BMA Launches World Investor Week
The Bermuda Monetary Authority has launched its ninth annual World Investor Week campaign to promote investor education, protection, and online safety from October 6-12.
A spokesperson said, “The ninth annual celebration of World Investor Week starts today with a public education campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of investor education, protection and online safety. The Bermuda Monetary Authority [Authority or BMA] launches the week-long campaign, which will run from 6-12 October, as part of a global effort to empower investors and provide them with access to valuable resources and learning opportunities.
“The BMA invites all investors, financial professionals and members of the public to join them in celebrating World Investor Week 2025. This year’s overall focus for the campaign is on online safety for retail investors. Key themes for 2025 are technology and digital finance, artificial intelligence, and fraud and scam prevention. These will be further complemented by a focus on crypto assets and the basics of investing. The campaign explores the way technology is changing how financial services operate with a focus on trending issues and topics that impact investors worldwide. The week also offers an opportunity to review the smart investor habits and tips which will be featured daily on the Authority’s website and social media channels.
“The BMA’s participation in World Investor Week is led by the International Organisation of Securities Commission [IOSCO]. Each year, IOSCO brings together organisations from over 100 jurisdictions to drive awareness around trending issues for investors.
“Principal themes and smart investor habits featured in the 2025 campaign include, but are not limited to, the following:
“Technology and Digital Finance – A smart investor:
- “Understands that digital tools can be helpful in making more informed investment decisions and in creating a long-term, risk-appropriate investment plan
- “Understands that Digital Engagement Practices, such as copy trading, gamification or fractional trading practices, may facilitate investment strategies that are contrary to their personal financial situation, goals and risk tolerance
- “Engages with reputable platforms that have transparent practices and are properly registered
- “Knows how to distinguish between ‘finfluencers’ who create content for educational purposes and those who act purely for commercial gain
- “Does not blindly follow a finfluencer’s recommendations; instead, they evaluate the financial content creator’s profile, considering their education, experience, and credentials and carefully consider any advice in light of their personal financial situation, goals and risk tolerance
- “Recognises that while digital brokerage platforms make investing easier, ease of use does not always equate to safety
“Artificial Intelligence [AI] – A smart investor:
- “Knows that AI may simplify communication but always ensures that important decisions are confirmed through official, regulated channels
- “Understands that AI-generated insights can be persuasive but avoids overconfidence by aligning choices with long-term goals and sound risk management in light of their personal financial situation, goals and risk tolerance
- “Avoids impulsive decisions by sticking to a disciplined, long-term strategy by recognising that AI-driven platforms may encourage frequent trading
“Fruad and Scam Prevention – A smart investor:
- “Verifies and carefully considers every investment opportunity
- “Slows down decision-making and ignores any pressure to act quickly
- “Stays alert to phishing attempts and never shares personal information
- “Uses strong passwords and enables two-factor authentication on financial accounts
- “Is cautious of unsolicited offers on social media and always checks the source
“Crypto Assets – A smart investor:
- “Should, as with any investment, understand the potential risks and benefits associated with crypto assets
- “Verifies whether the crypto asset platform is registered, licensed or otherwise authorised to operate within the relevant jurisdiction
- “Understands the red flags of fraud, including relationship investment scams, and is wary deceptive tactics used to attract investors, including misleading claims and celebrity endorsements
“Basics of Investing – A smart investor:
- “Recognises the early warnings of investment fraud and understands what they are putting their money into [‘Look before you leap’]
- “Recognises the benefit of patience and long-term, regular and diversified investment
- “Plans for and invests according to their future needs and goals
- “Recognises the power of compound interest
- “Assesses the impact of fees when choosing an investment
- “Plans for life’s unexpected challenges with budgeting strategies to manage risk, reduce the impact of inflation, and avoids high-interest debt
“For more information, please visit IOCO’s global World Investor Week 2025 campaign website.”
