The Bermuda Monetary Authority [BMA] recently hosted a webinar to mark the conclusion of World Investor Week 2026 and promote public access to financial education.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Monetary Authority [Authority or BMA] hosted a webinar on Thursday, 8 October, marking the conclusion of World Investor Week 2026 and helping to make financial information and education accessible to the general public. Organised by the International Organization of Securities Commissions [IOSCO], World Investor Week is a global effort that is celebrated across six continents and brings together regulators and financial institutions to promote financial education and investor protection. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the campaign underscored the importance of informed decision-making in an evolving digital environment.
“Under the theme, Future Proofing Finance: Skills, Technology and Opportunity for Tomorrow, the event opened with remarks from Shanna Lespere, Deputy Chief Executive Officer [DCEO] of the BMA and Vice Chair of IOSCO’s Inter-American Regional Committee for 2026–2028.”
Reflecting on the importance of financial education, Ms Lespere said, “This week reminds us that financial knowledge is not just about numbers, markets or products. It is about helping people ask better questions, make informed choices and feel more prepared for the future.”
The spokesperson said, “BMA financial professionals and subject matter experts then discussed key trends and investor issues. The panel session featured insights on investing basics, investor resilience and scam awareness. The discussion was moderated by the CEO of the BMA, Craig Swan, and provided information on issues relevant to today’s investing environment. Over 360 members of the public who registered for the free webinar were able to submit questions during the two-hour-long event. A recording of the webinar will be posted to the BMA’s YouTube channel.
“The panel opened with Keyon Swaby, Deputy Director, Banking, Trust and Corporate Services, who discussed the basics of investing, including the risks, costs and benefits involved. Mr Swaby explored investor resilience and practical strategies that investors can use to respond to changing market conditions. The discussion then focused on young and next-generation investors, with Chris McGrath, Director, Supervision [Conduct Regulation], highlighting the importance of building sound financial knowledge and investing habits from an early age.
“In an era of evolving digital threats, staying ahead is crucial. Aqsa Zubair, Deputy Director [Supervision] FinTech spoke about the key risks investors should watch for and how to distinguish trustworthy sources from misleading online content. Ms Zubair provided examples of ‘pump and dump’ crypto schemes and discussed simple, realistic steps that investors can take to verify online information.
“The panel ended with a discussion of scams and the risks they pose to customers in the digital age. Treasa Walker, Deputy Director, Licensing and Intermediate Supervision [Insurance, Funds and Corporate Authorisations], explained the BMA’s role in regulating financial entities and safeguarding the public from financial scams. Ms Walker shared insights on the public registers, BMA-regulated platforms, and steps members of the public can take to report a suspected scam.”
Craig Swan, CEO of the BMA, said the event brought investor education closer to the public and equipped individuals with practical knowledge to navigate an increasingly digital financial environment. “This year’s focus on investor resilience, digital deception and scam awareness presents an important opportunity for financial institutions to raise awareness together and to encourage investor education and resilience across the globe. We encourage individuals to review the webinar content and the practical tips and information provided so that they can protect themselves, creating a safer and more informed investing environment for all.”
The spokesperson said, “For more information, please visit IOCO’s global World Investor Week 2026 campaign website.”