The Financial Investment Forum, one of the country’s largest financial events, was held on May 23 under the theme “It’s Easy to Be an Investor.” Alongside traditional topics, the forum addressed current issues such as the impact of emerging technologies and digitalization on the investment sector, as well as cybersecurity in the financial industry.

As part of the Forum, Rauf Jabarov, Executive Director of the Association of Cybersecurity Organizations of Azerbaijan (ACOA), delivered a keynote presentation titled “Digital and Cyber-Secure: The Safe Future of Your Investment.” His talk analyzed cyber incidents occurring in the financial and investment sectors—particularly within cryptocurrency markets—and explored their underlying causes.

Drawing on forecasts from international organizations regarding the increasing pace of cyber threats in the financial sector, Jabarov emphasized the importance of aligning cybersecurity measures with the rapid digital transformation occurring in these industries.

He noted that despite rising cyber threats, the investment sector also presents certain advantages. For instance, while financial fraud conducted via cyber means often targets freely available funds on bank cards, this is less applicable in the investment space. Funds held in investment accounts are typically protected as investor property and are invested in securities, significantly reducing their exposure to third-party attacks.

Jabarov also highlighted that the financial and digital literacy of investors, coupled with the use of multi-factor authentication, plays a key role in mitigating cyber risks. However, he cautioned that with the ongoing development of blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies—and the continued expansion of the crypto market—cyber threats are likely to evolve and intensify in the future.

The Forum was jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Capital Markets Association (AKBA) and Facemark.