Widening Financial Inclusivity: Role of Investor Education and Protection in the Modern Era

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and Jagan Nath University, Jaipur, hosted a workshop focused on “Widening Financial Inclusivity: Role of Investor Education and Protection in the Modern Era.” The workshop aimed to highlight the pivotal role of financial literacy in enhancing inclusivity and protecting investors in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.

The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor at NCAER as the Moderator and Speaker; Dr. Jitender Bhandari, Associate Professor and Academic Coordinator, Dept. of Economics, Christ University, Delhi-NCR; Dr. Bhawana Sharma, Professor of Finance and Head of Women Cell, Poornima University, Jaipur; Dr. Sandeep Varshneya, Associate Professor and Pan Area Chair – Finance, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur; and Mr. Sandeep Jain, Financial Market Analyst and Co-founder & Director of Tradeswift Broking Pvt. Ltd. They shared valuable insights on the role of financial literacy as a key driver for empowering individuals. By equipping them with the knowledge to make informed investment decisions and protect themselves from fraud and digital scams, financial education becomes a crucial defense mechanism.

The Workshop was inaugurated by the Welcome address of Shri Tanmay Pattnayak, Registrar of Jagan Nath University, Jaipur and Inaugural address of Prof. (Dr.) Vaishali Sharma, Vice Chancellor of Jagan Nath University, Jaipur. They emphasized the growing importance of educating and empowering individuals with the necessary financial tools to foster inclusivity, especially in semi-urban and rural areas and lauded about the first ever such collaborative event organised in collaboration with IEPFA and NCAER.

The main highlight of the event was Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor at NCAER, the moderator for the session, who provided valuable insights into the evolving challenges in investor protection, especially in the digital age. He discussed the critical role that regulatory frameworks and educational institutes must play in mitigating financial risks, highlighting IEPFA’s efforts in ensuring financial security for all citizens.

Dr. Jitender Bhandari, Associate Professor and Academic Coordinator at the Department of Economics, Christ University (Delhi-NCR), contributed his academic perspective on the economic benefits of financial inclusivity. He elaborated on the need for comprehensive investor education to bridge the gap between the financially included and excluded populations, ensuring equitable growth and participation in the economy.

Dr. Bhawana Sharma, Professor of Finance and Head of the Women’s Cell at Poornima University, Jaipur, addressed the gender disparities in financial literacy and inclusion. She underscored the importance of targeted financial education programs for women, who often face greater barriers in accessing and understanding financial products and services.

Dr. Sandeep Varshneya, Associate Professor and Pan Area Chair – Finance Area at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur, provided an industry-oriented view of financial inclusivity. He emphasized the significance of developing investor-friendly financial products and highlighted the role of technology in expanding access to these products for under-served sections of society.

Mr. Sandeep Jain, Financial Market Analyst and Co-founder & Director of Tradeswift Broking Pvt. Ltd., offered practical insights into the protection of retail investors. Drawing on his industry experience, he discussed the rising threat of digital scams and frauds in the financial markets, stressing the need for continued investor education to combat these risks effectively.

The workshop marked another significant step in the ongoing efforts of IEPFA and NCAER to promote financial literacy and investor protection across India, ensuring that all citizens can contribute to and benefit from the nation’s financial progress.