More than 2,800 primary, secondary and high school students have attended to date financial education lectures organised by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), as part of its actions to strengthen financial literacy among young people.
During the most recent cycle of financial education lectures, which took place between October and December 2025, a total of 29 lectures were delivered following expressions of interest by schools themselves. The programme was implemented by 13 CySEC Officers A’, Officers and Assistant Clerical Officers, who visited schools in all districts of Cyprus, providing financial education to more than 1,100 students.
Risks in the digital environment
The school lectures aimed primarily at informing and educating students on the prudent and safe management of money in an increasingly digitalised financial environment. Through interactive dialogue and everyday examples, students were informed on how to identify online traps and misleading messages, protect their personal data, recognise investment offers that appear “too good to be true,” and make responsible financial decisions. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of artificial intelligence which, despite the significant opportunities it offers, may also increase the risk of fraud and misinformation, making the critical assessment of information an essential skill for young people.
Upon completion of the lecture programme, CySEC Chairman Dr George Theocharides congratulated all CySEC staff members who participated, stressing that the financial education of young people is an investment in society. In an ever-evolving digital environment, Dr Theocharides noted, it is vital that students acquire from an early age the knowledge and skills that will enable them to make responsible decisions, protect themselves from risks and develop critical thinking.
“We warmly thank the schools and educators for their interest, cooperation and positive response. We will continue consistently to pursue our vision for meaningful financial education for all,” he added.
World Investor Week 2025
The school lectures were part of CySEC’s actions for World Investor Week 2025 (WIW 2025), which this year focused on investor protection in the digital financial environment and the role of artificial intelligence. Among other initiatives, CySEC created an online quiz through which citizens can assess their ability to recognise risks and avoid online traps before making investment or other financial decisions. In addition, the CySEC Chairman delivered a lecture at a university, while a targeted awareness campaign was implemented through CySEC’s social media channels, aiming to enhance investor awareness and promote responsible investor behaviour.
At the same time, an Investor Guide on artificial intelligence was published, while in an article focusing specifically on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, CySEC Vice-Chairman Mr Panikkos Vakkou highlighted that making financial decisions based exclusively on artificial intelligence technologies entails serious risks. Mr Vakkou underlined the importance of critical thinking and adequate financial knowledge.
A strategic priority for CySEC
Investor education and protection constitute a key strategic pillar for CySEC. Educational material, guides and financial education tools are available to the public through CySEC’s Financial Education Portal (https://www.cysec.gov.cy/en-GB/investor-protection/financial-education/). At the same time, CySEC actively participates in the implementation of the National Strategy for Promoting Financial Literacy and Financial Education in Cyprus.
