The Island?s financial services regulator will hold an investor education forum next week designed to explain basics of the investment business to average retail consumers.

Betty Dale, an analyst in the Bermuda Monetary Authority?s investment department, said the primary goal of the presentations and question and answer session is to offer information about the role of the Authority as the independent regulator and also give general investment information specifically geared towards the average retail consumer.

Mrs. Dale said: ?We decided to put on an event that would cater to the average retail consumer ? not the people who invest in stocks and shares and have lots of money ? but those people perhaps who have some money saved and don?t know what to do with it and just have it in the bank or someone who is retired and has a lump sum of money or even students who don?t know about investing or the difference between investing and saving.?

The event takes place at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club dining room on February 9 between 12-2pm. There is no cost to participants and a complimentary lunch will be provided.

Mrs. Dale said that beyond explaining the BMA?s role, presenters can also answer plenty of other questions as well

?People may not know why they should use a financial advisor, or how to find one or whether they need $10,000 or $100,000 to start investing. General types of questions like that will be answered and then of course we want people to know that the BMA as the independent regulator is here for their protection as well. We can tell them about the Investment Business Act 2003, what is covered under it and how we monitor investment business on the Island,? she said.

The Bermuda Society of Financial Analysts will also give a presentation titled ?What Every Investor Should Know ? the Top Ten Questions Answered?. Mrs. Dale said they will explain what qualifications and experience to look for in an investment advisor as well as ?advise consumers on how to shop around and not just take the first person who comes along and says give me your money I can make it work for you type of thing. They will explain how much consumers should expect to pay, the different types of products that are offered and whether or not these types of products suit them,? Mrs. Dale said.

Depending on how popular this seminar is, the BMA plans to hold further educational events for the general public in the future. The registration form for this event ? which can be obtained from the BMA and local banks ? includes a section where consumers can suggest topics for future seminars.