TLDR: The 2025 World Investor Week (WIW) Joint Forum, a global initiative by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), officially commenced its activities on October 8. The week-long campaign, running from October 6-12, aims to enhance investor education, promote financial literacy, and bolster protection against various forms of financial fraud, with discussions spanning AI applications, retirement resilience, and global investment strategies.
The 2025 World Investor Week (WIW) Joint Forum, a pivotal global initiative spearheaded by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), launched its activities on October 8, marking a significant push for investor education and protection worldwide. This year’s WIW campaign is scheduled to run from October 6 to 12, with various events and forums taking place across six continents.
In Taipei, Taiwan, the WIW Joint Forum opened on October 8, attracting over 1,000 registrants, making it one of Asia’s largest WIW events this year. The forum, held at CPBAE, NCCU, was themed ‘Digital Innovation × Professional Collaboration: Building a Trusted Asset Management Framework.’ It was co-hosted by nine prominent institutions, including the Pension Fund Association, Securities Investment Trust & Consulting Association of the R.O.C. (SITCA), and the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE). Discussions in Taipei highlighted a rising interest in AI applications, strategies for retirement resilience, and global investment approaches.
Globally, the World Investor Week is a comprehensive campaign designed to raise awareness about the critical importance of investor education and protection. IOSCO members and supporters are organizing a diverse range of activities, from launching investor-focused communications and services to hosting workshops and promoting contests aimed at increasing financial literacy.
Key topics being addressed during the week include financial resilience in an aging society, with specific discussions on retirement planning, trust services, and anti-fraud measures. A notable focus is also placed on combating financial scams. For instance, a live webinar titled ‘Deconstructing to Disrupt Fraud’ on October 7 featured Professor Arda Akartuna, who discussed how artificial intelligence is being leveraged in scams. Representatives from the CFTC, NFA, and FINRA also provided insights on consumer protection and resources for victims.
In India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) are actively participating, promoting initiatives like the Finance Learning Game (FLG) and ‘Scambush,’ an interactive digital game designed to teach investors how to identify and avoid scams in the securities market. The NSE’s campaign also includes an ‘Awareness Drive – “Are You Scam Secure?”’ to engage the public directly.
The United States, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as its national coordinator, is also observing WIW 2025, focusing on themes like ‘Stay informed. Stay protected.’ Daily ‘Term of the Day’ features are educating investors on concepts such as asset allocation, diversification, and the dangers of relationship investment scams, also known as romance scams or ‘pig butchering’ scams.
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World Financial Planning Day also coincided with the WIW on October 8, hosted by the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) in partnership with IOSCO, further emphasizing the value of financial planning and investor protection.
