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Feeling like a financial fraud? You’re not alone

Date: 28 October 2025

3 minute read

Financial Imposter Syndrome is quietly shaping how millions of Britons manage their money. Our latest research* reveals just how widespread and impactful this mindset has become.

What is Financial Imposter Syndrome?

Over 3.2 million UK adults suffer from Financial Imposter Syndrome, with another 5.3 million showing signs. It’s not just about people doubting their financial skills; many attribute their success to luck or help from others, fake financial know-how, or simply don’t trust their own money management. And it’s not limited to those on lower incomes: nearly a quarter of people earning over £80,000 admit to feeling like financial frauds.

How does it show up?

Here’s what the research* found:

  • 23% of Brits don’t trust their own money management.
  • 19% attribute financial success to luck, whilst 13% credit help from others.
  • 9% admit to faking financial know-how.
  • Nearly a quarter (24%) of higher earners (£80,000+) feel like financial frauds.

Download our report “How Financial Imposter Syndrome is holding Britain back” and find out more about our research, and what steps you can take to grow your financial confidence.

Download report
Image of Holly Tomlinson
“At the root of Financial Imposter Syndrome is shame, a sense that we should be doing better with our money, or that any success is accidental. Social comparisons only fuel feelings of inadequacy.”
Vicky Reynal Financial psychotherapist

Why don’t more people feel like investors?

Labelling yourself an ‘investor’ doesn’t come naturally. Just 17% of over-55s see themselves as investors, compared with 40% of 18–34-year-olds - even though older adults typically hold more in pensions and property.

Only 16% of UK adults hold a stocks and shares ISA, and fewer than half of those see themselves as investors. Many quietly rule themselves out of financial planning, not because they lack assets, but because they don’t feel ‘expert’ enough.

What’s holding people back?

Financial Imposter Syndrome is linked to some of the UK’s biggest financial fears: not having enough for retirement, being unprepared for the future, or feeling stuck. These worries often lead to delayed decisions.

More than a quarter of adults haven’t sought financial advice because they don’t think they have enough money, even though 41% earn upwards of £70,000. On average, Brits believe they need more than £72,000 in assets before seeking advice. Only 12% contribute more than the auto-enrolment minimum to their workplace pension, and while nearly half pay attention to budget announcements, many feel ill-equipped to act.

Image of Holly Tomlinson
“Financial Imposter Syndrome isn’t niche. It’s locking millions out of planning, investing and getting help. Not because they don’t have options, but because they don’t feel allowed to take ownership. But money needs a plan, not perfection.”
Holly Tomlinson Quilter financial planner

Moving forward

Financial Imposter Syndrome can make it feel difficult to take the next step with your money. But you don’t need to have all the answers or wait for permission to start building confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or you're already managing your finances, small changes and positive habits can help you move forward.

Because money needs a plan, not permission.

Investing always carries risk. The value of investments can go up and down and you may get back less than you invested.

Why money needs a plan

*Figures are based on a nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by Opinium for Quilter in September 2025.

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