• “Understanding Money, Markets and Risk” programme will equip UK students with practical skills that help empower them to transition to data-driven financial reasoning.
• Flagship initiative features financial education modules, mentorship and a simulated stock picking competition with students managing a virtual portfolio.
• Top-performing schools to be recognised at a special London Stock Exchange Market Close ceremony and a Goldman Sachs Insight Day in London.

LONDON, 8 June 2026: Goldman Sachs, the LSEG Foundation, and Founders4Schools (F4S) are pleased to today announce the launch of ‘Understanding Money, Markets and Risk’, a flagship financial education initiative designed to help equip Year 12 students across the UK with essential real-world financial skills.

The programme arrives at a pivotal moment for young people navigating the complexities of the transition from education to the workplace and building confidence in financial decision-making. It features a comprehensive 10-module curriculum designed by F4S that supports students’ understanding of sophisticated market concepts such as risk management and ethical investing. Learning is delivered through interactive worksheets and thematic videos featuring professionals from both Goldman Sachs and LSEG supporting these modules.

The programme will culminate with a live, educational stock-picking competition. Starting today, students in 15 schools across the UK will begin managing a virtual portfolio of £100,000, trading ETFs, FTSE 350 stocks, and indices in a risk-free simulation, as part of a financial education exercise. A second cohort of 15 schools will begin the competition on 29 June. Throughout the simulation, Goldman Sachs and LSEG volunteers will provide onsite mentorship through their respective volunteering initiatives, offering students guidance on data-driven financial reasoning.

Erica Bourne, Group Chief People Officer, LSEG, and Chair of the LSEG Foundation, said: “Democratising access to financial markets starts with education. Conversations about money and financial markets can, however, often feel distant or abstract for young people. This programme brings them to life - giving students across the UK the chance to explore real-world scenarios and build confidence in how they understand financial information, assess risk and make informed decisions about their financial future. These are essential life skills and exactly the kind of practical, accessible learning the LSEG Foundation exists to support. By providing students with the educational space to build their financial literacy, we are empowering the next generation to shape our economy.”

Richard Cormack, Co-Head of UK Investment Banking and Head of European Equity Capital Markets at Goldman Sachs, said: "Greater understanding of the role equity markets play in spurring economic growth and their impact on the wider world is so important both for individuals and for the health of the UK capital markets. By instilling an understanding of financial markets early, the programme aims to ensure that financial literacy is not a privilege of the few, but a foundational skill for all, preparing the next generation to thrive in a modern global economy and can help boost equity culture within the UK. At Goldman Sachs, we are committed to leveraging the firm’s expertise to help address systemic barriers to the world of work. "

Sherry Coutu CBE, Chair of Founders4Schools, added: “The importance of engaging young people through practical, experiential learning cannot be overstated. This competition moves beyond the theoretical, challenging students to navigate real-world market fluctuations and move from guesswork to intentional, evidence-based decision-making.”

The top-performing schools, recognised for both portfolio growth and student engagement, will be invited to London in October for an exclusive Insight Day at Goldman Sachs and the opportunity to close the market at the London Stock Exchange.

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About Goldman Sachs

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centres around the world.

Through Community TeamWorks (CTW), the people of Goldman Sachs contribute their ideas, time and expertise to drive tangible progress in our communities. Launched in 1997, this signature volunteering initiative enables our people to work in partnership with nonprofit organizations around the world to make a meaningful difference.

About the LSEG Foundation

The LSEG Foundation is an independent registered charity supported by LSEG, focused on supporting underserved communities by improving financial literacy, access to education, employability and entrepreneurship globally.

LSEG is one of the world’s leading providers of financial markets infrastructure and delivers financial data, analytics, news and index products to 44,000+ customers in over 170 countries.

About Founders4Schools

Founders4Schools is an award-winning charity that connects educators with business leaders to improve the employment prospects of young people and bridge the skills gap in the UK.