How are finance influencers changing the way we learn about money? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, you may have seen creators: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- explaining how to buy your first home<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- breaking down HECS debt and student loans<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- offering tips for budgeting, saving or investing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- sharing advice on managing the rising cost of living. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
But what makes their content so influential? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research by Curtin lecturer Dr Ivy Hii highlights three key factors: trustworthiness, relatability and quality of information. Together, these elements help build \u2018parasocial relationships\u2019 \u2013 a sense of connection where followers feel they personally know and trust the creator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This shift is also reshaping what effective communication looks like in finance, highlighting the importance of translating complex information into clear, accessible insights that build trust and support decision-making. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFinance education is shifting from instruction to inspiration, driven by connection, not just content,\u201d Dr Hii explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFinance influencers break down complex topics like investing, superannuation, debt or budgeting into everyday examples that feel relevant to real life. People are no longer just absorbing information \u2013 they\u2019re learning by observing and relating.\u201d <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
This ability to communicate complex financial ideas clearly and ethically is increasingly important across modern finance careers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are some of the opportunities and challenges for \u2018finfluencers\u2019? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
According to Dr Hii, one of the biggest opportunities for finfluencers is the ability to democratise financial knowledge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBy using social media, finfluencers are reaching younger audiences who may feel excluded from \u2013 or disengaged with \u2013 traditional financial institutions,\u201d she explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis creates the potential to improve financial confidence and encourage positive money habits at an early stage.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, this growing influence also brings new challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot all financial content shared online is accurate, unbiased or well-regulated. Because followers often trust finfluencers and feel personally connected to them, there is a risk that advice may be taken at face value without careful consideration.\u201d\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Dr Hii says that as financial content becomes widespread, there is a growing need for transparency, ethical communication and industry regulation to protect consumers. The ability to turn complex financial information into clear, engaging and accessible insights is becoming a defining skill across the finance sector, particularly as professionals increasingly communicate with diverse, digitally connected audiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This creates new opportunities for professionals who can bridge the gap between engaging content and credible financial expertise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow can I start a career that blends finance and digital communications? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re interested in finance and how it\u2019s communicated in a digital world, you can major in Finance<\/a> as part of Curtin\u2019s Bachelor of Commerce <\/a>degree. You\u2019ll build skills in understanding markets, managing money, and navigating investment risk. You can also study a double degree in Arts and Commerce, combining Finance with Digital and Social Media<\/a> to learn how to turn complex financial ideas into engaging, accessible content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But there are many pathways beyond content creation alone. As finance and digital media continue to intersect, new career opportunities are emerging across industry, government and fintech. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might find yourself helping people save for their first home, designing digital tools that simplify investing, or contributing to initiatives that strengthen financial literacy and consumer protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Curtin, you\u2019ll develop the skills to thrive in this evolving space \u2013 by learning how to understand financial systems, interpret data and trends, and communicate complex ideas clearly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Careers include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- \ud83d\udcc8 Investment analyst (digital platforms) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u2696\ufe0f Compliance and regulation advisor <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \ud83d\udcf1 Fintech product manager <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \ud83d\udce2 Financial marketing or communications specialist<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \ud83d\udcb8 Financial content creator or educator <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re passionate about improving people\u2019s financial wellbeing, our Finance and Financial Planning<\/a> double major prepares you for roles like financial advisor, with exposure to areas like budgeting, investing and risk management, alongside tax law, corporate finance, portfolio management, estate planning, ethics and compliance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n