The rapid evolution of technology, the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the need to empower investors against fraud in the digital financial environment are at the core of this year’s World Investor Week 2025, organised by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
Within the framework of its ongoing initiatives to educate and protect the public and investors, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is once again participating in IOSCO’s global campaign with a series of lectures and educational activities.
A key feature of CySEC’s participation will be the publication of a comprehensive Investor Guide offering advice and warnings on what the public should know about the use of Artificial Intelligence for investment purposes. All of CySEC’s activities in schools and universities this year will also focus on the safe use of digital financial products and services.
Running from 6–12 October 2025, this year’s campaign focuses on the safety of investors —particularly retail investors — in the online environment. CySEC Chair Dr George Theocharides noted that financial education has long been a strategic priority for the Commission.
Dr Theocharides described IOSCO’s chosen themes as both timely and crucial for the protection of the public, “Financial technologies are evolving, offering opportunities but also creating significant risks. Investors must be able to understand the digital tools and products they intend to invest in. They can do this by conducting their own thorough independent research before making decisions, avoid ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes and promises of ‘guaranteed’ high returns without risk, and ensure they receive advice only from licensed investment professionals.”
According to IOSCO’s campaign messages, investors should be aware that online investment opportunities offered through automated tools do not take into account their personal financial circumstances, investment goals, or risk tolerance — and may conceal pitfalls arising from technological developments in the financial services sector.
On Artificial Intelligence, the central message is that while AI offers powerful tools that can enhance financial communication, research, and analysis, users must remain alert to potential risks such as the misuse or manipulation of data, inaccurate or misleading information, and susceptibility to manipulation.
Recent research findings indicate that the Cypriot public is not yet sufficiently able to identify warning signs or take self-protection measures to ensure online safety. To address this, CySEC recently launched an online quiz to help investors assess their knowledge of digital traps and better recognise potential risks before making investment decisions.
The themes selected by IOSCO for World Investor Week 2025 align with CySEC’s broader Financial Education Programme, the challenges identified by the European Supervisory Authorities, and the work of Thematic Working Group 4 of the Cyprus Committee for Financial Literacy and Education (CyFLEC), chaired by CySEC.
Planned initiatives include lectures and the distribution of educational material in schools and universities, awareness sessions for teachers, professors, and parents on financial literacy issues, participation in TV and radio programmes, publication of articles, interviews, and other educational material, as well as daily posts with campaign messages on social media.
All new material produced as part of the campaign will be available on CySEC’s Financial Education Hub on its official website.
