This archive report was first published on 6 October 2021.
Every year, in the first full week of October, securities exchanges across the world come together in a global campaign to create awareness among investors through education and protection, as part of the World Investor Week (WIW) initiative.
Launched by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) five years ago, WIW aims to remind investors of the importance of regulations, risks, returns, and basic banking laws surrounding anti-money laundering and fraud.
IOSCO, a global body established in 1983, brings together securities regulators, stock markets, financial organizations, and other stakeholders. It regulates more than 95% of the world's securities markets and plays a crucial role in promoting cooperation among its members to fight financial crimes.
Under the local jurisdiction, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Kenya, which is part of IOSCO, will conduct an array of educational activities during the World Investor Week. These activities include organizing online webinars, virtual or in-person conferences, publishing investor-focused material, and other events, depending on the prevailing pandemic-related circumstances.
The CMA will collaborate with approved market intermediaries and the CFA Society East Africa to deepen awareness. These activities will also include providing real-time responses to investor queries, enhancing investor awareness and protection.
The CMA is already on course and will be sharing content through social media campaigns in the form of infographics, animations, VLOGS, and short educational messages on opportunities, products, and services within the capital markets on investor protection tips.
As an investor in Kenya, you should expect enlightenment from the regulator on how to spot various investment opportunities, both locally and globally. This will also give investors an opportunity to spot various investment scams that have sprung up across the country.
Investors should also be on the lookout to learn more about risks, how to understand what it entails, and just what level of risk is attached to various securities. The risk aspect of various securities ranges from stocks, bonds, derivatives, and commodities, which are readily available for trading in Kenya and across various securities markets globally.
