Lightyearrolled out an automated investing feature that lets users schedule recurringcontributions toward specific financial targets, responding to data showingmost Europeans fail to follow through on their financial plans.Lightyear Adds AutomatedFeature as Europeans Struggle to Meet Financial GoalsTheplatform's new tool allows investors to build portfolios of stocks and fundsaligned with particular goals, then automate regular purchases into thoseholdings. Users can set custom allocations for each investment and establishrecurring contributions on their preferred schedule."Planssupport recurrently placing money in the stock market, helping easily create ahabit out of investing – simple enough for everyone to get started and stickwith for the long term," said Martin Sokk, CEO of Lightyear.The featuresupports fractional purchases of European stocks and exchange-traded funds,which recently became available on the platform. This allows investors todivide smaller amounts across multiple holdings rather than needing enough cashto buy full shares.Follow-Through Rate LagsIntentionsA reportfrom the European Financial Planning Association found that while 65% ofrespondents have long-term financial goals and 86% say financial health mattersto them, only 15% of those with goals actively work toward them. One-third ofsurvey participants rated their investing knowledge as low, and 29% said thesame about pensions.The study,which gathered responses from more than 14,000 adults across 10 Europeancountries between April and July of this year, pointed to confidence gaps as abarrier to action. Many respondents acknowledged understanding basic budgetingand saving concepts but struggled with investment products and retirementplanning.Lightyear'sinternal survey of more than 2,000 customers showed similar patterns. Passiveinvesting strategies dominated among users, with 60% citing that approach astheir primary method. Most – 88% – said they invest toward set goals, and overone-third maintain a mix of short-, medium- and long-term objectives.Competition Grows forEuropean RetailThe productlaunch comes as digital investment platforms compete for retail customersacross Europe. Lightyear, founded by two former Wise employees in 2020, hasraised $58 million from backers including Nordic Ninja, Lightspeed VenturePartners and Mosaic Ventures. Individual investors in the company includeRichard Branson and Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus."Differentfinancial goals require different approaches – in terms of instruments used toreach them, but also in how often and for how long you invest for them,"Sokk said.PaulMurphy, a partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, added the European researchhighlighted demand for simpler options. 5"It'sclear people want to be financially successful and secure their futures, butit's been made too difficult by expensive solutions which turn people tobelieve financial wellbeing is far out of their reach," he said.TheEstonian Financial Supervision Authority regulates the company's Europeanoperations, while the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority oversees its Britisharm. Lightyear maintains offices in London and Tallinn.Back inJuly the fintech secured $23 million in Series B funding while reaching $1billion in customer assets under management (AUM).This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.