Chairman Gönül: We Aim to Raise Awareness About Financial Markets, Concepts, and Institutions
The Capital Markets Board (CMB) held an educational seminar for senior commanders and their families at the Gendarmerie General Command's Beştepe campus on November 24, 2024, as part of a cooperation protocol signed with the Gendarmerie General Command aimed at increasing awareness of financial literacy and its dissemination across society.
CMB President İbrahim Ömer Gönül expressed his pleasure at being together with the Gendarmerie, who provide safety and security in every corner of Turkey, along with their families. He emphasized the value of the Gendarmerie, who serve in geographical areas covering over 90% of Turkey's surface area, and reminded attendees that the CMB is Turkey's first high-level authority responsible for the regulation, supervision, and protection of investors in capital markets.
Gönül detailed the CMB's mission to ensure the healthy operation, growth, and development of markets, as well as the education and awareness of investors. He stated that they are working tirelessly to promote financial literacy across the country and aim to provide accessible financial information to everyone, from children to the elderly. The goal is to instill positive attitudes and behaviors regarding financial markets, concepts, and institutions.
He pointed out that the rapid changes and transformations in financial technologies and the diversification of financial instruments have increased the importance of financial literacy. Gönül highlighted the prevalence of incomplete, incorrect, misleading, and deceptive information on social media platforms, stating that such content poses a significant barrier to citizens' ability to make informed decisions. He urged investors to be more cautious and aware of these shared messages and mentioned the creation of public service announcements to raise financial literacy awareness, which have garnered millions of views.
Gönül also provided information about the "Financial Literacy Platform" website, which aims to raise awareness in the field of financial literacy. The site hosts 55 videos in six different categories focused on budgeting, managing financial and non-financial risks, and acquiring financial planning skills. He noted the signing of protocols with Ministries and public institutions for collaboration in this area and highlighted that, for the first time in Turkey, financial literacy training has been provided to personnel and their families, including high-ranking commanders in the Gendarmerie General Command.
Gönül expressed satisfaction that such training has taken place and emphasized the importance of joint decision-making in family budgeting, indicating that it is a collective effort rather than the sole responsibility of the family head.
Gendarmerie General Commander General Ali Çardakcı stated that the financial literacy training organized in collaboration with the CMB would impart new knowledge on "proper money management," one of life's fundamental subjects. He reiterated the Gendarmerie's desire to be recognized for their operational successes, but acknowledged that their duties also include improving the well-being of their personnel and families.
Çardakcı noted the complexities of the current economic system and how promises of easy money and quick wealth can sometimes mislead individuals. He emphasized that this training is a significant opportunity to avoid such traps and effectively assess their earnings. He further remarked on the essential role of household economics in family well-being, advocating for balanced income and expenditure management, savings, and security for the future.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of these lessons for planning not just for today, but also for a more secure tomorrow. Çardakcı thanked everyone for their contributions to the training and concluded with, "Remember, earning money is an achievement, but managing it correctly is an art. Today, we take a step to learn this art together. Implementing what you learn in this training is invaluable for you and your family's future."