The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) is gearing up for its 2025 Annual Stockbrokers’ Conference, themed “Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, and Sustainable Era: Charting Pathways for Economic Transformation,” scheduled for October 16-17 in Abuja. A key focus of this year’s conference is combating the rising tide of Ponzi schemes and financial scams targeting young Nigerians. CIS recognizes the vulnerability of this demographic due to a lack of financial literacy and aims to address this through intensified investment education. The conference will serve as a platform to empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the financial landscape and make informed investment decisions, thereby protecting them from fraudulent activities. The CIS believes that by promoting the capital market as a legitimate avenue for wealth creation, it can steer young Nigerians away from the allure of quick riches promised by dubious schemes.
The CIS emphasizes the importance of engaging young Nigerians, particularly students and young professionals, and exposing them to the diverse career opportunities available within the capital market. The conference will provide a direct interface between these young individuals and industry professionals, showcasing career paths in stockbroking, investment banking, asset management, and related fields. This focus on youth engagement is not only vital for protecting them from financial scams but also crucial for the long-term sustainability and growth of the Nigerian capital market. CIS recognizes the digital fluency of young Nigerians and aims to leverage technology-driven solutions to create accessible pathways into the financial ecosystem. The conference’s career fair, specifically targeting students from Abuja schools and universities, will further solidify this commitment to nurturing the next generation of financial professionals.
The 2025 conference will delve into critical issues affecting the capital markets, including fintech innovation, sustainable finance, financial inclusion, and ethics. These topics are central to the conference theme, which highlights the evolving landscape of the financial sector and the need for adaptation and innovation. Discussions will explore how technology can be harnessed to enhance market efficiency, promote financial inclusion, and ensure ethical practices within the digital realm. Sustainable finance, a rapidly growing area of focus globally, will also be a key area of discussion, highlighting the importance of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into investment decisions.
The conference aims to foster collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market. This includes stockbrokers, asset managers, pension administrators, regulators, insurers, fintech innovators, and policymakers. By bringing together these diverse players, the conference aims to create a synergistic environment for the development and implementation of strategies that can drive economic transformation through the capital market. The exchange of ideas, best practices, and policy recommendations will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Nigerian financial sector and fostering a more robust and inclusive capital market.
Beyond addressing the immediate concern of financial scams, the CIS is taking a proactive approach to developing the future of the Nigerian capital market. By investing in the education and training of young Nigerians, the institute is building a foundation for long-term growth and stability within the sector. This approach not only safeguards individuals from financial exploitation but also contributes to the broader economic development of the country by fostering a more informed and engaged investor base.
The CIS’s commitment to financial literacy and youth engagement is a crucial step towards building a more resilient and sustainable capital market in Nigeria. By equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and skills, the institute is empowering them to become responsible investors and active participants in the financial sector. This, in turn, will contribute to the overall health and vibrancy of the Nigerian economy. The 2025 Annual Stockbrokers’ Conference serves as a pivotal platform for advancing this agenda and shaping the future of the Nigerian capital market in a digital, ethical, and sustainable era.
