Euronext was proud to participate in the global ‘Ring the Bell’ initiative to kick off World Investor Week, highlighting its commitment to financial literacy and investor protection. 

As the leading pan-European market infrastructure, Euronext recognises the need to empower investors with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed and responsible decisions in an increasingly complex financial landscape.

Why financial literacy?

Stock exchanges play an important role in promoting financial stability for everyone. It is essential for savers, private investors, policyholders, pensioners and young people to have the opportunity to invest in their futures. 

Exchanges like Euronext facilitate capital-raising for companies and governments worldwide, contributing to job creation. The Group also works alongside its partners and employees to create and share educational resources focused on financial literacy. 

Through the Euronext Foundation, the Group has also formed partnerships with various regional charities that emphasise financial education within communities globally.

The importance of financial literacy for investor protection

1.Informed decision-making: Investors with a strong foundation in financial literacy are better positioned to evaluate market trends and understand risk factors. This can help them avoid poor investments and financial scams that could jeopardise their savings.

2.Risk management: Understanding different investment strategies allows investors to manage their portfolios effectively. They can identify high-risk products and make conservative choices when necessary, reducing the likelihood of significant losses.

3.Fraud awareness: Financially literate investors are less vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. By recognising warning signs of fraud and conducting thorough due diligence, they can protect their investments from scammers and unethical practices.

Bell ceremonies for financial literacy

To mark the opening day of World Investor Week, key stakeholders joined Euronext in different locations for a bell ceremony to celebrate financial literacy. Euronext's participation reflects its mission to foster a resilient and informed investor community, ensuring that individuals can navigate financial markets with confidence and safeguard their financial futures.

In Belgium, Euronext Brussels CEO Benoît van den Hove was joined by Jean-Paul Servais, Chair of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and Chairman of Belgium's Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA). 

In Italy, Pasquale Munafò, Senior Advisor of CONSOB and Chair of IOSCO's Committee for Retail Investors, rang the bell together with Fabrizio Testa, CEO of Borsa Italiana. 

Meanwhile, in Portugal, Isabel Ucha, CEO of Euronext Lisbon rang the bell with the Portuguese Association of Investment, Pension and Asset Funds (APFIPP). Together, they launched a special episode of Portugal’s number one podcast, in partnership with MoneyLab, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for young investors.

Euronext's commitment to financial literacy and investor education 

Through its comprehensive resources, Euronext aims to equip market participants with the knowledge they need to use financial markets effectively, not only for growth and sustainability but also to protect their investments.

Empowering market participants

Euronext recently launched an in-depth educational programme for retail investors, developed in collaboration with key market players. The programme kicked off with a series of monthly webinars focused on derivatives, such as options and futures trading, in partnership with Interactive Brokers and WH Selfinvest, with other partnerships to follow. These sessions provide in-depth insights into the fundamentals of trading products and explore how they can be effectively integrated into various trading strategies, empowering participants to make informed and strategic investment decisions.

Since the launch of the Euronext Foundation in 2023, the Group has expanded its financial literacy efforts to engage with future investors and professionals. In addition to local programmes and partnerships, its key global programmes include: 

·the Euronext Blue Challenge, which introduces students aged 16 to 18 to sustainable finance, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills and an understanding of responsible investing.

·the Euronext Trading Game, a European trading simulation competition that teaches university students about trading strategies, risk management, and sound investment principles. 

Investor protection through education

By prioritising financial literacy, Euronext empowers investors to protect themselves from the dangers of uninformed decisions, market risks, and fraud. The Group’s commitment to education ensures that all market participants – new or experienced – can navigate the financial landscape confidently and responsibly, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient financial system.