Evaluation of individual stock exchange investor profile in turkey

An effectively functioning financial system provides the necessary financing for economic growth by ensuring that savings are directed to investments. The healthy functioning of the financial system depends on the balanced operation of two basic markets, the money market and the capital market. Savings are collected through these markets and resources are provided for investment activities. Stock exchanges, one of the most important components of capital markets, enable the flow of resources by bringing together those who supply funds and those who demand funds. This facilitates the transformation of savings into investment. The share of the stock exchange in the national income in Turkey is approximately 25%. This rate shows that the stock exchange has not reached its potential size. When the ratios of the stock exchanges of developed countries to GDP are taken into account, it is seen that the size of BIST is quite insufficient. Therefore, the growth of BIST is of critical importance for the financial system. Although there are various factors that will ensure the development of the stock exchange, the increase in the number of investors in terms of quality and quantity comes first. This study aims to examine the profiles of individual investors who engage in equity investments on Borsa İstanbul and to evaluate their investment behaviors. The research covers the period between 2020 and 2025, with data obtained from the Turkish Capital Markets Association (TCMA) and the Data Analysis Platform (vap.org.tr). The findings in the period under analysis reveal a 245% increase in the number of investors and a 644% rise in portfolio values during the examined period. It was also determined that the majority of investors are aged between 30 and 49, and that investor distribution varies significantly across provinces. Additionally, high-value portfolios are concentrated in a small group of investors, indicating potential risks related to market balance and equity distribution. Keywords: Stock Market; Investor; Investor profile.