STAMFORD, CT, 1st February 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, In a time when investing is often driven by fast moves, hype cycles, and emotion, Shane Kinahan is calling for a return to focus, discipline, and long-term thinking.
Kinahan, Principal at Lake Avenue Capital and former Vice President at Goldman Sachs, believes that a renewed emphasis on investor education and patience could help protect both individuals and institutions from costly mistakes.
“Speed feels like progress,” Kinahan said. “But in investing, moving too fast usually means you’re missing something important. If you don’t understand what you’re doing, that’s not strategy—it’s gambling.”
A Growing Problem of Short-Term Noise
Data from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) shows that more than 60% of retail investors make trades based on news cycles or social media influence. At the same time, only 34% of adults in the U.S. can correctly answer four out of five basic financial literacy questions, according to a 2023 National Financial Capability Study.
Kinahan sees this gap—between access and understanding—as a critical threat.
“We’ve made it easier than ever to buy a stock, but we haven’t made it easier to understand why or when to sell,” he explained. “That’s not innovation. That’s risk without guardrails.”
Building a Culture of Clarity
In the article, Kinahan shared that his investment philosophy is built around three principles: clarity, patience, and purpose.
“If you can’t explain an investment in one paragraph, you probably don’t understand it,” Kinahan noted. “And if you don’t understand it, you shouldn’t own it.”
He advocates for better client education, especially in alternative investments, where risks can be less visible. At Lake Avenue Capital, his team emphasises due diligence and clear communication with clients. “We don’t just look at returns—we look at outcomes.”
From Wall Street to Main Street
Kinahan’s background—from structured finance at Goldman Sachs to leading alternative strategy at a boutique firm—gives him a unique view of both institutional and individual investing. He believes both worlds can benefit from more transparent conversations.
“Whether it’s a billion-dollar fund or a family portfolio, the question is the same: Does this make sense, and is it built to last?” he said.
He also stresses that long-term success is rarely the result of one big win. “Good investing is boring. It’s showing up every day, staying aligned with your goals, and making sure the small things don’t get sloppy.”
Call to Action: Educate First, Act Second
Kinahan urges both investors and advisors to prioritise education over action. “The next time you’re thinking about moving money, stop and ask yourself three things,” he said:
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What problem am I solving with this decision?
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Do I understand how this investment works—really?
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Can I afford to be wrong?
By slowing down and building clarity, Kinahan believes more people can protect their capital and improve their financial confidence.
“You don’t need to know everything,” he concluded. “But you do need to ask better questions.”
About Shane Kinahan
Shane Kinahan is an accomplished investment professional with over two decades of experience. He is currently Principal at Lake Avenue Capital, where he focuses on alternative investments and complex claims strategies. He previously served as a Vice President at Goldman Sachs and brings a unique combination of Wall Street expertise and entrepreneurial thinking to every project.
Take Action Now
Instead of chasing the next big thing, take 30 minutes this week to learn something new about how your investments work. Read the fine print. Ask the hard question. Invest with purpose, not pressure.
