The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), together with the University of Cyprus’ Department of Accounting and Finance, has launched a public awareness and education campaign using citizens’ accounts of financial losses to highlight common decision-making pitfalls and promote more informed investing. The campaign follows a survey in which more than 1 in 5 investors (22%) said they invested in financial products solely based on online advertisements or recommendations from social media influencers. The survey, launched in 2024, collected examples of hasty financial decision-making, investing in complex and high-risk products or schemes promising quick profits, buying financial products beyond one’s budget, neglecting emergency savings, and making decisions under pressure or emotional distress. Campaign materials include cases such as an expensive mortgage that ended in repossession after job loss, proceeds from selling a home invested in the stock market before falling by 90%, and a sharp decline in a cryptocurrency investment, with the campaign positioned to resonate particularly with younger audiences including university and high school students. The stories are being shared via CySEC’s website and social media platforms, alongside financial tips, guides and educational materials available on CySEC’s financial education portal.

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