Global campaign to empower investors

World Investor Week is being celebrated in Nepal by organizing various awareness programs throughout the country. The Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon), the securities market regulator, is leading the World Investor Week in Nepal from Oct 2-8 at the call of the International Organization of Securities Regulators (IOSCO).

Nepal is actively participating by organizing a series of events during these dates with the goal of empowering investors through increased education and awareness. Throughout this week, investors engaged in the securities market will receive education and awareness on various aspects of market development and improvement.

The Nepal Stock Exchange, CDS and Clearing Ltd, and stockbrokers are actively involved in these celebrations. Ramesh Hamal, chairman of Sebon, stated that the World Investor Week is observed in more than 100 countries as part of the IOSCO’s program. The primary objective of this program is to safeguard investors and promote financial literacy. This year’s celebration mainly focuses on Investor Resilience, Crypto Assets, and Sustainable Finance. “The World Investor Week celebrations commenced in Nepal and across the world on Monday, with different countries tailoring their programs to their financial literacy levels,” Hamal added.

Sebon has introduced various protocols for investor protection. During World Investor Week, Sebon is set to sign an agreement with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), which will significantly enhance financial literacy at the business level through the federation’s network. “We will provide the resources, and FNCCI will organize the program,” he explained.

During the inauguration of World Investor Week on Monday, Minister for Finance Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat launched an artificial intelligence-based chatbot designed for investor education and grievance resolution. This chatbot offers a convenient platform for immediate responses to queries, information requests, and complaints related to the securities market, according to Sebon.

IOSCO has been celebrating World Investor Week since 2017, with the aim of empowering investors. In addition to Sebon, organizations such as Nepse, CDSC, Merchant Bankers Association, Stock Brokers Association, Credit Rating Institutions, Stock Dealers, and PE/VC Fund Managers are actively participating in the World Investor Week celebrations.

Nepse is informing investors about considerations while investing, CDSC is providing insights into share trading, and stockbrokers are conducting widespread activities during World Investor Week. The Stock Brokers Association of Nepal, an organization of stock brokers, co-organized the opening ceremony of World Investor Week on Monday. On Tuesday, members of the association disseminated awareness messages through their website, social media, and online platforms.

Dharmaraj Sapkota, the association’s president, said they would conduct over a dozen investor education and awareness programs across all provinces of the country during the week. These programs will take place in Birtamod, Banepa, Bardibas, Bharatpur, Kathmandu, Birgunj, Baglung, Syangja, Bhairahawa, Mahendranagar, and Jumla.

Additionally, the Securities Brokers Association Nepal, a new organization of stockbrokers, has initiated a week-long program for World Investors Week. The association organized a share awareness and training program at Reliance College in Saraswatinagar, Kathmandu. Sagar Dhakal, the association's president, stated that the awareness program will continue until Oct 8.

The association intends to conduct awareness and training programs at Kathford International College in Balkumari, Central Department of Management of Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur and Panauti Municipality in Panauti, Kavre. On Saturday, a rally will be taken out from Bhrikuti Mandap to Basantapur to raise awareness about investment. Participants will placards and banners related to investment education and literacy. Sebon Chairman Hamal will lead the profession. Likewise, the formal closing ceremony of the World Investor Week will be held on Oct 8.