How do households make financial decisions? What gets in the way of better choices? And how can financial markets work better for consumers?
LSE’s Financial Opportunities Programme tackles these questions through rigorous research into household finance. We investigate how people make decisions across major financial markets and use that evidence to identify ways to improve financial products, markets, and policy.
What we research
Why do people delay important financial decisions?
We examine the forces behind financial action and inaction, including incentives, pricing and the information people receive.
How do people find the right financial products and assets?
We explore how households search, compare and choose when making major financial decisions, from mortgages and insurance to buying a home.
Our initial research focuses on housing, mortgages, and insurance, with the potential to expand across other consumer financial markets.
Turning data into better financial decisions
We combine large-scale data with cutting-edge economic and behavioural modelling to uncover what drives household financial choices and where markets fall short.
By bringing together academic researchers, policymakers, regulators, consumers, and financial and technology firms, we connect rigorous research with the people and organisations shaping financial markets.
Why it matters
Better understanding can lead to better outcomes.
Our research seeks to:
- help consumers navigate complex financial decisions.
- give policymakers and regulators stronger evidence.
- help financial firms develop and deliver better products; and
- ensure financial innovation creates opportunities while minimising harm.
Our ambition
A financial system that works better and creates better opportunities for everyone.
Academic leadership
The Programme is led by Professor Tarun Ramadorai, Professor of Financial Economics at LSE and a leading researcher in household finance, behavioural economics, real estate and international finance.
