How to Predict Future Financial Success in Children: Key Traits and Behaviors

Introduction: Identifying whether a child is likely to become wealthy involves observing certain traits and behaviors that often correlate with financial success. While there are no guarantees, specific indicators can provide valuable insight into the potential of a young individual to achieve such success.

Curiosity and Learning Agility

One of the key indicators of future financial success is a voracious appetite for knowledge. Wealthy individuals often exhibit a keen interest in learning and understanding various subjects. From my early days at Oxford and Cambridge, I recognized that the ability to adapt and learn quickly can lead to identifying unique opportunities—much like spotting a high-potential investment before it becomes mainstream.

Risk Tolerance

Children who approach challenges with confidence and are willing to take calculated risks often mirror the traits of successful investors. I recall a peer who fearlessly started a mini-business during our school days—this mindset of innovation and risk can be a precursor to financial success. Encouraging children to take small calculated risks can help them develop the resilience and courage needed to pursue opportunities in the real world.

Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to think critically and solve problems creatively is a strong predictor of wealth. In my career, I’ve frequently encountered challenges that require an analytical approach similar to developing a robust trading strategy—finding solutions often leads to significant rewards. Encouraging children to engage in problem-solving activities can foster these skills from a young age.

Networking and Social Skills

While wealth is not just about individual achievement, it is also about relationships. Children who build strong networks early on often have better access to opportunities later in life. For instance, my connections from university have been invaluable in my career, generating considerable alpha through collaboration. Encourage children to build relationships and participate in group activities to facilitate networking.

Work Ethic

A strong work ethic at a young age can indicate future success. Whether through academic achievement or extracurricular involvement, those who display dedication are better positioned to capitalize on opportunities. Assigning tasks or projects that promote responsibility and commitment can help instill a strong work ethic in children.

While these indicators are not definitive, they serve as a foundation. In my experience, aligning one’s strengths with a clear vision and maintaining a disciplined approach can transform potential into actual wealth. Remember the market rewards those who are prepared to act decisively when opportunities arise.

About the Author: Robert Kehres is a modern polymath with a unique blend of expertise in entrepreneurship, fund management, and quantitative trading. At 20, he worked at LIM Advisors, the longest continually operating hedge fund in Asia. Subsequently, he became a quantitative trader at J.P. Morgan, and at 30, he founded his own hedge fund, 18 Salisbury Capital, alongside co-founders Michael Gibson, Masanori Takaku, and Stephen Yuen.

His entrepreneurial journey includes founding Dynamify, a B2B enterprise FB SaaS platform with co-founder Maxwell Harding, and Yoho, a productivity SaaS platform with Olivier Verhage. In 2023, he founded Longshanks Capital, an equity derivatives proprietary trading firm, and KOTH Gaming, a fantasy sports gambling digital casino. Robert holds a BA in Physics and Computer Science (1st) from Cambridge and an MSc in Mathematics (Distinction) from Oxford.

To learn more about Robert Kehres and his ventures, visit