Securities regulators are touting their role in protecting investors as part of the inaugural World Investor Week, which runs through the first week of October. In Canada, it also coincides Investor Education Month.
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) launched its first World Investor Week on Monday with a bell-ringing ceremony at the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Throughout the week, regulators in more than 70 countries will be hosting events and activities to highlight the importance of investor education and investor protection.
“Many of the activities that are taking place are centred around the campaign’s key messages that relate to the desired behaviour, skillset and attitude of a smart investor. Continuing to raise awareness is critical not only to investors, but to market participants and regulators as well,” says Paul Andrews, IOSCO’s secretary general, in a statement.
In Canada, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) is making available enhanced resources for investors to mark Investor Education Month
Theses resources aim to help investors understand IIROC’s role, and to educate them on how to research advisors through Advisor Report, the self-regulatory organization’s online database.
“It’s important for Canadians to be able to make informed decisions when choosing their advisors and their investments. These resources will help Canadians make better decisions and increase their understanding of the protections available to them when working with an IIROC-regulated investment advisor and firm,” says Lucy Becker, vice president of public affairs and member education services at IIROC, in a statement.
Additionally, IIROC will be partnering with seniors advocacy group, CARP, to provide information to investor at CARP’s ZoomerShow, which is held in Toronto on October 28-29.
“A key focus for CARP is financial security for Canadians as we age. We are pleased to partner with IIROC in marking Investor Education Month by distributing materials at the ZoomerShow, which we feel will assist our members in making more informed financial decisions,” says Wanda Morris, vice president of advocacy at CARP, in a statement.
Later this week, regulators in New Brunswick will be host an event to encourage investors to take an active role in investing, and to provide tips on avoiding investment fraud. It’s also holding a month-long online trivia contest designed to help raise awareness and encourage investor engagement.
Photo copyright: elenathewise/123RF