the knowledge arm of Abu Dhabi Global Market, launching a major initiative to advance financial literacy and digital investment education in the UAE.

It’s clear that the future of finance will be defined by those who invest in people as much as in technology. Our collaboration will provide 100 internships over five years, equipping participants with the tools and understanding needed to thrive in a digital-first economy. This is about much more than skills; it’s about empowering individuals to confidently navigate the opportunities and risks of an evolving financial landscape.

As innovation accelerates, the need for collaboration between industry, policymakers and educators has never been greater. By working together, we can build resilient, inclusive ecosystems that ensure no one is left behind in this era of transformation.

Thank you to the partners and organisers at @ADFinanceWeek, and to everyone driving these important conversations and initiatives.

https://t.co/tNKssmsND3

#CapitalCom #FinancialLiteracy #FutureOfFinance #ADFW2025

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

I enjoyed the opportunity to share some of the key lessons from our journey at @capitalcom at @Google's flagship finance summit, GtFT 2025, in Abu Dhabi. It’s remarkable to look back at how we grew through the years to serving over 1 million customers across 28 markets.

Our progress has never been linear. We navigated uncertainty, adapted strategies in the face of volatility, and made bold investments when others chose caution.

One thing is certain: financial markets are unpredictable by nature, and fintechs must not just accept this reality, but actively turn volatility into an engine for innovation.

During the discussion, I shared my five truths I wish I knew when we started our business. From the often‑overlooked power of referrals to the importance of cultivating a platform community, we also learned that trust, transparency and speed are not just product features, but the foundations of building customer confidence and the key drivers of long‑term growth.

My message to entrepreneurs is simple: challenge the status quo. With fintech making up less than 2% of the financial services sector overall, the opportunity for meaningful impact is huge.

Thank you to Google and the entire GtFT community for an inspiring conversation. Together, we can build a more open, transparent, and accessible future for financial services.

#Fintech #CapitalCom #GtFT2025 #AbuDhabi

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

6/ The MENA region is at a pivotal moment in its financial evolution, and I am proud that https://t.co/bEnWKZOTKw is part of this extraordinary journey.

Read the full white paper: https://t.co/UuBuNkTvTr

#MENA #Fintech #FinancialLiteracy #CapitalCom

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

1/ “Trading’s New Horizon: How Access, Innovation, and Ambition Are Fuelling MENA’s E-Trading Boom,” the latest @capitalcom com white paper developed in collaboration with @apcoworldwide.

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

5/ The white paper advocates for greater collaboration between platforms, regulators and policymakers to support sustainable growth, fuelled by AI-driven learning tools and quality educational initiatives.

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

Nearly a third of UK parents are pessimistic about their children’s financial futures, according to the latest @sjpwealth Real Life Advice Report 2025 — with home ownership and retirement prospects topping their concerns.

Rising living costs, soaring house prices, and an evolving job market are making traditional milestones feel increasingly out of reach for the next generation. Almost 40% of parents fear their children may never own a home, and over a third worry about their ability to retire comfortably.

Yet, the report also highlights a clear path forward: parents who engage with ongoing financial education and professional advice are far more confident about their children’s prospects. Their children are also more likely to start investing early.

As a parent, I understand how important it is to equip our children with lifelong financial skills. By having open conversations about money, sharing real-life lessons, and encouraging hands-on learning, we can help our children build good financial habits and navigate their futures with confidence.

https://t.co/zTx85pSSAe

#FinancialLiteracy #FinancialEducation

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

5/ Financial tools should be empowering, accessible, and always underpinned by high-quality education.

I look forward to seeing these initiatives further democratise access to financial markets and foster a culture of smart investing across the continent.

https://t.co/dlXaLCpk3z

#FinancialLiteracy #EU

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

1/ Less than one fifth of EU citizens are highly financially literate. The @EU_Commission's new push to boost financial literacy and expand investment opportunities is both timely and necessary.

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

4/ Equally transformative is the blueprint for Savings and Investment Accounts (SIAs), designed to make investing simpler and more accessible for everyone. By enabling citizens to move their savings into productive investments, SIAs will not only support individual wealth-building but also drive broader economic growth and job creation across Europe.

[Viktor Prokopenya @vprokopenya]

It’s #TalkMoneyWeek 2025—a timely reminder that talking about money is the first step toward better financial wellbeing.

This year’s theme, ‘Do One Thing’, shows how even small actions—setting a savings goal, sharing a tip, or starting a conversation—can spark real change.

From building several businesses to supporting initiatives like the Future of Finance and Technology Initiative at @OxfordSBS, I’ve seen firsthand how access to financial knowledge empowers people and opens doors.

Let’s use this week to inspire one another: take one small action for your financial wellbeing and encourage those around you to do the same.

Together, we can help more people take control of their financial future.

#TalkMoney #DoOneThing #FinancialLiteracy #FinancialEducation

https://t.co/cq6G6pTuaG