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OSC Study Reveals Gamification's Power to Improve Investment Portfolio Strategies

Gamification

Business Honor
04 Febuary, 2026

Exploring Digital Engagement: How Game-Like Techniques Can Nudge Investors Towards Smarter Choices.

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has published groundbreaking research demonstrating how gamification techniques can positively influence retail investors' portfolio strategies. In a comprehensive study involving over 4,000 Canadian participants, the regulatory body explored the impact of digital engagement practices on investment decision-making. The research focused on four distinct gamification techniques applied in a simulated trading environment: diversification score, goal framing, leaderboards, and rewards badges. Each method was designed to encourage more balanced investment approaches, with participants investing a hypothetical $10,000 across eight stocks.

Kevin Fine, Senior Vice President of Thought Leadership at the OSC highlighted the nuanced findings. The study revealed that all four techniques produced a 3.5% to 4.5% increase in portfolio diversification, suggesting that carefully implemented digital engagement practices can support positive investor behaviors. The research underscores the potential of gamification to address investment risk. Portfolio diversification remains a critical strategy for mitigating market volatility and smoothing long-term returns. By presenting investment strategies as interactive and goal-oriented experiences, the techniques demonstrated an ability to nudge investors towards more balanced investment approaches.

As part of its ongoing commitment to investor education, the OSC has launched GetSmarterAboutTrading.ca, an online platform that exposes users to gamification tactics in a controlled, simulated stock market environment. This initiative aims to increase investor awareness of digital engagement practices and their potential psychological impacts. The study comes at a critical time when digital trading platforms increasingly incorporate game-like elements to engage younger investors. The OSC's research provides valuable insights into how these techniques can be designed to support, rather than undermine, sound investment strategies.