How CFI is empowering the next generation of investors
Stephen Grootes speaks to Zihaad Israfil, CEO of CFI South Africa, about how digital platforms provide younger investors with direct market access and educational tools.
We’re halfway through 2025, and by now, you’ve probably heard plenty about Gen Z. They’re digitally savvy, socially conscious, value mental health awareness, and are strong advocates for equality and inclusion among many other things.
In a recent study titled "The Gen Z Economy Report: Cash, Culture, and Clout," we learned that this generation of South Africans, despite facing economic struggles, is determined to achieve financial freedom through their realistic and unapologetic perspective on money.
CFI, an authorised FSP and global trading platform, meets young investors in the middle by offering a digital experience with direct market access and a library of educational tools.
To explore how digital platforms can empower Gen Z investors and influence the future of investment, Stephen Grootes hosts Zihaad Israfil, CEO of CFI South Africa.
Since social media can influence younger people to explore new economic avenues, having easier access to trading and investments could also lead to easier risk. Therefore, CFI focuses on education by providing an abundance of learning materials to ensure that informed decisions are made when investing.
“Easy trading access is great, but it can also mean that people jump in without really understanding, especially when influenced by the hype of social media," Israfil explains. "And that’s why we, at CFI, have taken a really strong stand on education and transparency.”
He also emphasises the importance of the CFI Academy and Trading Transparency+, and how they enable traders to learn as much as possible and invest cautiously.
“We have Trading Transparency+ and the CFI Academy, which really guides the trader from Day 1, which allows them to make a more informed choice, rather than an emotional one.” – Zihaad Israfil, CFI South Africa
The CFI Academy offers beginner and advanced courses consisting of expert-led video lessons on technical analysis, risk management, trading strategies, market psychology and more. Investors looking to sharpen their skills will be given practical knowledge that can improve their trading efficiency and understanding.
“Trading Transparency+ helps traders understand their own risk profile,” says Israfil. The user-friendly tool gives traders a clear definition of the realities of trading, providing a reality check on whether trading is a good idea for the individual, and the risks that come with it. Trading Transparency+ cuts through the noise and unravels the misconceptions about investing with a suite of educational resources and a thorough assessment.
“It’s all about making informed decisions and not chasing a quick win.” - Zihaad Israfil, CFI South Africa.
To start your investment journey on a user-friendly, educational, and digital platform, visit the official CFI South Africa website.
You can also stay up to speed on the ever-changing world of investing by tuning in to Investment School, brought to you by CFI, every Thursday on The Money Show with Stephen Grootes (6pm-8pm).
Empower yourself with CFI and start trading today. Visit cfi.trade!