Campaign for a Million: The Investor’s Guide to Building Wealth That Lasts

How much money is enough? Let's say you're 40.And plan to retire at 57. You have a $1,000,000 in savings but don't plan to add more.

You're expecting to track just 2/3rds of the S&P500 return achieved over the past 15 years. Well, you would have before tax $16.8k per month to spend on the 4% rule.

See for yourself on our free Pension Calculator: https://lnkd.in/e62GhZm2

Part of my Campaign for a Million to teach people how to add an extra million to their portfolios over their lifetimes through better investing. https://lnkd.in/dTP2tpc

When Governments Buy Bitcoin: Scarcity, Strategy, and the Smart Investor’s Guide

A World Where Governments Hoard Bitcoin

Imagine opening a government balance sheet and alongside reserves of gold and foreign currencies, you see Bitcoin. That world isn’t theoretical - it’s already here.

From the United States to Bhutan, countries are quietly amassing Bitcoin reserves worth billions. Some have mined it, others seized it, others accepted it as donations in wartime. Whatever the route, one thing is certain: sovereigns are now Bitcoin investors.

And the numbers aren’t small. Between 300,000 and 500,000 BTC—worth upwards of $50 billion - is now held by governments worldwide. That’s 2–2.5% of total supply. Add in treasuries, corporates, and ETFs, and nearly 1.5 million BTC (about 7% of supply) is effectively locked away.

This matters. Scarcity drives value. Legitimacy drives confidence. And government participation adds an entirely new dimension to Bitcoin’s story.

The Big Holders: A Data Snapshot

Here’s a quick overview of which governments hold the most Bitcoin, how much, and its estimated value:

Why This Matters for Investors

So, why should you care about what governments are doing with Bitcoin?

1. Scarcity Intensifies

Every Bitcoin governments lock away is one less in circulation. Supply is capped at 21 million, and with ETFs, corporates, and retail also piling in, scarcity is not just theoretical—it’s structural.

2. Legitimacy Boost

For years, critics dismissed Bitcoin as a fad or a Ponzi scheme. But when the U.S. creates a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, it stops being fringe. It becomes part of a nation’s official toolkit.

3. Policy as a Market Driver

Government actions move markets. Just as central bank statements sway bond yields, sovereign Bitcoin policy could ripple through crypto prices globally.

4. Bitcoin vs Gold

Gold has long been the hedge of choice for inflation and uncertainty. Now Bitcoin is muscling in. Younger investors, digital-first economies, and sovereign reserves are treating BTC less as a gamble and more as a diversification asset.

Country Spotlights: How They’re Playing the Game

United States: Strategic Reserve, Not Speculation

In March 2025, the U.S. established its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, funded entirely by seized BTC from law enforcement. These coins aren’t for trading - they’re being held, just like gold in Fort Knox. Some lawmakers are floating “BitBonds,” tying sovereign debt instruments to Bitcoin.

China: Silent Power

China holds ~190,000 BTC, mostly seized from scams like PlusToken. Its intentions remain unclear - whether to hold, sell, or strategically deploy. That uncertainty alone is a market risk.

United Kingdom: Law Enforcement’s Bitcoin Fortune

The UK has amassed ~61,000 BTC, largely from criminal seizures. These could influence markets if auctioned, but for now they sit dormant as sovereign assets.

Ukraine: Bitcoin in Wartime

Ukraine received ~46,000 BTC in crypto donations during its war, highlighting BTC’s real-world utility—funds that bypass traditional finance and arrive instantly.

Bhutan: The Mining Kingdom

Since 2019, Bhutan has mined Bitcoin using surplus hydroelectric power. Its stash (~11k BTC) is enormous relative to GDP, and proceeds have even been used to pay civil servant salaries.

El Salvador: The Pioneer

El Salvador made history in 2021 by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. Its ~6k BTC holdings are modest, but symbolically huge. Recently, it improved treasury security by splitting reserves across multiple wallets with public dashboards.

Numbers That Bring It Home

• Governments hold ~2.3% of all BTC in existence.

• Corporates hold ~989k BTC.

• Exchange balances have dropped below 15%—lowest since 2018.

• Bitcoin topped $124,000 in 2025, up 20% YTD.

Corporates in Bitcoin: The Other Half of the Supply Squeeze

It isn’t just governments hoarding Bitcoin. Some of the world’s most aggressive buyers are publicly listed corporations, ranging from software firms to electric car makers and mining companies.

The standout name here is MicroStrategy, whose relentless buying spree has made it the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, with more than 174,000 BTC - a stash worth nearly $9 billion. That single company alone now owns close to 1% of all the Bitcoin in existence.

But MicroStrategy isn’t alone. Tesla famously added Bitcoin to its balance sheet in 2021, making headlines across global markets. Mining companies like Marathon Digital Holdings, Hut 8, and Riot also hold thousands of coins, not just as part of treasury strategy but as direct inventory from their mining operations. Payment and fintech players such as Block (formerly Square) and Coinbase are also significant holders.

Together, corporates collectively own nearly 1 million BTC - a figure that rivals or even exceeds government ownership. This dual dynamic - sovereign + corporate accumulation - intensifies Bitcoin’s scarcity and magnifies its role in global portfolios.

But Let’s Be Clear: Bitcoin Is Still Risky

This isn’t a pitch to gamble with your savings. Quite the opposite. I want you thinking like a hedge-funder, not a casino gambler.

Volatility Cuts Both Ways

Bitcoin can soar 30% in a month - and plunge 40% the next. If you don’t use volatility-based position sizing and stop-loss discipline, your portfolio can implode.

FOMO Is a Vote for Disaster

I’ve seen this before - dot-coms, meme stocks, tulips. Chasing hype ends badly. Bitcoin is no exception.

Regulation & Structural Risks

Governments may buy - but they can also regulate, ban, or tax. Don’t mistake current reserves as unconditional faith.

Overconfidence in Shiny Tech

Shiny isn’t always wise. Many investors chase trends tactically. Smart investors think strategically.

Could Go to Zero

I’ve said this many times: Bitcoin could, theoretically, go to zero. Unlikely, but possible. If you can’t tolerate that risk, you shouldn’t hold it.

Investor Takeaways: Portfolio Wisdom

Alpesh’s Investor Blueprint for Navigating Bitcoin

1. Keep It Small: 1–3% of your portfolio, max.

2. Discipline Rules: Use Volatility-based Stop Loss (VSL) and Position Sizing (VPS).

3. Don’t Cap Winners Too Early: Use stepped trailing stops; add to winners cautiously.

4. Be Strategic, Not Emotional: No TikTok tips, no headline chasing.

5. Watch Policy Moves: Sovereign decisions matter - U.S., China, Bhutan, El Salvador are market signals.

The Big Picture: From Casino to Strategy

Bitcoin isn’t a casino chip - unless you treat it like one.Governments holding it makes it more legitimate, but not risk-free.Disciplined investors can benefit from small, thoughtful exposure.Undisciplined investors will regret gambling with it.

I always tell my readers: the only person thinking about your portfolio every day is you. Don’t hand that power to hype or herd mentality. Be deliberate. Be strategic.

Final Word

Governments are in the Bitcoin game now. But that doesn’t mean you should throw your savings into crypto.

If you’re going to invest:

• Keep it small.

• Manage the downside.

• Be strategic, not speculative.

Because investing isn’t about gambling - it’s about building wealth you can rely on. Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Always do your own research or consult a regulated financial adviser before investing. This blog is not providing personal financial advice; this article is for general educational discussion only.

If I were UK Prime Minister, I'd shift the US Bonds we own (2nd largest foreign owner of US bonds) into US equities.

And I would make UK tax based on nationality not residency, so those leaving the UK so they don't have to contribute to their country, can't avoid UK tax (just like the American system which prevents draining talent and resources).

Those two things alone would do so much for "the NHS and working people".Number three, we would own stakes in Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, nVidia. Why? https://lnkd.in/dTP2tpc is why.

Meet Adwaita Nayar. Where to begin? 

Harvard Business School (M.B.A.) Graduated with High Distinction - First & Second Year Honors | GMAT: 770/800. Applied Maths (Cum Laude) in Applied Mathematics from Yale. Ex Bain. 

Or as co-founder Nykaa. Nykaa has grown rapidly in India. India’s largest beauty retailer FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd., which owns the Nykaa platform, is expanding overseas business operations in an attempt to take on global cosmetics giants outside of its home market.

The Mumbai-based company is launching Kay Beauty in the UK Thursday with Ulta Beauty Inc.-owned Space NK. The local beauty and personal care market is expected to grow to $34 billion by 2028 from $21 billion in 2023, according to a September report by Redseer Strategy Consultants

What Toy Story Teaches Us About Investing

Toy Story, wasn’t just a film - it was a masterclass in imagination, loyalty, and resilience. But did you know it also contains timeless lessons for investors?

Think of your financial journey as Andy’s toy chest: each character brings a skill you’ll need to grow your wealth. Let’s see how the gang can guide you toward financial success.

1. Sheriff Woody - Start with Safety 🤠

Before the adventure begins, Woody ensures order. Likewise, before investing, you need to build your safety net - your savings. A solid savings account is your launchpad.

Tip: Treat it like your emergency piggy bank. Even small, regular deposits will stack up into meaningful security.

2. Buzz Lightyear – Diversify to Infinity and Beyond 🚀

Buzz inspires us to aim high - but safely. His lesson? Don’t put all your money in one place. Spread it across stocks, bonds, real estate, or global markets. Diversification keeps your portfolio balanced.

Tip: Just like a toy collection is more fun when it’s varied, a mix of investments reduces your risk.

3. Jessie – Stay the Course 🐴

Jessie’s determination reminds us that investing is a long ride, not a quick sprint. The real growth comes when you let compounding do its work over years - not weeks.

Tip: Avoid the temptation of short-term market noise. Play the long game.

4. Mr. Potato Head – Think Big Picture 🥔

He may swap parts, but Mr. Potato Head always keeps his eye on the whole. Investing works the same: don’t obsess over daily fluctuations—focus on your long-term financial plan.

Tip: Plant your “money tree” and let it grow. The longer you nurture it, the more it will reward you.

5. Rex – Ride the Rollercoaster 🦖

Rex worries about everything—but markets always recover over time. Yes, stocks rise and fall, but patience beats panic.

Tip: Think of investing like a rollercoaster: the ups and downs are part of the thrill, and the ride ends higher than it began.

6. Bo Peep – Watch the Fees 🐑

Bo Peep is vigilant with her flock - and you should be too with investment fees. Even small charges can eat away at your returns over time.

Tip: Always compare costs. The cheaper ice cream stand still serves the same scoop.

7. Slinky Dog – Stay Flexible 🐶

Slinky stretches, bends, and adapts - just like a good investor should. When markets shift, don’t cling rigidly to a failing plan. Adjust and move forward.

Tip: Build flexibility into your strategy. Markets change - your approach should too.

Your Financial Superstar Moment

By saving like Woody, diversifying like Buzz, staying patient like Jessie, and adapting like Slinky, you’ll create a portfolio that grows alongside you.

Remember, becoming a financial superstar isn’t about luck—it’s about discipline, patience, and strategy.

Start small, stay consistent, and let your investments carry you “to infinity and beyond.”

Every Country’s Richest Billionaire in 2025

Let me start with a simple truth. You don’t need to be Elon Musk or Mukesh Ambani to learn from them.

In fact, looking at billionaires isn’t about envy or gossip - it’s about insight. Where do they make their money? Which industries keep compounding wealth? And most importantly: what can we take away for our own portfolios, careers, and pensions?

As of 2025, there are 3,028 billionaires in the world with a combined fortune of $16.1 trillion. Yes, trillion. That’s more than the GDP of India, Germany, and the UK combined. But instead of staring at those zeroes, let’s break it down into lessons you can actually use.

Whether you’re a student planning a career, a professional building investments, or someone thinking about pensions and retirement, the stories of billionaires matter. They reveal industries of the future, the power of compounding, and the importance of diversification.

The U.S.: Land of Tech Fortunes

Let’s start with the obvious: America. The U.S. has 902 billionaires - more than India, China, and the UK combined. Elon Musk leads with around $342 billion. Then come Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett, Larry Ellison, Mark Zuckerberg.

And what do they all have in common? Technology and finance.

Think about it: Tesla, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft - these aren’t just companies, they’re ecosystems. They dominate not just the U.S. market but the world. That’s why the S&P 500 has outperformed most indices over the last decade.

What’s the takeaway for you?

• You don’t need to buy Tesla directly. You can get exposure through global funds or ETFs.

• Don’t expect to get rich overnight. Look at Buffett - 50+ years of compounding. That’s what turns thousands into millions.

• And remember, the U.S. shows us one big truth: the industries that scale globally - software, AI, biotech, fintech - are where value is created.

Lessons for Investors and Pension Planners

Technology as growth engine: U.S. tech stocks have driven much of global market returns over the last decade. But tech is volatile. Rather than betting on individual names, investors should consider diversified exposure via S&P 500 or global equity funds.

The power of compounding: Warren Buffett’s fortune (~$130B) didn’t come from one big bet but from steady compounding at around 20% annually for over 50 years. For pensions, the same principle applies: reinvest, stay patient, and let time work.

Global benchmarks: The U.S. dominates the S&P 500, which explains why pensions worldwide allocate heavily to American equities. Ignoring the U.S. in your portfolio risks missing global growth.

Career Lessons

For students and career builders, America’s billionaire story is a mirror of Silicon Valley. AI, data science, software, clean energy, and biotech are industries where talent meets opportunity. For mid-career professionals, pivoting into tech-enabled sectors (fintech, digital health, e-commerce) can future-proof careers.

India: The Rising Giant

Now let’s come home. India has 280+ billionaires, the third-largest tally globally. Mukesh Ambani ($118B) leads, followed by Gautam Adani, Shiv Nadar, and Cyrus Poonawalla.

India’s billionaire wealth reflects its growth story: energy, telecom, IT services, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Lessons for Investors

Diversification drives growth: Ambani didn’t stop at oil and gas. He built Jio (telecom), expanded into retail, and is betting big on green energy.

Scale in emerging markets: India’s billionaires thrive by serving its 1.4 billion people. Telecom, healthcare, and infrastructure are structural growth sectors.

Global investing: Don’t just invest locally. India is growing, yes, but pensions and portfolios should also hold U.S. and global equities.

Career Lessons

India’s billionaires highlight demand for engineers, technologists, healthcare specialists, and infrastructure talent. For Indians abroad, this also means cross-border opportunities: careers and investments tied to India’s growth.

The UK: Industrial Wealth, Global Reach, and a Pension Reality Check

Here’s where it gets interesting. Britain’s billionaires are different. They’re not building flashy apps or AI firms. Their wealth comes from industries that are steady, global, and cash-generating.

Who Tops the List?

• Sir James Ratcliffe ($18.6B) – Founder of Ineos, one of the world’s largest chemical companies. Recently bought into Manchester United.

• The Weston Family ($13B+) – Owners of Primark.

• Sir Leonard Blavatnik ($31B) – Media and energy tycoon, with Warner Music in his portfolio.

• Property Tycoons – The Reuben Brothers and the Duke of Westminster remind us real estate is still king.

Lesson? 

UK billionaires build fortunes from boring but essential industries — chemicals, retail, property.

The UK Pension Reality

Here’s the tough bit:

• The average UK pension pot at retirement is under £60,000.

• A comfortable retirement requires £300,000–£400,000 (for ~£37,300 annual income).

• Half of savers underestimate what they’ll need. Many think £100,000 is enough, but that only generates about £5,000 annually.

• In 2022, market turmoil wiped over £260 billion from UK pension schemes in days.

The lesson? Pension planning cannot be passive.

UK Stocks vs. Global Markets

The FTSE 100 has lagged behind the U.S. S&P 500.

• FTSE 100: ~15–20% cumulative return in the last decade (with dividends).

• S&P 500: ~200% in the same period.

FTSE is heavy on banks, oil, utilities. S&P is rich in global tech.

Lesson: UK pensions must diversify globally.

Career Implications

The billionaire map shows UK opportunity in:

Finance – London remains a fintech and asset management hub.

Biotech & Healthcare – Cambridge, Oxford, AstraZeneca, GSK.

Green Energy – Net zero policies will drive jobs.

Creative Industries – Fashion, film, music — Rihanna with LVMH shows creativity + business can mint billions.

What Savers Can Learn

Diversify globally. Don’t tie your pension to the FTSE.

Think beyond glamour. Chemicals, retail, property quietly compound.

Start early. Small contributions grow massively with time.

Stay resilient. Like Ratcliffe, spread risk across industries.

Global Lessons From Billionaires

Beyond the U.S., India, and UK, here are a few worth knowing:

• Iris Fontbona (Chile, $21B) – Copper mining. Lesson: commodities hedge inflation.

• Nassef Sawiris (Egypt, $14B) – Construction, fertilisers, Adidas. Lesson: diversify.

• Eduardo Saverin (Brazil, $34B) – Facebook co-founder, now a start-up investor. Lesson: early bets on disruption pay off.

• Gina Rinehart (Australia, $31B) – Mining heiress turned industrialist. Lesson: real assets matter.

• Aliko Dangote (Nigeria, $23B) – Cement and infrastructure. Lesson: control essentials, compound wealth.

• Rihanna (Barbados, $1.4B) – Fenty Beauty co-owned with LVMH. Lesson: brand power is modern wealth.

The common thread? Scale, resilience, and demand.

Portfolio Lessons for Investors

Diversify: Ambani spans energy, telecom, retail. Ratcliffe spans chemicals and sport. Rihanna mixes music and cosmetics.

Think global: Most billionaires don’t stay local. Neither should your pension.

Hedge inflation: Real assets like REITs, commodities, inflation-linked bonds protect wealth.

Be patient: Arnault built LVMH over decades. Buffett compounded for 50+ years.

Pensions: Your Personal Compounding Machine

Think of your pension as your own Berkshire Hathaway. Slow, steady, but powerful.

• Start early. Even £200 (or ₹20,000) a month, compounding at 7%, grows into millions by retirement.

• Reinvest dividends. Don’t cash them out early.

• Adjust risk with age. Equities young, bonds later.

• Diversify globally. UK is 3% of global GDP, India 7% - don’t limit yourself.

Data Highlights

Billionaires worldwide: 3,028

Combined wealth: $16.1 trillion

U.S.: 902, China: 516, India: 280+

Tech & finance = 30% of billionaire wealth

Top 1% own nearly half of global financial assets

UK pension pot average: <£60,000 vs needed ~£300,000+

In India, average retirement corpus: <₹20 lakh — not enough

Final Word

The billionaire map of 2025 isn’t gossip. It’s a global mirror of industries and opportunities.

Musk’s rockets and EVs show tech’s compounding power.

Ambani’s telecom towers show the importance of scale in emerging markets.

Ratcliffe’s chemicals remind us “boring” industries can build fortunes.

Rihanna’s cosmetics prove brand + creativity = modern wealth.

You don’t need billions. But you do need their principles: diversify, invest globally, compound patiently, and align with long-term trends.

That’s how you build portfolios and pensions that last.

Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

I tell you this. Do not relent or bow down. Whether in work or in politics. Today American will pay 50% more tax on imports from India. 

You touch the feet of your parents. Not of any foreign power. Do not relent India, your actions and self respect and dignity stands for all those of Indian heritage, not just your nationals. And anyone, anywhere who refuses to trade self respect for money. In the end you would have neither. 

I am proud the British in signing the Free Trade Agreement, did the exact opposite of the Americans. And I know the British PM will make the point when he next visits India. 

And I promise you this - you will win.

You think they're big today!

Indian Empire. My grandfather’s passport. Its worn edges and vintage appearance speak volumes of the travels and experiences it has witnessed, encapsulating stories of a past generation's resilience, aspirations, and struggles.

"We are here, because you were there" is often quipped on social media. As I told Nigel Farage on TV about my grandfather - he was in the British Army to fight for British Independence in World War 2. 

The prominent British coat of arms emblazoned on the cover, with its Latin motto "Dieu et mon droit" (God and my right), starkly juxtaposes against the term "Indian Empire," reflecting the complex and often contentious relationship between the colonizer and the colonized.

It was a symbol of identity in a world divided by borders and political ideologies. It served as a key to mobility in an era when travel was a privilege afforded to few. Each journey undertaken with this passport—whether for trade, education, or family—was a step towards shaping the identity of a man and his descendants.

It brings to light the duality of heritage and nationality, illustrating how our ancestors' endeavours laid the foundation for our present identities.

Embedded within the pages of this passport, is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who traversed continents and cultures, often in the face of immense adversity.

The sacrifices and triumphs of our forebears, encapsulated in such historical artifacts, are not merely tales of the past but continue to inspire and inform our present and future endeavours. We do not fling these away.

"Fawning" is how the BBC described the S.Korean President in the White House today. Show some self-respect for god's sake. I can see why the Indian PM rejected the invite.

I think I know Indians, and know Gujaratis. Think Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi. Or indeed Narendra Modi. The general image of the Indian is subservient. Of the British is dominating. Yet those three Gujaratis do not fawn.

Think now the reason this scene from Love Actually is so popular is precisely because the British people want Britain to speak the way the Hugh Grant character does.

The shoe is on the other foot. It's how the Indian PM now speaks to America. And screw the consequences. You can choose to walk taller, with less money in your pocket.

You can’t change the world outside. But you can influence it. What an incredible time to be alive. The Campaign for a Million is to bypass intermediaries and get knowledge in the hands of people who care the most about their money - the people who worked for it - you - the worker the business owner the dentist the accountant the doctor the surgeon.

People of all classes. It’s goal is to add a million at least and a hundred million for some into your investments across your lifetimes by teaching you to invest better. Www.Alpeshpatel.Com/links

The Hidden Tax of Financial Advice: Why 1% Fees Can Devour Your Profits

One percent doesn’t sound like much. We shrug at a supermarket surcharge or a tip at the café. But when it comes to your life savings, that innocent little “1% fee” levied by many independent financial advisers (IFAs) is not just a rounding error - it’s a financial black hole.

Let’s do the maths. An IFA promising you 5% annual returns while charging 1% for the privilege is effectively taking 20% of your profits - every single year. Forever. This is not wealth management; it’s wealth siphoning.

Imagine buying a house and the estate agent insists on keeping one-fifth of your rental income in perpetuity. You’d call that daylight robbery. Yet investors meekly sign away the same proportion of their financial future to IFAs. The illusion works because 1% feels small. But compound it over a 20-year retirement and it’s not small - it’s a yacht for your adviser and a smaller pension for you.

Take a portfolio of £500,000 earning 5% gross. With no adviser, you might net £25,000 a year before tax. With an adviser charging 1%, your return falls to £20,000. Over 20 years, that’s a six-figure difference.

And remember, the adviser pockets their fee even if your portfolio shrinks in a downturn. Heads they win, tails you lose.

The dirty little secret of the investment industry is that most IFAs do not outperform the market. S&P’s SPIVA report shows that the majority of active fund managers underperform their benchmarks over time (S&P Dow Jones Indices, 2023).

Why pay someone a perpetual tax to underperform? It’s like hiring a chauffeur who drives slower than you would on your own.

This is why I created the Great Investments Programme. Instead of outsourcing responsibility - and paying through the nose for it - you learn how to invest smarter. You retain control, keep your returns, and avoid the corrosive effect of ongoing fees. Education, not endless rent-seeking, is the path to wealth.

The point isn’t that all advisers are bad. Some provide valuable planning services. But investors must recognise the cost of those services. A fee that looks “reasonable” in percentage terms can devastate your long-term wealth. Transparency is everything.

Next time an adviser tells you 1% is “modest,” ask yourself: would you happily hand over 20% of your profits for life to someone who may not even beat the market? If the answer is no, you already know what to do.

Disclaimer:This article is for educational purposes only and reflects general investment principles. It does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, or a personal recommendation, and should not be relied upon to make investment decisions.

An Ocean of Knowledge: How Alpesh Patel Empowers Investors Globally

When it comes to navigating the complex world of investing, most people crave more than just numbers - they want clarity, confidence, and practical guidance that resonates with their personal circumstances. This is exactly what Hernit Bhatia discovered when he came across Alpesh Patel’s work.

In his words, Alpesh is “an ocean of knowledge”, someone who doesn’t just share expertise with private clients but extends it to the wider public, in a way that is approachable, humble, and highly professional. This story isn’t just about one review; it’s about the ripple effect that such an approach has had globally.

The Value of Simplicity in a Complex World

Many financial professionals hide behind jargon, but Hernit highlights Alpesh’s unique strength - turning multidimensional analysis into accessible insights. Whether it’s explaining market trends, portfolio theory, or the pitfalls of chasing hype stocks, Alpesh connects his analysis with real-life examples.

This makes investing feel less like a technical exercise and more like a practical, step-by-step process. Investors at every level - from complete beginners to seasoned professionals - can understand the rationale behind decisions, which builds trust and confidence.

Global Reach, Personal Relevance

Hernit points out that Alpesh’s influence stretches far beyond borders. With a truly international audience, Alpesh’s insights resonate with people of all ages and personal circumstances.

• Young investors learn how to start early, avoid common mistakes, and focus on long-term wealth building.

• Mid-career professionals benefit from strategies that balance business demands with efficient wealth management.

• Retirees and pension holders gain clarity on how to preserve and grow capital without unnecessary fees.

This breadth of reach is rare. Most financial voices cater to a niche. Alpesh, however, builds universal frameworks that apply across cultures and financial situations.

Contribution Beyond Clients

What sets Alpesh apart, according to Hernit, is not just the returns or strategies - it’s the wider contribution to society. His public education efforts, transparent portfolio reviews, and commitment to financial literacy have created a ripple effect.

When people learn how to make informed decisions for themselves, they break away from dependency on high-fee fund managers. This empowerment spreads knowledge, reduces barriers, and improves financial resilience at a community level.

Personal Impact

For Hernit, discovering Alpesh’s work has been transformative. His review closes with the heartfelt words:“I couldn’t have been more lucky to have found Alpesh and would always wish him and his family well for the future.”

It reflects not just satisfaction with financial insight, but genuine appreciation for the integrity, humility, and human touch that Alpesh brings into his work.

Key Takeaways for Investors

1. Knowledge Shared is Wealth Multiplied – Expertise that is openly shared builds trust and elevates entire communities.

2. Real-Life Context Matters – Investment advice without practical, relatable examples often falls flat.

3. Global Yet Personal – Financial principles should transcend geography but remain adaptable to individual circumstances.

4. Empowerment Over Dependence – The goal is not to manage people’s money but to empower them to manage it themselves.

Hernit’s review is more than praise - it’s a case study of how financial education, delivered with humility and clarity, can transform lives. It shows how Alpesh Patel’s Great Investments Programme is not simply about returns but about building knowledge, confidence, and independence for investors worldwide.

Disclaimer: The experiences shared in this article reflect individual client testimonials and opinions. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Investing carries risk, including the potential loss of capital. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

If the mafia owns 10% of your business - you're golden - because the other families won't mess with you. In fact they will take a cut and wet their beak, at a discount and you will give up territory to the mafia's business. Capiche? The other families - nVidia, Apple, better start working out how much they're giving up to the Godfather?

Why We Lean on Data, Not Narrative - or You May Hear the Titanic

• Alpesh Patel

• Aug 22

• 3 min read

Let’s be blunt: stories make money. They feel compelling because they’re built on emotion, deft metaphors, and memorable characters. But in finance, emotion is the worst counsellor you could hire. That’s why in the Great Investments Programme (GIP), we always choose data over drama - because numbers don’t lie, but storytellers often do.

Take this did - you-know from Clearer Thinking: they teach statistics through the Titanic disaster - mean, median, correlation, p‑values, regression. You name it- applied to who survived and who didn’t. That’s not just clever; it’s proof of how contextless narratives fool us, while data saves us (Clearer Thinking).

GIP_Titanic_PitchDeck.pptx.pdf

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Example 1: The 1% Fee Mirage

Your IFA might argue, “1% is modest,” projecting 5% returns and conveniently burying the fact you’re handing over 20% of your profits every year. Sounds innocent - until you model it. At 5% gross on a £500k portfolio, that’s £25k. Take out the 1% adviser fee, and you keep just £20k. Over 20 years, you’ve surrendered six figures to someone who may not even outperform the market. That’s not realistic - it’s robbery by narrative.

Charts like these from Morningstar help us see not just what a portfolio earned, but how much of that return fees quietly consumed.

Example 2: Titanic Statistics, Not Anecdotes

Remember, median age on the Titanic might differ meaningfully from mean age; using the wrong measure distorts reality. That’s not nitpicking - that’s accuracy.

Similarly, our GIP analyses rely on the right statistical tools: we test distributions, significance, p‑values, correlations. We don’t just tell you “it worked”; we show you how likely that working wasn’t just luck.

A chart beats a compelling anecdote every time. When we illustrate portfolio outcomes using Monte Carlo simulations - or overlay fee drag on net wealth curves - we’re giving you the mathematical truth: not one investor’s feel‑good story, but distributional probabilities and outcomes.

Example 3: The Sample-Size Fallacy

Consider promoters who boast of “one client who doubled in 3 years.” Sounds flashy. But is it repeatable? Without knowing sample size, variation, or risk, you’re listening to a headline, not an honest broker. GIP uses statistically valid samples, confidence intervals, and back-tested models - built for reliability, not hype. Our goal is that your reading, your investing, your risk decisions are always evidence‑driven.

Visualising return distributions:

Knowledge Is Power (and Profit)

In the game of compounding, narratives are the noise that kills returns. Statistics - the correct metrics, the right models - are the tools that empower you to invest smarter, not feel smarter. At GIP, we teach you to read the raw data, not the marketing copy. Because financial freedom flows from numbers you control - not the story someone sells.

Join the 1/4 million and see why so many subscribe. https://lnkd.in/e7rHsKG3

Part of my Campaign for a Million to teach a million people globally how to add an extra million to their pensions in their lifetime. 1mx1m = a trillion.

Why Doesn’t Every Fund Do This? 

When clients see the performance of my Great Investments Programme, the question is inevitable: “Why doesn’t every fund do this? You can’t be the only clever person.”

It’s a fair challenge – and the answer reveals much about how the investment industry actually works.

First, let’s kill the myth that investment managers spend their days scouring markets for the best opportunities.

Most large funds are not designed to find the next great investment. They are designed to gather assets.

Why? Because fund managers are paid on the percentage of money they manage, not the percentage they make for you. A billion under management at 1% fees is a £10 million annual business – regardless of whether your portfolio grows or not.

This leads to “career risk” investing. If you’re a manager at BlackRock or Fidelity and you hug the benchmark, you’ll never be sacked for being wrong with everyone else.

But if you take bold, evidence-based positions and they go against you, you’ll be out of a job faster than you can say “FTSE tracker.” So the incentive structure favours mediocrity, not outperformance.

Second, size is an enemy of agility. Warren Buffett himself admits that Berkshire Hathaway’s sheer scale makes it impossible to deliver the returns he achieved in his early years.

A £50 billion fund can’t easily take a meaningful position in an overlooked mid-cap stock or a specialist ETF. It’s like trying to steer an oil tanker into a narrow harbour – whereas my programme is more like piloting a speedboat. We can move fast, take decisive positions, and exploit opportunities that lumbering giants simply cannot.

Third, regulation and bureaucracy. Large funds operate under layers of compliance committees, investment boards, and risk managers.

Their role is to avoid embarrassment rather than pursue excellence. This is why many portfolios end up looking suspiciously alike – everyone owning the same “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks, everyone underweight in the same unfashionable sectors. It’s not innovation; it’s groupthink.

Finally, let’s not pretend I’m “the only clever person.” Far from it. The Programme stands on the shoulders of giants.

We systematically filter ideas from the world’s best hedge funds and global banks – firms with teams of PhDs and billions of dollars of research budgets.

But unlike the average investor, I don’t take their recommendations at face value.

We run them through our own proprietary criteria: value, growth, risk-adjusted returns, Sortino ratios, and yes, common sense. Think of it as curating the world’s best ideas rather than reinventing the wheel.

So why doesn’t every fund do this? Because they can’t – not with their incentives, their size, and their constraints. It’s not that others aren’t clever. It’s that the system is not designed to deliver the kind of focus, agility, and independence that the Great Investments Programme is built on.Investing is not about being the only smart person in the room. It’s about being willing to think and act differently when the crowd is paralysed. That’s why this Programme exists – and why it doesn’t look like every other fund.

 The office of the world's richest man (when pic taken).

A man with focus beats a genius with distractions.

It's the falls that'll kill ya.

Look closely. The real reason US President is upset at India?

Why Portfolios, Not Stocks, Decide Your Financial Future

When I show people the performance of my model portfolios, the first reaction is usually: “But which stock made the money?”

It’s the wrong question. That’s like asking a Test cricket captain, “Which single player won you the match?” The answer is: none. It was the batting order, the bowling attack, the field placement - the team.

Investing is no different.

Over the past few years, my model portfolios have outperformed the benchmarks not because of some magical stock tip, but because of disciplined portfolio construction: diversification, risk management, and weighting. Take one portfolio I run as an example - over four years it returned nearly 300% with far lower volatility than the market average. Another compounded at over 600% in five years. Did I achieve this by chasing meme stocks or betting on the latest AI darling? No. The results came from a carefully designed system where losers were cut quickly, winners were allowed to run, and the portfolio was constantly balanced for risk.

Here’s the kicker. I did not know which stock would do the best, or indeed that some would sometimes fall, or which months or years would be stronger than others. I knew none of that. I don’t need to.

The obsession with the “one hot stock” is a colonial hangover. In the Raj, they told us to gamble on indigo or cotton, never to think of the bigger system of trade and value. But wealth is not built by lottery tickets. It is built by portfolios that can withstand wars, pandemics, and inflationary shocks - and still come out compounding.

Individual stocks are noise; portfolios are signal. A single share can halve overnight on a profit warning. But a robust portfolio will absorb the hit, because the other assets - carefully chosen for growth, value, and resilience - are there to carry the weight. This is why the wealthy do not buy “stocks.” They buy portfolios.

For British Indians in particular, the lesson is vital. Too many still treat investing like a weekend flutter at the bookies, looking for the one stock to double by Diwali. That mentality is why pensions underperform and portfolios stagnate. The serious investor asks: “What structure of holdings will protect my downside and compound my upside?”

So, the next time someone asks me which stock I’m buying, my answer is simple: I’m not buying a stock, I’m building a portfolio. That is how wealth is created - not by picking winners, but by being a portfolio manager of your own future.

If you want financial independence, stop acting like a punter and start acting like a portfolio manager. After all, no one remembers who hit a six in the 23rd over. They remember who lifted the trophy.

Understanding Stock Splits: How Efficiently Do Markets React to New Information?

When companies announce stock splits, investors typically buzz with excitement. But why does this seemingly routine event create so much market interest, and what exactly is happening beneath the surface?

Today, we uncover valuable insights from pioneering research to help investors navigate the nuances of stock splits effectively.

Groundbreaking studies by Eugene Fama, Lawrence Fisher, Michael Jensen, and Richard Roll, published in the International Economic Review, have thoroughly explored how rapidly markets adjust to new information around stock splits.

Their research has become essential reading for investors aiming to understand market efficiency and reaction patterns.

What Exactly is a Stock Split?

Before diving deeper, let's clearly define stock splits. A stock split increases the number of outstanding shares without changing the company’s overall market value.

For instance, in a 2-for-1 split, shareholders receive an extra share for each one they hold, effectively halving the stock price but doubling the number of shares.(Insert your visual illustrating a 2-for-1 stock split here, clearly showing how the total market capitalization remains unchanged.)

Breaking Down Stock Prices and Dividends

When examining stock splits, investors focus on three main components: 1. Stock price adjustments (Pjt and P'jt) 2. Dividends (Djt) 3. Relative market performance (Rjt and Lt) The following formula clarifies how these components interact

This image illustrates how researchers calculated stock returns relative to general market conditions, using price and dividend adjustments, providing a clear baseline to analyse splits. Understanding the Data: Price Reactions and Splits The researchers analysed 940 splits between 1927 and 1959 on the New York Stock Exchange. Their meticulous statistical analysis revealed how stocks typically behave around splits.

This table clearly breaks down statistical characteristics - showing how stock returns typically align or deviate from market behaviour around splits. How Stocks Actually Behave Around Splits Fama and his colleagues discovered a crucial pattern: stock prices typically rise significantly months before a split announcement. Once the split is complete, prices stabilise quickly, reflecting that the market has already priced in the anticipated positive information (usually higher dividends or earnings).

This graph highlights how average residual returns sharply increase in the months leading up to a split, peaking around the actual event, then stabilising shortly afterward. Why the Early Spike in Prices? Stock splits are generally interpreted as signals of financial strength. Companies often split stocks following periods of robust earnings and dividend increases. Investors anticipate this trend and thus begin pricing it in long before the official announcement.

This cumulative average residual chart clearly demonstrates how market optimism builds steadily, reaching its peak precisely as the split occurs. The Crucial Role of Dividends One critical finding from this landmark research is the role dividends play in driving stock prices around splits. Historically, splits have often been accompanied by dividend hikes above the market average.

These comprehensive tables clearly illustrate that stocks with increased dividends after a split perform significantly better than those with decreased dividends, confirming how dividend expectations shape investor reactions.

Volatility: A Key Consideration for Investors

While investors can feel optimistic around splits, there's a cautionary note—volatility often rises around these events. Increased volatility translates to heightened risk, reminding investors to be mindful of short-term fluctuations even if they expect positive long-term outcomes.

Historical Context: Splits in Market Cycles

Understanding historical context is crucial for investors. Stock splits are more frequent in bullish markets when general investor optimism is high. The historical data demonstrates that splits often cluster around periods of significant market performance.

This table aligns splits with overall market conditions, highlighting that splits increase dramatically during periods of market strength. A Global Wave of Stock Splits

Stock splits are not just a U.S. phenomenon confined to the likes of Apple or Tesla - they are a global market signal, often reflecting strong fundamentals and a bid to attract a broader investor base.

In the U.S., Interactive Brokers recently executed a 4-for-1 split, while companies like O’Reilly Automotive (15-for-1), Fastenal (2-for-1), and Coca-Cola Consolidated (10-for-1) have all followed suit, aiming to make their shares more accessible to retail investors.

Across Asia, Regencell Bioscience Holdings in Hong Kong grabbed headlines with a dramatic 38-for-1 split, sending its stock surging more than fourfold on the first trading day post-split.

India has also seen a surge of activity. Bajaj Finance, one of the country’s largest financial institutions, paired a 1:2 stock split with a 4:1 bonus issue to enhance liquidity and reward shareholders. BEML Ltd announced its first-ever 1:2 split, while Adani Power approved a 5-for-1 split in August 2025.

Taken together, these examples highlight that while stock splits do not alter intrinsic value, they serve as powerful psychological and liquidity tools across global markets. Whether in New York, Mumbai, or Hong Kong, the story is the same: splits often cluster during periods of optimism, reinforcing investor sentiment while testing the very principles of market efficiency.

Can Investors Profit Easily from Stock Splits?

Fama’s extensive research provides a sobering perspective for speculative investors: the market absorbs split information rapidly, leaving minimal room for easy arbitrage.

By the time the general investing public is aware of a split, any short-term price benefits are typically already reflected in the stock's value. This finding strongly supports the concept of market efficiency, asserting that prices accurately and swiftly reflect all available public information.

Investor Psychology and Behavioural Insights

Investor psychology plays a substantial role in shaping market reactions to splits. Psychological phenomena such as anchoring, herd behaviour, and confirmation bias can exaggerate price movements.

Investors often perceive splits as validations of their positive views on a company's prospects, reinforcing their bullish sentiments and potentially driving prices higher than justified by fundamentals alone.

Case Study: Apple's Stock Split

Apple's 2020 4-for-1 stock split serves as a recent example. Investors responded enthusiastically, driven by strong fundamentals and expectations of continued growth, underscoring how splits can reflect underlying optimism rather than creating intrinsic value themselves.

Practical Advice for Investors

Here’s how investors of all calibers can effectively approach stock splits:

Prioritise Fundamentals Over Events: Focus on underlying earnings growth, profitability, and long-term dividend sustainability rather than the event itself.

Closely Monitor Dividend Behaviour: Changes in dividend policy post-split can confirm or challenge market optimism.

Manage Volatility Carefully: Understand that splits might temporarily increase volatility; be mindful of your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Avoid Speculative Timing: Refrain from chasing short-term gains based on public information already reflected in prices.

Information is King, Speed is Queen Fama’s landmark research confirms the rapid and efficient manner in which markets process information.

For investors, this implies a disciplined approach to long-term value creation is more rewarding than short-term speculative strategies around widely-known events like stock splits. Ultimately, understanding how markets digest new information helps investors navigate the financial landscape more confidently, turning knowledge into investment wisdom.

If you measured your portfolio like a hedge fund, this is what it would look like…

Most investors only see returns.

But hedge funds measure something more important: returns per unit of risk.

The S&P 500?

Sharpe ratio: 0.59.

Max drawdown: -50.8%.

That’s half your wealth gone in a crash.

Now compare with one of our GIP portfolios:

Annualised return: 33.6%.

Sharpe ratio: 1.91.

Max drawdown: -13.9%.

That’s not luck.

It’s process.

And it’s why we publish the GIP (Great Investments Programme) League Table every quarter.

🔗 Free preview report here: alpeshpatel.com/links

(Full version? GIP members only.) Free resources to teach you how to become a better investor as part of my Campaign for a Million at https://lnkd.in/dTP2tpc

Warning: Past is no guarantee of future. All investing carries risk.

Amazing. But we're not paying them enough obviously because in the the 25 years from April 2000 to April 2025 the FTSE 100 index rose only 25%. Obviously much much higher pay must be the answer.

The World’s Fastest Shrinking Jobs – And How to Future-Proof Your Career

The job market is changing at breakneck speed. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights something we can’t ignore: between 2025 and 2030, millions of jobs will disappear. These are not just the factory or manual jobs people used to worry about. Many of these are white-collar, office-based roles that once seemed secure.

Here’s the hard truth: technology; especially AI, robotics, and automation is reshaping work faster than most people realise. Some roles are already in decline, and the trend is accelerating.

The Jobs in Freefall (2025–2030)

According to WEF’s global employer survey (over 1,000 companies representing 14 million workers worldwide), the top 15 fastest-shrinking jobs are:

Why These Jobs Are Disappearing

1. Automation & AI Integration

2. Digital Transformation

3. Declining Demand for Physical Media

4. Globalisation & Centralisation

The Bigger Picture - It’s Not All Bad News

The WEF projects that 170 million new jobs will be created globally by 2030, even as 92 million jobs are displaced. That’s a net gain of 78 million roles - but the catch is that the new jobs require different skills.

Growing sectors include:

• AI & Machine Learning Specialists

• Big Data Analysts

• Cybersecurity Experts

• Renewable Energy Engineers

• Sustainability and ESG Specialists

• Healthcare Professionals

• Education & Training Specialists

Skills That Will Keep You Relevant

If your role is on the shrinking list, it’s not the end of the road. But it is a wake-up call. The WEF identifies five critical skill areas for the next decade:

1. Analytical Thinking & Innovation

2. Creative Problem Solving

3. AI Literacy & Data Interpretation

4. Adaptability & Resilience

5. Communication & Leadership in Hybrid Teams

These aren’t just “nice to have” - they’re career survival tools.

Ready for the Future? Here’s a Roadmap

Upskill Continuously

Embrace online learning, micro-certifications, bootcamps, apprenticeships. Stay relevant with AI, big data, green-tech, cybersecurity.

Develop Human-AI Complementary Skills

Soft skills like creativity, teamwork, resilience, ethics, and digital literacy are in increasing demand - AI is more of a collaborator than a replacer.

Target Growth Sectors

Break into roles like AI/ML specialists, data engineers, renewable energy professionals, fintech engineers, cybersecurity experts.

Stay Flexible & Agile

You might need to pivot. Career paths will be less linear. Focus on transferable skills and be open to hybrid roles at the human-AI interface.

Practical Steps to Future-Proof Your Career

1. Audit Your Current Skills: Identify which of your skills are most at risk of automation and which can be enhanced with technology.

2. Get Comfortable with AI Tools: Learn how to work with AI - whether that’s using AI-assisted design software, customer service chatbots, or legal research tools.

3. Shift Towards Growth Sectors: If you’re in a declining field, consider a sideways move into a related, growing one. Example: a data entry clerk can retrain for data quality management or AI training roles.

4. Invest in Lifelong Learning: Online certifications, micro-credentials, and professional networks can bridge the gap faster than traditional degrees.

5. Think Globally, Work Remotely: Remote work is expanding talent pools but also competition. Position yourself as a specialist with skills in global demand.

Adaptability is the Real Job Security

Technology doesn’t “kill” jobs in a vacuum - it changes what the job is. The people who thrive will be those who don’t cling to a job title but instead treat their skills as an evolving portfolio. If you’re willing to adapt, retrain, and pivot, the next five years could be the best of your career, even if your current job is on this list.

Because he was able to stop the CIA’s attempts to bribe and corrupt his administration - and brave enough to tell the Americans to their face their naive attempts failed. Character can’t be bought.

Would you do it? Trust your pension to it? Of course not. And with good reason.

1. What testing have you done? Could be a man in the pub or a journalist then?

2. It’s not the stock. It’s the portfolio that matters. Else you’re punting and punter. Reckless retail clients are everywhere. How do you think spread betting firms get rich!?

3. Even if it works out - could you hold? Probably not. Panic and boredom will get you and if they don’t then greed surely will.

Either you get out so soon you wasted the opportunity that doesn’t come often or ever again or you think wrongly the next one will be the same and blow all you made on this one that accidentally worked out.

This is why a mentor is better than a fund manager. See my free Campaign for a Million to teach a million to add an extra million to their pensions. https://lnkd.in/dTP2tpc

Oh and the Penny stocks? Don’t be so irresponsible!

Maximising Investment Efficiency for Busy Professionals and Business Owners

The Client’s Challenge

As a business owner, Paresh faced a common dilemma: while he had capital available to invest, he lacked the time to actively manage his investments. He needed a system that was both convenient and transparent, enabling him to stay focused on his business without sacrificing his long-term financial goals.

The Great Investments Programme Approach

Paresh joined the Great Investments Programme, which is designed for clients like him - professionals and entrepreneurs who are “cash rich but time poor.” The programme provides:

• Model Portfolios: Ready-made baskets of investments that can be purchased through a broker of the client’s choice, simplifying the process of building and monitoring a portfolio.

• Transparency: Access to full data, including historical performance and statistical projections, enabling informed decision-making.

• Cross-Referenced Insights: Portfolios that are filtered and then cross-referenced with publicly available holdings of hedge fund managers who have delivered strong returns, helping narrow down opportunities.

• Flexibility: Clients retain control by investing through their own broker, without the need to hand over money to a third party.

Paresh Review

The Client’s Experience

In his review, Paresh shared:

“Thank you, Alpesh Patel! Your Great Investment Programme has far exceeded my expectations. Each month brings new improvements and more convenient options, allowing me to save time and stay focused on my business—while my investments continue to grow year after year.”

For Paresh, the programme provided the peace of mind that his investments were structured to support growth, while freeing him to concentrate on his business.

Key Outcomes Reported by the Client

• Programme exceeded the client’s expectations.

• Monthly improvements made investment management more convenient.

• Time saved allowed greater focus on running a business.

• Investments continued to grow year after year, as noted by the client.

Important Notes

• This case study is based solely on the experience of one Great Investments Programme client.

• The reference to growth reflects the client’s personal outcome and is not a guarantee for others.

• Past performance or client feedback is not a reliable indicator of future results.

• This does not constitute financial advice. Clients should consider their own circumstances and, if necessary, seek independent financial advice.

Alpesh Patel OBE

www.campaignforamillion.com

Visit www.alpeshpatel.com/shares for more and see www.alpeshpatel.com/links