Aberdeen says Japan retail equity holdings top UK despite later investor push

By Public Technologies
  • Aberdeen analysis finds Asian markets built retail investing participation through sustained reforms, narrowing the UK gap in household equity ownership.
  • Japan holds 9% of household wealth in equities and mutual funds outside pensions, versus 8% in the UK, despite 35% in cash.
  • Singapore’s exposure is 11%; South Korea matches the UK at 8%, with individuals estimated at 60-70% of annual trading.
  • Report flags UK stamp duty on share transactions as a global outlier, arguing it weakens incentives to invest domestically.
  • Policy takeaways include scrapping stamp duty, upgrading market infrastructure, strengthening retail shareholder rights, simplifying investing, and expanding long-term financial literacy.


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