Currently, consumers are faced with a multitude of complex financial products and services, but frequently lack the necessary information, knowledge and skills with which to successfully and effectively navigate the financial marketplace and to make informed investment decisions. The role of the financial regulator is generally to protect consumers and since consumer protection, by definition, includes consumer education, there is an increased recognition globally of the importance of communicating with consumers on their right to protection and their responsibility as consumers. However, being a regulator as well as an educator can be challenging.

What is the role of securities regulators in facilitating consumer education in the financial sector? Should consumer education be regulated? Who should fund consumer education? What are the roles of listed issuers and institutional investors? How do we know that the objectives of consumer education programmes have been met and that funds are being effectively spent with the end result of increasing the financial literacy and skills of consumers? How do we compare information about consumer education initiatives internationally; do we have access to financial literacy data that are internationally comparable? Can national consumer financial education strategies bring about coordination of initiatives and what are the benefits of a coordinated approach? What is the role of consumer education in treat your customers fairly?