Manama: Bahrain Bourse (BHB), a licensed exchange regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain and an affiliate member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), has participated in the eighth annual World Investor Week (WIW), hosted from October 7th to 13th, 2024. This year marks the seventh consecutive involvement of BHB in this global initiative, underlining its ongoing commitment to promoting financial literacy and investor education.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the BHB took part remotely in the “Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy” event, a key activity of the World Federation of Exchanges during the WIW. The event saw participation from 100 other global exchanges, highlighting international cooperation in the drive to enhance financial awareness. Throughout the week, BHB organized various activities with stakeholders, including a key session with the Ministry of Interior on electronic fraud risks, led by Major Mohammed Al Abdulla, Head of the Financial Crimes Department.
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he WIW, spearheaded by IOSCO, focuses on investor education and protection. This year, the campaign highlighted three pivotal themes: Technology and Digital Finance, Crypto Assets, and Sustainable Finance, with additional focus on Fraud and Scam Prevention, Investor Resilience, and the Basics of Investing.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Bourse, expressed the significance of their continued participation in the WIW, emphasizing the role of financial literacy in strengthening the capital markets and supporting responsible investing.
Jean-Paul Servais, Chair of the IOSCO Board and Chairman of the Financial Services and Markets Authority in Belgium, noted the growing challenges and trends in the financial sector, including AI, crypto, and gamification. He underscored the success of previous WIW campaigns and their role in enhancing public awareness.
Furthering its mission to foster financial literacy, Bahrain Bourse also leads several initiatives targeting various age groups. These ini
tiatives include the Board Mentorship Programme with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), the Smart Investor Programme for primary students in collaboration with INJAZ Bahrain, the TradeQuest Programme for older students, and the Capital Markets Apprenticeship Programme aimed at equipping interns with vital market skills.