October 6 – 12 is World Investor Week - a week-long global campaign to raise awareness of the importance of investor education and protection.
With themes including crypto, new technologies, fraud & scams, and the basics of investing, we have some easy actions you can take to make sure you’re staying money smart.
Learn some investment basics
First up, learn how to choose your investments and to develop an investing plan. We cover how to set goals, understand investment risks; how to research your investment options and build your portfolio.
Keep in mind the importance of diversification. And remember, you’re probably already an investor through your superannuation.
Understand how investment income is taxed and how borrowing to invest works. Finally, please read up on our golden rules of investing.
Make evidence-based decisions
Planning is the key to successful investing. Creating a plan will help you find investments that fit your investing time frame and risk tolerance, to help you reach your financial goals sooner.
Learn more about some of the main types of assets you can invest in, including shares, property, and bonds. And some of the main ways you can invest, including via a managed fund, and via your superannuation.
Want to get some investing practice? Sign up for the ASX Sharemarket Game. You’ll receive $50,000 of pretend virtual cash to invest across 10 weeks, to help build your understanding of how investing in the share market works.
Be aware of investment risk
From interest rates, currencies, liquidity, timing, sector-specific … there are many risks associated with investing, and with different types of investments. Learn more about:
• CFDs
Make sure you're alert to investment hype and always check ASIC’s Investor Alert List before parting with your hard-earned savings.
Stay scam smart
As more things are done online there’s more opportunity to fall for a scam. Scammers are good at convincing you an investment is real, and it can be hard to tell the difference between a real investment and a fake one.
“In today´s fast-paced markets, technology is transforming how people invest. For students and young investors, digital platforms are now often the gateway into the world of investing, and very convenient. But convenience is not enough. Smart investors stick to the basics: doing careful research, staying diversified, and being prepared for unexpected events.” - IOSCO Board Chair Jean-Paul Servais
There are plenty of financial scams to be aware of; read our information on banking and credit scams, crypto scams, imposter bond investment scams, ponzi schemes and superannuation scams.
Stay informed and stay protected. And very importantly – enjoy investing!
World Investor Week is an initiative of the International Organization of Securities Commission (IOSCO). IOSCO is the international body that brings together the world's securities regulators and is recognized as the global standard setter for the securities sector. Read more about World Investor Week 2025