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Our Research Themes and PUBLICATIONS

Research themes

FISRI undertakes rigorous academic research on the interactions between three research themes and their impacts on society. The three research themes are personal, sustainable, and development finance.

Personal Finance

Access to financial services, such as banking, insurance, and pension schemes, as well as investing in financial markets could be useful for people’s financial planning and wealth accumulation capabilities. It could also have an adverse impact on people’s wellbeing if they are burdened with high costs, over-indebtedness, or overly risky investments. Financial products may not be available, accessible, or suitable because of several reasons causing unwanted outcomes for the industry and society. A fit for purpose financial service meets the emerging needs of society by drawing on the expertise of practitioners, policy makers and the public. FISRI will contribute towards the creation of such expertise through its knowledge co-creation activities on:

• Financial exclusion and access to financial services.
• Internal skills gaps in the financial services industry.
• Financial capability and financial decision making.
• Intergenerational wealth transfers.

Sustainable Finance

Sustainable finance recognises the environmental, social and governance impacts of investments. The increasing need and demand for sustainable finance, arises from and has profound implications for all (investors, financial advisors, regulators, researchers, and communities). The need for reimagined understandings and actions cannot be understated including the critical role of financial services. The sustainable finance research work responds to important debates and creation of know-how around:

• Financial services for just, fair, and sustainable societies.
• Public and private finance for green and climate-resilient economies.

Development Finance

The financial sector has a fundamental role in facilitating economic growth and development. The allocation of capital by the financial system directly affects the rate of economic growth, ownership of production resources, and the demand for labour, all of which have direct implications on income distribution and poverty. While the financial sector should respond to the needs and interests of societies, especially in low- and middle-income population, the sector has been criticised for functioning for the sole interest of narrow social groups. Various financial crises intensify critical questions on the role and value of the financial services. This research theme addresses the role of financial services in:

• Finance and regional development.
• Entrepreneurial finance and wealth implications.
• Financial sector of low- and middle-income economies.
• Philanthropy.

Published RESEARCH

Factors that affect the decisions to take financial advice in the Scottish Borders
Louise Speirs – March 2025

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We have also created the above PDF in an accessible format too.