Consumer Protection and Investor Education
The Securities Education and Training Fund (SETF) was established by the Legislature in 1989 for the “education and training of New Mexico residents concerning securities laws and investment issues.” To fulfill that mandate, the Division Investor Education Program (the “Program”) conducts a coordinated community outreach effort designed to reach as many New Mexicans as possible through a variety of communications channels. In 2009, the Legislature broadened the purpose of the fund to include support of Division Enforcement activity as well.
The Program mission is to reduce the incidence of investment fraud and financial abuse by providing all New Mexicans with the information they need to make appropriate financial decisions. The primary emphasis is on fraud prevention, with the secondary objective of educating the public in the basic principles of personal financial management and sound investing.
The SETF is a non-reverting fund into which the proceeds of civil penalties and assessments collected by the Securities Division are deposited. The program leverages these available resources through close collaboration with the Investor Protection Trust, North American Securities Administrators Association, and other private sector, non-profit organizations that share a commitment to financial education.
Investor Education: The Tool to Protect Investors from Fraud
- An informed investor is the best defense against fraud.
- New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Securities Division offers many free publications and presentations to help investors understand how to evaluate investments and avoid becoming a victim of fraud.