UNPACKING STOCKBROKERS’ HIDDEN ROLES IN FINANCIAL LITERACY

 SOLA ONI argues that exposing students to fundamentals of savings and investing

bodes well for financial responsibility

Despite playing a pivotal role in the investment value chain of the capital market, stockbrokers are often misunderstood by many stakeholders. In my commentary titled “Who’s Afraid of Nigeria’s Stockbrokers?”, published on April 4, 2025, I highlighted how these professionals are critical to the growth and sustainability of the financial sector. Yet, for years, their contributions to financial education and literacy have largely gone unnoticed. It is therefore encouraging that the Federal Government has now recognised stockbrokers as essential players in promoting financial literacy across the country, a recognition that could transform Nigeria’s financial landscape if supported with the right resources.

Stockbrokers are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the capital market and ordinary investors. They do not just facilitate transactions; they educate, advise, and guide investors, often demystifying complex investment concepts. However, many stakeholders, including students, young professionals, and even some policymakers, still underestimate the influence of these professionals in shaping financial awareness. By exposing students in tertiary institutions to the fundamentals of saving and investing, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) is nurturing a culture of financial responsibility from an early stage. This proactive engagement is crucial in a country where financial literacy remains low and where misconceptions about investing often prevent people from participating in the capital market.

To attract millennials, Gen Z, and other young investors, the Institute has launched targeted programmes that make financial education more accessible and engaging. For example, tertiary students are being introduced to saving and investment principles through structured learning initiatives. The Institute has also created pathways for young people to earn Diploma-level certifications, ensuring that professional development is both attainable and meaningful. A notable example is the rebranded Diploma Programme to Certified Securities and Investment Support Specialist (CSISS) programme. Delivered entirely online via computer-based tests (CBT) and staged professional examinations, CSISS equips participants with practical skills while providing a credible entry point into the financial sector. This initiative not only strengthens technical skills but also boosts the confidence of young investors, enabling them to participate more actively in the capital market.”

Beyond certifications, the Institute operates the CIS Academy, a comprehensive platform for education and capacity-building. Through structured programs at various levels, the Academy strengthens the professional capabilities of both students and young practitioners. This ensures that stockbrokers are not merely facilitators of transactions but also educators, mentors, and advocates for financial literacy. By embedding themselves in educational institutions and community programs, stockbrokers are gradually reshaping perceptions about investing, fostering informed decision-making, and contributing to a more financially aware society.

However, the potential impact of these initiatives can only be fully realized if the Federal Government actively supports them. The recent recognition of stockbrokers as drivers of financial literacy must go beyond political rhetoric. Concrete actions, including the provision of resources, funding, and infrastructure, are essential to ensure that professionals can implement programs efficiently and without delay. Without such support, even the most well-designed initiatives risk stalling, leaving students and young investors without the guidance they need.

It is imperative that the Federal Government view financial literacy not just as a policy objective but as a strategic investment in the country’s economic future. Supporting stockbrokers in this endeavor will create a ripple effect: more knowledgeable investors, deeper capital markets, and a stronger, more resilient economy. By empowering these professionals with the tools and resources to educate the public, the government can turn a promising initiative into a transformative movement, ensuring that financial literacy reaches all corners of Nigeria.

The hidden roles of stockbrokers in promoting financial literacy are too significant to ignore. From educating young people and facilitating investment awareness to offering structured professional pathways, their contributions extend far beyond conventional perceptions of their work. The Federal Government has taken an important first step by acknowledging this role, but the real test lies in providing the necessary support to bring these programs to life. By doing so, Nigeria can cultivate a generation of informed, financially capable citizens, ensuring that the country’s capital market thrives and that the promise of financial literacy is realized for all.

Oni, an Integrated Communications Strategist, Chartered Stockbroker, Commodities Broker and Capital Market Registrar, is the Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications