Washington, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Office of Customer Education and Outreach (OCEO) and Office of Technology Innovation (OTI) today opened registration for financial educators, innovators, and regulators to participate in a two-panel virtual event featuring discussions about the future of money and how educators can help investors avoid fraud and other harmful investment mistakes. The discussions are presented as part of World Investor Week, a global effort to raise awareness about the importance of investor education and protection, recognized October 3-9. 

Registration for Meeting the Demand for Understanding Risk and Financial Education is free and open to the public. The panels will begin at noon EDT Wednesday, Oct. 5. Register here.

The first panel will provide financial education leaders and front-line counselors with the information needed to assist investors. The panel will examine the questions investors are asking, where education is lacking, and how educators, counselors, and planners can address curiosity about risky assets and investing.

The second panel will feature the leaders of innovation hubs across the federal government exploring how their agencies are responding to the new technology in markets, protecting the public, and thinking about future developments.

“Reports indicate many investors, especially younger investors, turn to social media for information and advice about buying digital assets and other risky investments. Unfortunately, many times the information they get is bad, wrong, or leads them to fraud,” said OCEO Associate Director Dan Rutherford.

“Today we see a rapidly changing environment and education will play a vital role as we move forward,” said OTI Director and panelist Jorge Herrada. “These panel discussions can help educators offer guidance as well as help investors understand risks and benefits as markets evolve.”

About the Office of Customer Education and Outreach (OCEO)

OCEO is dedicated to helping customers protect themselves from fraud or violations of the Commodity Exchange Act through the research and development of effective financial education materials and initiatives. OCEO engages in outreach and education to retail investors, traders, industry organizations, and the agricultural community. The office also frequently partners with federal and state regulators as well as consumer protection groups. The CFTC’s full repository of customer education materials can be found at Learn & Protect.

About the Office of Technology Innovation (OTI)

OTI serves as the CFTC’s financial technology innovation hub, driving change and enhancing knowledge through innovation, consulting/collaboration, and education (ICE). OTI fosters innovation in CFTC’s regulatory oversight and mission critical functions by supporting the operating divisions and the Commission’s participation in domestic and international coordination. OTI regularly advocates for the advancement of responsible innovation, industry collaborations, and public outreach and education.