GFS Free Trial Video Viewers Surpass 1.5 Million, Rapid Growth Since New NISA Launch

GFS Education, a subsidiary of Copia, has announced that its online financial education school, 'GFS' (the industry leader in student numbers), has reached 1.5 million cumulative viewers for its free trial videos as of May 2026. The number of viewers accelerated following the launch of the new NISA system in January 2024, hitting a record high in April 2026. This trend reflects a sharp increase in individuals who have started investing but do not know how to study it properly.

Background and Social Challenges: Two years after the start of the new NISA system, the number of NISA accounts reached approximately 28.26 million as of December 2025, approaching the government's goal of 34 million. However, according to a February 2026 survey by the Japan Securities Dealers Association, only 22.7% of NISA users have experience in financial economics education, meaning about 77% are using NISA without any prior financial education. With persistent inflation, yen depreciation, and concerns about retirement, the gap between having a system and lacking the knowledge is becoming a societal issue, driving the need for 'financial learning for self-defense.'

Insights from GFS Data: 1. Rapid increase in viewers after new NISA: The number of viewers for GFS's free trial videos skyrocketed after January 2024, a growth pace that continued through 2025 and 2026. This indicates that 'learning about money' is becoming established behavior among the public, not a temporary boom. 2. Core audience is the 'busy working generation' (ages 30-50): Employees account for 51% of viewers, followed by full-time homemakers/retirees (9%) and part-timers (10%). Females make up 53% of viewers, outnumbering males (38%). It shows that individuals busy with childcare, work, and household management are choosing financial learning for self-defense rather than professional investors.

Investment Classes for Parents and Children: In addition to supporting the working generation, GFS is engaging in financial education for the next generation. It held two investment classes for parents and children in April and May 2026. Children in elementary and middle school took notes and asked lecturers questions, confirming their growing interest. The government is considering a 'Kodomo NISA' (child NISA) for those under 18, expected by January 2027. GFS aims to be a financial education platform that meets both parents' desire to teach and children's desire to learn.

Future Outlook: Under Copia's purpose, 'Empower Japan - Revive the stagnant Japan,' GFS aims to realize a society where all generations, from working adults to the next generation, possess correct financial knowledge.