Financial knowledge can help people spot scams, assess investment risks and make better decisions, participants heard on a Bermuda Monetary Authority webinar.

More than 360 members of the public registered for the free event on October 8, which covered investing basics, changing market conditions and the risks of misleading financial content online.

The two-hour webinar marked the conclusion of World Investor Week 2026, a global campaign organised by the International Organisation of Securities Commissions to promote financial education and investor protection.

Shanna Lespere, the BMA’s deputy chief executive officer, said financial education had a practical role in helping people prepare for their future.

“This week reminds us that financial knowledge is not just about numbers, markets or products,” she said. “It is about helping people ask better questions, make informed choices and feel more prepared for the future.”

Ms Lespere, who is vice-chairwoman of Iosco’s Inter-American Regional Committee for 2026 to 2028, opened the event, held under the theme “Future proofing finance: skills, technology and opportunity for tomorrow”.

Craig Swan, the BMA’s chief executive officer, moderated a panel of authority specialists. Members of the public were able to submit questions during the discussion.

Keyon Swaby, deputy director of banking, trust and corporate services, outlined the risks, costs and benefits of investing. He also discussed practical strategies investors could use to respond to changing market conditions.

Chris McGrath, director of supervision for conduct regulation, focused on younger and next-generation investors, highlighting the importance of developing financial knowledge and sound investing habits from an early age.

The risks associated with online financial information were addressed by Aqsa Zubair, deputy director of fintech supervision.

Ms Zubair discussed how investors could distinguish trustworthy sources from misleading content. She gave examples of “pump and dump” cryptocurrency schemes and outlined practical steps for checking information found online.

Treasa Walker, deputy director of licensing and intermediate supervision for insurance, funds and corporate authorisations, explained the BMA’s role in regulating financial entities and safeguarding the public from financial scams.

Her presentation covered the authority’s public registers, BMA-regulated platforms and how members of the public could report a suspected scam.

Mr Swan encouraged people to review the webinar’s advice to help protect themselves.

“This year’s focus on investor resilience, digital deception and scam awareness presents an important opportunity for financial institutions to raise awareness together and to encourage investor education and resilience across the globe,” he said.

“We encourage individuals to review the webinar content and the practical tips and information provided so that they can protect themselves, creating a safer and more informed investing environment for all.”

World Investor Week celebrated its tenth anniversary this year, with activities across six continents.

A recording of the webinar will be posted on the BMA’s YouTube channel.