- Regulators are globally scrutinizing the crypto market, focusing heavily on potential risks.
- IOSCO’s report claims crypto poses “systemic risks,” influencing the direction of investor education.
- Many retail investors are skeptical, seeing the regulator’s “education” as anti-crypto indoctrination.
- Despite educational efforts, crypto’s appeal grows, with social media driving retail investor interest.
As crypto continues to grow, regulators are increasing their scrutiny. A recent report by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) shows a global effort by regulators to control the crypto market.
But this raises the question: is this effort aimed at educating investors or simply indoctrinating them?
Global Regulatory Efforts On the Crypto Market
According to CoinBureau, regulators worldwide are working together with a common goal—”controlling crypto”. In a report titled “Investor Education on Crypto Assets,” IOSCO outlines its concerns, stating that crypto could pose “systemic risks” to the market. It’s clear that regulators have been tracking the crypto market since 2019. And this report is a follow-up to a 2020 study on retail investors.
The 2024 report is based on 2023 data and suggests that retail interest in crypto is rising despite the “crypto winter of 2022.” Notably, many retail investors get their information from social media, a fact CoinBureau points out, “If you’re watching this video and you’re a retail investor, congrats on being a statistic.”
Education or Indoctrination?
The main concern is that regulators are more focused on the risks of crypto rather than its potential rewards. The report emphasizes educating retail investors about the “risks associated with crypto assets.” But CoinBureau argues this education feels more like indoctrination, as it focuses on crypto being “dangerous” ignoring the massive gains that some early investors have seen. For instance, Bitcoin has been the “best-performing asset of all time,” with gains exceeding “700,000 times” for early adopters.
Despite this, regulators insist that retail investors need protection from scams like the collapse of FTX and Terra. But what stands out is that the education regulators are pushing primarily emphasizing risks without equally addressing the rewards.
Retail Investors and Crypto Risks
The report shows key data points about retail investors in crypto. According to IOSCO, 6% and 10% of retail investors in many countries have invested in crypto. But the reasons retail investors avoid crypto is that they don’t understand it, think it’s too risky, or are concerned about fraud. Lack of understanding is the biggest barrier, according to CoinBureau, which shows the need for education. Though not necessarily the kind IOSCO has in mind.
Surveys indicate that 80% of retail investors believe crypto education is important. But around 70% also view crypto as a threat to their investments. Interestingly, the reasons people do invest are driven by “FOMO” (fear of missing out), low entry costs, and advice from social media or friends. So, this mirrors CoinBureau’s observation that most investors focus on the price tag of a crypto asset rather than its market cap, leading them to misunderstand the asset’s potential.
Efforts to Educate Crypto Investors
Although regulators aim to provide crypto education, it’s questionable whether their methods are effective. CoinBureau points out that regulators, like the SEC, have tried to educate retail investors about the risks of crypto. However, their efforts often fall flat, with many retail investors ignoring them. For example, the SEC’s educational posts on social media are often mocked. Noting that “anti-crypto regulators like the SEC have effectively discredited themselves.”
Additionally, IOSCO’s report reveals that many regulators, including the CFTC and Monetary Authority of Singapore, have tried various approaches to educate investors, ranging from social media campaigns to physical flyers. But despite these efforts, there’s little evidence that these campaigns are having an impact.
Conclusion
The scrutiny of crypto by global regulators is raising a question about crypto education or agenda to control the market. The focus on risks and the lack of emphasis on potential rewards. Suggests that much of the “education” being offered amounts to indoctrination.
As regulators ramp up their efforts to regulate the market, retail investors will need to carefully weigh both the risks and the potential rewards.
CoinBureau status; Image source
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The article does not offer sufficient information to make investment decisions, nor does it constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. The content is opinion of the author and does not reflect any view or suggestion or any kind of advise from CryptoNewsBytes.com. The author declares he does not hold any of the above mentioned tokens or received any incentive from any company.
