Closing The Financial Literacy Gap in Latin America

In the United States, more than 56% of adults have an investment account. That means they own stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles. In Latin America, by contrast, estimates suggest that fewer than 10%, and in many countries even below 5%, of adults hold such accounts. Though precise numbers are hard to come by in some Latin American countries, this massive gap extends beyond banking access. It reveals a deeper issue rooted in financial literacy.

Why does this “investment gap” persist in Latin America? One primary reason: lack of financial education. A sizable number of people have limited exposure to basic investing concepts: what risk means, how compound interest works, the difference between saving and investing. Without those foundations, even if wealthtech or fintech platforms spring up, they struggle to reach many potential users.

At Pilou, we’re committed to changing that. We are more than just a trading app. We aim to be your personal financial adviser: guiding you from your first investment, offering education and guidance so you learn with us as you grow. We want every user, regardless of background, gender, or profession, to feel confident making financial decisions.

Why Latin America Needs Financial Education

In many Latin American schools, financial concepts are scarcely taught. Universities focus less on personal finance and more on technical or professional topics. In homes, talking about money, investments, or retirement is often taboo or simply overlooked. This lack of early exposure means people may reach adulthood without understanding how to build future financial security.

For women particularly, the challenge is compounded. Gender norms or educational and cultural barriers may mean less confidence or fewer role models when it comes to investing. But this must change, and must include everyone. Regardless of profession or background, knowledge about investing empowers us all and builds resilience.

The Stakes: Why This Matters For Everyone

Even for those who do have pension systems or retirement funds in Latin America, many are insufficient to guarantee a dignified retirement. Unexpected life events — health crises, economic shocks — often leave people vulnerable if they haven’t built additional financial buffers or invested wisely from early on.

Because when we don’t invest, we leave our future to uncertainty. Inflation eats savings. Currency devaluation eats purchasing power. Without building wealth, many lack a sense of financial security and control of their future.

Pilou’s Approach: Education + Action

Here’s how Pilou is helping close the knowledge gap and make investing accessible:

• Guided onboarding and learning path: Users aren’t just given tools, they’re walked through each step. We teach what money, risk, return mean.
• Education built into the experience: Mini-lessons, tips, and support are embedded in our users’ dashboard, not optional extras. So you learn while you invest.
• Personalized advice: Even early on, users get tailored guidance so decisions reflect goals, risk profiles, and life circumstances.
• Focus on women’s empowerment: Because cohort data show that women invest less on average, we make sure our service addresses their needs with clear explanations, a supportive community, and by removing intimidation and unnecessary complexity.

Looking Forward: What We Need to Scale

To close the investment gap in Latin America, several things must happen:

• Embed financial education in schools and universities. Introducing basic financial literacy as part of curricula would ensure young people understand investments, savings, inflation, among others, long before they handle real money.
   
• Normalize conversations about finance within families. Talking openly about money between partners, parents and children, or friends helps dismantle myths and build confidence.
   
• Make financial tools more accessible and intuitive. Wealthtech platforms must create frictionless, gamified, accessible experiences, especially for first-time investors.
   

A Call to Everyone

If you’re reading this, whether you're a teacher, parent, entrepreneur, policymaker, or just someone who wants more for their future, this matters to you. It’s not about “becoming rich” fast. It’s about security, dignity, and being able to face life’s uncertainties with resilience. It’s about knowing that when you retire, you will have enough. That you or your loved ones will be protected.

I’m deeply hopeful. At Pilou, we see the possibilities every day: someone opening their first investment, a woman asking questions she never felt comfortable asking, a family planning for long-term stability. We are proud to say that today, 65% of our users are first-time investors. We believe in the power of knowledge and in building tools that serve not just the few, but the many. 

Together as Latin Americans, we must build our future — one lesson, one investment, one person at a time.