Financial literacy is becoming as essential as traditional education for the next generation. Minsu Ko, a 35-year-old senior lecturer in Banking and Finance at Monash University, is bridging this gap by combining academic theory with real-world investment practices. With nearly a decade of investing experience, Minsu combines his passion for education with practical insights into equity markets, helping his students understand the evolving landscape of finance. His journey with Tiger Brokers Australia has further enriched his ability to teach and inspire.
A Passion for Education and Investing
Minsu began his investing journey in 2015 while pursuing his master’s degree. Initially experimenting with virtual trading tools due to limited funds, he now primarily invests in ETFs, embracing a long-term approach. Today, his financial goals align with his teaching philosophy: educating others about the equity markets while staying updated on the latest trends and strategies.
“Investing is more than just financial gain; it’s a learning experience that evolves with market developments,” Minsu shares. This belief drives his focus on equipping students with the tools and knowledge to navigate the financial world confidently.
Integrating Online Brokerages into the Classroom
In his market participants class, Minsu highlights the transformative role of online brokerages like Tiger Brokers Australia. He introduces students to the differences between full-service, discount, and online platforms, emphasising how technological advancements have made investing more accessible.
“I often show the change in retail trading volumes since the mid-2000s to illustrate the impact of online brokerages,” Minsu explains. By showcasing platforms such as Tiger Trade, he demonstrates how features like demo trading can help beginners understand market risks without real financial loss.
Practical Advice for Novice Investors*
For students taking their first steps in trading, Minsu offers three key pieces of advice:
Start small or practice virtually: Tools like Tiger Trade’s demo trading feature allow beginners to gain experience without risking real money.
Be mindful of fixed costs: Give consideration to high-expense investments that may erode returns over time.
Prioritise learning over quick gains: Understand the risks, and focus on building a solid foundation before committing significant capital.
Leveraging Tiger Brokers for Education and Personal Growth
Minsu discovered Tiger Trade after moving to Australia and has been using the platform for a year. “Its liquidity and advanced features stood out, making it my go-to platform,” he says. While he predominantly uses the app version for its user-friendly design, he appreciates its comprehensive tools, such as detailed trend charts and order types.
For his students, Minsu highlights Tiger Trade’s Academy feature and demo account. “These tools are excellent for new investors,” he notes, while also suggesting enhancements like more video content to improve accessibility for beginners.
A Long-Term Investor’s Strategy
Minsu’s personal investment approach is rooted in the core-and-satellite strategy. Currently, he allocates 80-90% of his portfolio to market portfolio ETFs, such as the Vanguard Australia Shares Index ETF (VAS), while dedicating a smaller portion to opportunities like momentum and high-dividend strategies.
“I rely on academic research to guide my decisions rather than reacting to daily news,” Minsu explains. Tiger Trade’s flexibility—including trading in Australian dollars—further supports his investment strategy by minimising currency exposure.
Shaping the Future of Retail Investing
As the retail investing landscape evolves, Minsu sees a growing influence of individual investors. “Events like the GameStop saga highlight how retail investors are reshaping market dynamics,” he observed. This shift underscores the importance of accessible tools and platforms, such as Tiger Brokers Australia, in empowering the next generation of traders.
Final Thoughts: Advice for New Investors
For those new to investing, Minsu’s opinion is to start early and embrace the learning process. “Equity investment is essential for building wealth,” he says. “Even small steps, like virtual trading or minimal initial investments, can build confidence and understanding over time.”
Looking ahead, Minsu envisions platforms like Tiger Brokers may play an integral role in education. “A university tournament feature, where students compete in trading games, could be a game-changer,” he suggests, combining practical experience with academic learning.
Through his work, Minsu Ko not only guides his students toward financial literacy but also demonstrates how platforms like Tiger Brokers can transform investing into an empowering and educational journey. For Minsu and his students, the future of investing is as much about growth as it is about knowledge.
*The material and content posted is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, a recommendation or endorsement for any financial product or strategy, nor does it constitute an offer to provide financial product advice by Tiger Brokers (AU) Pty Limited, “TBAU”. TBAU makes no representations or warranties and takes no responsibility for the accuracy, truthfulness, legality, decency, or any other aspect of any comments and views shared by the interviewers in the post.
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