Societe Generale is committed to working alongside the younger generations to provide financial education that is accessible to all

Understanding the markets, knowing how to manage a portfolio, investing in an informed way... So many skills that everyone, regardless of age or experience, should be able to learn. For the past few years, Societe Generale has been committed to financial education, particularly for the younger generations.

Photo credit: NextWise

Among the initiatives supported, the Next Challenge, organised by the fintech NextWise, is a good example of what can be achieved when educational innovation, inclusion and responsible investment meet.

A challenge like no other

Launched in 2021, the Next Challenge is a virtual asset management competition for students, based on the principle of “learning by doing”. It combines performance, teaching and teamwork in an immersive setting that allows participants to manage a portfolio virtually and to build their investment strategy.

Over the last four editions, the number of participants has increased from 500 to 2,000, from more than 150 teaching establishments in France. During the fourth edition, a European pilot was conducted in partnership with Euronext, involving more than 300 students in several countries (Benelux, Ireland, Norway, etc.). Building on this success, the fifth edition of the Next Challenge will be propelled to the pan-European level.

Participants can compete individually or in teams of up to seven people, with a virtual portfolio of EUR 50,000 to EUR 200,000 to invest. The aim is not only to achieve good financial results, but to demonstrate an understanding of portfolio construction, strategy, diversification and risk management. It also means getting into good habits and knowing how to look for and choose the best sources of information online, so as to make informed decisions that are tailored to personal convictions and needs.

A partnership that makes sense

Societe Generale has supported the past few editions of this initiative alongside various financial industry players (AMF, Euronext, Orange, L’Oréal, etc.). This partnership ties in perfectly with our commitment to contribute to a better economic and financial culture as part of an intergenerational and inclusive framework.

We are convinced that everyone – young people, experienced investors, women, armchair investors, families – can (and must) have the tools to understand the challenges of investing. Because knowing how to manage a budget or portfolio also means knowing how to make the right choices for yourself and for the future.