The South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) today joined stock exchanges around the world in ringing the bell for financial literacy, bringing together financial regulators, consumer protection agencies, education leaders, and capital market stakeholders to call for stronger collective action against financial scams in Fiji. Held at the Reserve Bank of Fiji as part of World Investor Week 2026, the event focused on “Staying Ahead of Financial Scams,” highlighting the growing threat of fraudulent investment schemes, digital impersonation, and online financial deception, and the importance of protecting public confidence in legitimate financial institutions.
The global Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy initiative, supported by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), brings stock exchanges together during World Investor Week, an international campaign coordinated by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), to promote investor education and protection.
The event featured addresses by the Permanent Secretary for Education, Mr. Navin Raj, as Chief Guest; SPX Chairperson, Mr. Nitin Gandhi; Chief Executive Officer of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), Ms. Senikavika L. Jiuta; and Ms. Lusia Rabaka, Manager Research and Policy Analyst at the Consumer Council of Fiji. The ceremonial bell was rung by Mr. Raj.
Permanent Secretary for Education Mr. Navin Raj highlighted the importance of equipping young Fijians with practical financial knowledge and skills from an early age. He outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen the incorporation of financial literacy into Fiji’s education system, with a focus on helping students make informed financial decisions, manage money responsibly, and recognize fraudulent schemes. Mr. Raj also highlighted the importance of preparing students for an increasingly digital environment, including ongoing work to integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into education. He emphasized the need for financial and digital literacy to develop alongside traditional learning to better prepare young Fijians for future challenges.
SPX Chairperson Mr. Nitin Gandhi called on financial institutions to take a more active and visible role in educating the public about legitimate financial products and services. He emphasized that one of the most effective ways to counter financial scams is to ensure that people understand the credible and regulated financial products available to them, including where and how to access these services. Mr. Gandhi cautioned that scams not only result in financial losses but also undermine public confidence in legitimate financial institutions and investment opportunities. He encouraged financial institutions to remain accessible to the public and actively participate in financial education, noting that greater awareness of legitimate financial services would help people recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes.
FCCC Chief Executive Officer Ms. Senikavika L. Jiuta called for the development of a national Scam Prevention Framework for Fiji, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated approach to combating financial scams. She highlighted the increasing sophistication of financial scams, including fraudulent investment platforms, institutional impersonation, and the misuse of artificial intelligence to deceive consumers. Ms. Jiuta called for stronger cooperation between regulators, financial institutions, telecommunications providers, digital platforms, and law enforcement agencies to improve scam prevention, early detection, and response. She also encouraged consumers to independently verify financial offers, remain cautious of promises of guaranteed returns, and promptly report suspected scams.
Consumer Council of Fiji representative Ms. Lusia Rabaka highlighted the progress made in strengthening public awareness of financial scams since the launch of the national anti-scam campaign in 2024. She acknowledged that while awareness has improved, continued education and public vigilance remain essential as scammers adopt increasingly sophisticated methods. Ms. Rabaka emphasized the importance of consumers verifying financial offers, recognizing warning signs, and reporting suspicious activities early.
World Investor Week 2026 highlights the themes of Investor Resilience, Digital Deception, and Scam Alert, reflecting the importance of informed financial decision-making and investor protection in an increasingly digital financial environment. SPX’s participation also forms part of its wider engagement with international exchange initiatives, including the World Federation of Exchanges’ Ring the Bell campaigns and the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative, through which the Exchange seeks to bring global knowledge and practices to Fiji’s developing capital market.
SPX reminds the public that legitimate stock market investments do not offer guaranteed returns, and investors should be cautious of anyone promising risk-free profits or pressuring them to make immediate payments. Members of the public can contact SPX through its toll-free line 1534 to verify information relating to the stock market.
