World Investor Week 2024 launches
to promote investor education and protection

As the financial market continues to evolve and innovate, the choices of investment products are becoming increasingly complex and diverse. The Investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC) believes the need for investor education and financial literacy is ever more important to equip investors to navigate the financial landscape and to make informed investment and financial decisions.

In support of World Investor Week 2024, an initiative of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to promote investor education and protection, the IFEC is pleased to co-host the Strike the Gong for Financial Literacy ceremony together with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) today.

Mr Tim Lui, Chairman of Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), said in his keynote speech at the ceremony, “We fully support the good cause of investor education, because it empowers investors to protect themselves. While the SFC and IFEC will strive together to keep them out of harm’s way, investors must take up the responsibilities to educate themselves and be the first line of defence against potential risks, in order to ride on the rich market opportunities that Hong Kong has to offer.”

Officiating at the ceremony, Mr Carlson Tong, Chairman of HKEX, said, “At HKEX, we believe we need to continuously strengthen financial literacy – for the resilience of our investors and the health and sustainability of our markets. One of the ways that we support investor resilience is by providing a broad diversity of channels, products and tools that enable well-balanced, healthy portfolios. We are committed to empowering this important segment of our market participant population.”

With an aim to enhance financial knowledge of the young people and to induce the right attitude and behaviour for them to manage their investments and finances, IFEC today launches "Lost and Found II" social media-led financial education campaign highlighting financial challenges faced by the young generation, such as virtual asset investments, financial planning and use of credit products such as "Buy Now, Pay Later".  The stories provide actionable suggestions with the use of IFEC's tools and resources to help mitigate these challenges. Click here to access the campaign portal.

Mr Victor Dawes, Chairman of IFEC said, "Financial planning is an essential life skill for the young generation who are the future of our society.  Our campaign aims to inspire young people to utilise IFEC’s tools and resources for managing their investments and finances, helping them to achieve their financial goals and to confidently take charge of their finances. The IFEC will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to foster financial literacy among the young generation."

• Investor education panel discussion: Themed “Expanding Market Connectivity and Options for Retail Investors”, representatives from SFC, HKEX, the Hong Kong REITS Association and CFA Society Hong Kong discuss the latest developments in Mainland-Hong Kong capital market from a retail investor perspective.
• Investment Behaviour Personality Quiz: A new interactive online tool designed to provide users with insights into their investment personalities and potential behavioural biases. Developed in partnership with an academic team from Hong Kong Shue Yan University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The University of Hong Kong. Click here to access the quiz.
• World Investor Week 2024 portal: Offers a variety of investor and financial education resources on investor resilience and sustainable investing. It also provides details on activities organised by various stakeholders. Click here to visit the portal.

Photos and captions:

• SFC Chairman Mr Tim Lui (left) and HKEX Chairman Mr Carlson Tong (right) officiated at the Strike the Gong for Financial Literacy ceremony.
• Representatives from SFC, HKEX, the Hong Kong REITS Association and CFA Society Hong Kong at the "Expanding Market Connectivity and Options for Retail Investors" panel discussion.
• “Lost and Found II” online financial education campaign to highlight financial challenges faced by the young generation.
• Investment Behaviour Personality Quiz to provide users with insights into their investment personalities and potential behavioural biases.
• IOSCO World Investor Week 2024 website