Events 
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. (NSE), successfully hosted a high-impact workshop on “Investor Education, not a One-Stop Effort: Synergy and Digitalisation is the Need of the Hour” at Hyderabad, on February 12, 2025. This event brought together leading financial experts, policymakers, and academia to discuss specifically the issue of synergetic efforts for investor education and promoting financial literacy in India, as also multidimensional benefits of digitalization of financial education in India.
An esteemed panel of experts who shared insights on financial inclusion, regulatory frameworks, and the role of digitalization in promoting investor education. Prof. B. J. Rao, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad offered the inaugural address. The session was moderated by Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor, NCAER, (Speaker & Moderator). Lt Col Aditya Sinha, GM, IEPFA, Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Mr. Krishnan Iyer, Senior Vice President – Business Development, NSE India Ltd.; Dr. Tirthankar Patnaik, Chief Economist, NSE India Ltd.; Dr. Mamta Suri, Former Executive Director, IRDAI & IBBI; Prof. Debashis Acharya, Professor, School of Economics, University of Hyderabad; and Dr. Satish Kumar, Professor, Finance & Accounting, IBS Hyderabad (ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education) attended the workshop as experts. They shared their insights on financial literacy, regulatory policies, digital transformation in investor education, and strategies for enhancing investor protection in India’s capital markets.
After the traditional lamp lighting ceremony, Mr. Krishnan Iyer welcomed the participants. Prof. B. J. Rao, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, in his inaugural address and discussed the role of digital innovation in financial education and how academia can contribute to bridging financial literacy gaps among students and young investors. Ms. Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary in the Ministry Corporate Affairs, in her message, conveyed that investor education and protection is on the national agenda and highlighted IEPFA’s efforts in creating a more informed, protected, and empowered community of investors. Through her message, read out by Lt. Col, Aditya Sinha, GM, IEPFA, she encouraged all to actively participate, engage with IEPFA initiatives and take this opportunity to enhance their understanding and promote advocacy of investor rights and education.
Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor at NCAER, who served as the moderator for the session, in his opening remarks, Dr. Mohapatra explained investor education is a continuous process that requires synergy among stakeholders and the effective use of digitalization to remain relevant in an evolving financial landscape. Dr. Mohapatra emphasized that financial literacy efforts must be sustained, collaborative, and technology-driven to empower investors with informed decision-making skills. Targeted programs, such as women and rural investors, are crucial for inclusive financial empowerment. Ultimately, a dynamic and technology-integrated approach is essential to making investor education a priority, he stressed.
In the panel discussion, panelists focused on how digitalization can bridge financial literacy gaps, enhance investor protection, and create a sustainable investment ecosystem. Experts deliberated on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in India’s capital markets and proposed strategies for inclusive financial growth.
Dr. Tirthankar Patnaik highlighted the influence of data-driven financial education and the role of digitalization in strengthening market confidence. Dr. Mamta Suri discussed regulatory measures in the insurance and financial sectors, leveraging her expertise in risk management and corporate governance. She spoke about the importance of policy interventions in safeguarding investors and enhancing financial resilience. Prof. Debashis Acharya in his address highlighted cases of fraud and cybersecurity threats in payments and banking, particularly affecting vulnerable groups. He underscored the urgent need to strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms and enhance regulatory interventions to build consumer trust and confidence in today’s payment and settlement systems. Additionally, he stressed the importance of frequent, customized financial literacy and awareness programs tailored for rural, semi-urban, and urban users of financial services. Lastly, Dr. Satish Kumar emphasized on the special effort required for senior citizens and stated that Digitalization is transforming financial access for Indian pensioners, making investments more transparent and efficient. Coupled with robust investor education, it empowers them to make informed decisions, ensuring financial security in retirement. In his concluding remarks, Dr. C.S. Mohapatra highlighted the importance of synergetic and structured financial education and how applied research can support investor protection strategies. The workshop culminated with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage with experts on key investor-related concerns.
This initiative underscored the continuous efforts of IEPFA, NCAER, and NSE in promoting investor awareness and fostering financial inclusion across all demographics. By leveraging the synergy between regulatory bodies, academia, and industry experts, the workshop aimed to equip investors with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate India’s dynamic financial landscape.