EBSi alumni news

EBS has its own Investment Club

Written by Sirli Kalep | Jun 17, 2025 8:09:21 AM

Investing is increasingly becoming a part of everyday life – nowadays, anyone can invest their spare money, even just a euro at a time. To provide EBS students with the opportunity to build financial literacy, deepen their knowledge, and gain practical experience in investing, we have established the EBS Investment Club.

EBS students can join the club, while actual investment decisions are made by the Club's Board, which consists of students. EBS supports the club’s activities through the Impact Fund. Alumni are also welcome at club events!
The experiences and knowledge of alumni are invaluable in growing and developing the investment community. The Investment Club invites you to monthly events and welcomes you to participate as a mentor or advisor if you're interested. If you’re curious about the club or want to share your knowledge, feel free to reach out via email: investeerimisklubi@ebs.ee.
 

Interview with Henri Leoke, Club Board Member

When did the Investment Club start?
Spring 2024, when we began organizing monthly investment-themed events. Since then, new tasks and a developed structure have emerged to ensure sustainability after our graduation.

What is your experience with investing?
All of us started in high school and have now been investing for over five years. Initially, we all did everything, focusing on raising awareness and running events. Now, we have structured the work into three areas: monthly events, stock market evenings, and finances.

What is EBS’s role in the club?
EBS opens a securities account for the club and retains ownership of the assets. EBS contributes €2,000 monthly for investments, based on jointly developed investment principles. Investments include stocks, ETFs, and bonds. Riskier instruments like cryptocurrencies or illiquid securities require special permission. We aim to build a sustainable portfolio for the 20 year horizon and pass it on to future students.

No leverage or pledging of assets is allowed, and only club funds are used. Members can mirror decisions in their own investing, enhancing their own financial literacy.

The school's strictness regarding the use of funds and frequent reporting is very important. We have to cover the club's running costs ourselves, and for that, it is permitted to collect a small membership fee from some members.

Can all EBS students participate?
Yes, all are welcome. We don’t charge for participation. Monthly events feature experts and are announced via EBS social media. In September, we’ll start “Stock Market Evenings,” where students analyze and present stocks. We kindly suggest to follow different EBS social media channels.

Can alumni participate?
Absolutely! Alumni are welcome at events and to join our market evenings to discuss investing.

What happens to the club’s investment profits?
All profits are reinvested into the club to support its development and sustainability.

And losses?
Losses are borne by the club. Our task is to recover them over time.

What are the club’s goals?
We aim for a stable annual return of 8–12%. Initially, we focus on ETFs to build a buffer. Later, we’ll involve members in decision-making. We prefer ETFs, interest-bearing instruments, stocks, indexes, and select bonds.

How do you plan to share knowledge?
We’re creating a structure that can be passed on to future leaders of this club. This fall, we’ll focus on attracting new, enthusiastic members.

Is the club permanent?
Yes, we’ve agreed with EBS to operate indefinitely.

Biggest fears or challenges?
No specific fears – we are encouraged by students’ interest. Our challenge is delivering real value.

Who are your role models? Mentors?
Each of us has personal role models. In the beginning, we got advice from EBS alumnus Randy Padar, who founded the club in 2017. Our goal is to establish a small advisory group including a board member, a faculty member, and an industry expert by autumn 2025.

Biggest investment lesson?
One of my early investments lost 65% – based on a friend’s tip. It taught me not to invest based on emotion or second-hand advice. I’m glad I learned this early with small sums.

Is the club your main activity?
No. I work at a banking startup called Monemon, developing a new payment solution platform, where my role is product and partner relationship management.

Interests outside investing?
I’m active in sports – football, Thai boxing, and padel. Movement helps balance a busy life. I’m passionate about finance and especially the startup world. My goal is to one day create something truly impactful.