Millennials and Gen Z are investing earlier and into private markets – with Arta members leading the way.

Wealth-building success is less about income and more about early action, a strong asset allocation framework, and access to the right financial products. Arta members are at the forefront of a new investing era – starting sooner and spreading their capital across a broader range of asset classes.

• Younger investors are starting earlier: 54% of Gen Z survey respondents began investing by age 21, with Millennial Millionaires averaging an investment start age of 23.

• The traditional wealth playbook is shifting: a portfolio of just stocks and bonds is no longer seen as sufficient by Millennials and Gen Z.

• Private markets are going mainstream: Among Arta invested members, half hold at least one private market investment.

There’s a narrative many of us grew up with: get a good job, save diligently, invest in a diversified portfolio, buy a house, and one day, maybe, retire comfortably. It’s a playbook handed down from our parents and grandparents. But what if that playbook is outdated?

Bloomberg recently reported on a Bank of America study sharing that among those aged 43 and below,

3 out of 4 investors say that just investing in stocks and bonds wasn't enough.

Here at Arta, we’re seeing that play out in real life, with half of all Arta members holding at least one private market investment¹.

Last year, Arta surveyed hundreds of Millennials and Gen Z² to understand what’s shaping their path to wealth. 

We found that over 71% of Millennial Millionaires - those born between 1981 and 1996 with a self-reported net worth of over $1M USD – started investing before age 30. 

Gen Z is pushing the timeline even earlier: a striking 54% of Gen Z respondents began investing by the age of 21 either by themselves or with assistance from their parents, compared to 31% of Millennials and 27% of Gen X.

So, what does this tell us? The old belief that wealth-building begins “when you’re settled” in your 30s no longer holds up. Technology has opened up new asset classes and more options to build wealth – and younger generations are taking advantage of it.

The Early Investor Advantage

Today, people are investing earlier than ever before. Technology has democratized access to financial tools, knowledge, and advice that were typically reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Millennials and Gen Z aren’t waiting for the “right” job title or income bracket to start building wealth. They’re doing it now with what they’ve got. The data we collected also supports this idea: among Millennial Millionaires, the average reported age at which they began investing was just 23.

“Time is your greatest asset when it comes to investing,” says Emmy Sakulrompochai, Head of Investment Advisory at Arta Finance. “But many people hesitate because they think they need a finance degree or six figures in savings. You don’t. What you really need is a bit of guidance, access to quality investment opportunities, and a nudge to get started—even with small amounts. By starting early and staying invested, you can take advantage of long-term market growth and let compounding returns work in your favor.”

Beyond Discipline - It’s About Access

Yes, these early savers and investors had that discipline. But what really sets them apart? Access.

Access to better tools, expert advice, and financial products that accelerated their wealth-building journey. And nowhere is that more apparent than in alternative investments, such as private equity, private credit, venture capital, real estate, and infrastructure funds. 

Historically, that access was gated by wealth, connections, or geography. Today, global wealth platforms like Arta are gradually removing those barriers and making it easier for more people to tap into strategies that were once exclusive to the top 1%.

Among Arta investors, 47% of all Millennials have at least one private market investment, while among Gen Z that figure increases to 51%. 

“We’re seeing a new generation of investors lean into private markets not just because access has improved, but because they’re thinking more strategically about their portfolios,” says Tracy Gallagher, Global Head of Private Market Investments at Arta.

They recognize that alternatives can offer higher potential returns that don’t always move in lockstep with public markets. That kind of diversification wasn’t easily achievable for most people before, but now it’s becoming part of how today’s investors think about building long-term wealth.

Gen Z vs. Millennials vs. Gen X

The data reveals generational differences in how wealth-building is currently taking place, showing that it is shaped more by life stage than by financial habits. 

Millennials, being further along in their life stage, are more likely to report structured financial behaviors such as saving regularly (55% vs. 46%) and diversifying their investments (39% vs 22%), as well as a greater emphasis on managing debt (31% vs. 21%) and saving for retirement (51% vs. 30%).

Wealth-Building Behaviors by Generation

^{Data reflects Arta survey of 2000 U.S. consumers in August 2024 and internal analysis of Arta invested member base as of July 2025.}

But this isn’t about who’s “doing it better.” Gen Z is just getting started and is already showing momentum by investing earlier than previous generations. These patterns suggest not a gap in performance, but a generational opportunity: if younger investors maintain their early start and continue to build healthy financial habits, they could ultimately surpass their older peers in generating wealth.

The Bottom Line

If financial independence is the goal, starting early matters. Wealth isn’t just about a paycheck, it’s about mindset, access, and action. Today’s investors have more powerful tools that were once reserved for the elite, now at their fingertips, including asset classes like private equity or strategic investments like structured products. The playing field is leveling, and those who start early – with whatever they have – stand to benefit most.

Whether you’re 22, 39, or 55, the best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today.

¹ _{Internal analysis on worldwide Arta invested member base, July 8, 2025}

² _{Survey was conducted online on behalf of Arta Finance between August 13 and August 23, 2024. Survey respondents included 2,000 U.S. consumers above the age of 18, weighted to be census representative in age and gender​.}