81% of Hungarian Adults Has Savings - Survey

According to a representative survey by MBH Investment Bank, 81% of the Hungarian adult population has savings, and 93% of savers are able to set money aside on a monthly basis.

A savings-oriented mindset continues to dominate, but there are increasing signs that an investment-oriented mindset is also gaining ground: compared to last year, the proportion of those who believe it is worthwhile to invest even small amounts – as little as HUF 10,000 per month – on a regular basis has risen from 13% to 19%. Among investors, securities accounts are the most common form (62%), but long-term investment accounts are also popular (31%), according to a press release sent to MTI on Monday detailing a survey by MBH Investment Bank.

According to the survey, one-third of respondents (34%) hold some form of basic savings product – such as a bank deposit or funds tied up in a checking account – while only one-quarter of those surveyed utilize investment products or securities that promise real capital market returns. A significant portion of Hungarians still fears risk and prefers liquid forms of savings, with unrestricted checking accounts (42%) and cash (34%) dominating.

The survey attests to the rapid advance of the digitization of investment services. While less than half of customers with investment products managed their investment affairs online a year ago, that proportion now exceeds 70%; the rise of smartphone channels is particularly strong. At the same time, the role of in-person advice remains significant: 39% of respondents would still turn to a bank advisor before making important investment decisions. One in five respondents also uses artificial intelligence to assist with their financial decisions.