Bloomberg Wealth reporters spoke to investors about what drew them into the complex and risky new markets that have defined 2021. They talked about wanting to pay bills or build a financial cushion, but also about the ideas that gripped them, from the metaverse to digital art. We also checked in with a personal finance expert who’s seen some of this before. These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Sergio Silva, 35
Sales director, New York City