2025: The birth year of Generation Beta, the first AI-native investors
But is anyone paying attention to the risks? Not young adults.
Photo by Gantas Vaičiulėnas
Photo by Alex Knight
This year—2025—marks the beginning of Generation Beta, the first generation to be entirely born into an AI-powered financial world. But who is Gen Beta? To understand that, let’s look at the generation they are succeeding—Generation Alpha.
Generation Alpha
Born between 2010 and 2025, Generation Alpha is the first generation fully immersed in digital technology from birth. As of 2025, the oldest Alphas are turning 15, growing up in a world shaped by a new digital era.
Key financial trends for Gen Alpha
Early exposure to finance: A growing number of digital platforms and financial education initiatives are introducing money management skills to children and young adults, reinforcing the need for engaging and accessible financial literacy programs.
Entrepreneurial and digital economy participation: Many Alphas monetize content and engage with virtual marketplaces.
AI-driven financial tools: Automated investment strategies and AI-assisted financial decisions are becoming the norm.
Wealth transfer influence: Gen Alpha is positioned to benefit from the $68 trillion wealth transfer from baby boomers in the U.S. and a significant wealth transition in Canada, influencing their investment choices. In Canada, the aging population and high homeownership rates among baby boomers mean that Gen Alpha will inherit substantial real estate and financial assets, further shaping their approach to wealth accumulation and investment strategies.
While Gen Alpha is on track to be one of the most financially savvy generations, Generation Beta will take financial evolution to the next level.
Generation Beta: The first AI-native investors (2025–2040)
With 2025 marking the birth year of Generation Beta, this cohort will be the first to live entirely in a world powered by AI, automation and digital finance. What does this mean for their financial future?
Predicted financial landscape for Gen Beta
The AI-first money experience: Gen Beta will never know a world without AI financial advisors, fully automated investing and blockchain-based transactions. Personal finance apps will function as real-time AI consultants, offering personalized financial coaching from childhood.
Financial independence at an earlier age: Digital education and micro-investing platforms will allow Gen Beta to begin investing even before they reach adolescence. Virtual economies (metaverse businesses, digital real estate and tokenized assets) will be a core part of their wealth-building strategies.
Alternative currencies and payment methods: Traditional banking may become obsolete as Gen Beta grows up in a cashless world, transacting in cryptocurrencies, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and AI-managed accounts. Peer-to-peer payments via blockchain will replace standard banking methods.
Sustainability-first investing: Climate change and environmental concerns will heavily influence how Gen Beta invests. Their financial choices will prioritize renewable energy, circular economies, and ethical corporations.
Longevity and work evolution: Advances in health tech may result in longer lifespans, shifting financial planning toward sustainable wealth accumulation over a much longer life. AI-powered productivity and remote work models could redefine traditional career paths, making wealth generation more decentralized.
The critical role of financial education
For both Gen Alpha and Gen Beta, financial education will be crucial in ensuring they are equipped to manage wealth effectively in an increasingly complex world. Leading researchers have emphasized that financial education must be professional, comprehensive and engaging to have a lasting impact.
Bridging the financial education gap
Despite the growing need for financial literacy, there are still gaps in financial education across North America, particularly in early education settings. Schools and colleges must prioritize structured financial education programs to ensure that both Gen Alpha and Gen Beta gain the necessary skills to navigate AI-driven financial landscapes.
Community partners can play a vital role in advancing financial literacy efforts, helping to fill gaps left by traditional education systems. Notably, North America’s credit unions have long supported financial education initiatives.
By integrating interactive, real-world financial learning experiences into educational institutions and community programs, we can help ensure that Gen Alpha and Gen Beta grow up with a strong understanding of financial principles, empowering them to make informed financial decisions.
The evolution of financial independence
Gen Alpha and Gen Beta are set to experience automated financial landscapes, AI-driven decisions and sustainability. While Gen Alpha has pioneered digital finance adaptation, Gen Beta will be the first generation born into this reality.
As 2025 welcomes the first members of Gen Beta, we enter an era where money, investing and wealth-building will be more data-driven, automated and globally interconnected than ever before. Their success will depend on access to financial tools and how well they navigate ethical AI, economic shifts and digital disruption.
The future of finance belongs to these two generations—but for Gen Beta, the journey starts now.
Let’s talk about the future of financial literacy
If you are interested in bringing a financial literacy program to your credit union, I invite you to explore It’s a Money Thing. This comprehensive library of effective and affordable financial education content is designed to engage and teach youth and young adults in an impactful way.
To see a demo and learn how you can implement financial literacy initiatives in your organization, please book a Zoom meeting with me.
Tim McAlpine is the Founder & CEO of Currency Marketing. He is best known for developing the It's a Money Thing Financial Education Program that credit unions from around North America are using to connect with new young adult members. He is also a driving force behind CUES Emerge, an emerging leader program that combines online learning, peer collaboration and an exciting competition component.
