Dave Lee, 17, acts as his family's financial adviser despite lacking formal credentials. The high school student manages investment decisions for his household, a role typically held by certified professionals.

Lee's interest in personal finance began in middle school when he helped his mother open a brokerage account. He now researches equities, monitors portfolio allocation, and executes trades on behalf of relatives.

The case reflects a broader shift: Gen Z investors are entering markets earlier through commission-free platforms and social media education. Custodial accounts and fractional shares lower barriers, but regulators warn that unlicensed advice — even within families — can expose households to unsuitable risk.

For the wealth-management industry, Lee's story underscores two pressures. First, advisory firms must articulate value beyond basic portfolio construction as DIY tools proliferate. Second, compliance departments face gray areas when minors influence family financial decisions without fiduciary oversight. The trend may accelerate demand for hybrid models that blend digital access with professional guardrails.