The FCA is launching a competition to fund research projects aimed at enhancing growth, competitiveness, and regulation in the UK financial services sector.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced its first research funding competition to explore how regulation can promote national economic growth. This initiative follows a review indicating significant gaps in existing research on this topic.

Researchers are invited to submit proposals addressing areas where the FCA can drive meaningful change, including:

• Enhancing growth and productivity in the UK financial services sector.
• Boosting the sector’s international competitiveness.
• Evaluating the impact of regulation on the UK economy.

Selected projects will receive up to £30,000 each to support their research.

Kate Collyer, FCA Chief Economist, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Our review showed that while there’s broad interest in regulation’s role in growth and competitiveness, the research depth is limited. We’re seeking innovative ideas to fill these gaps and bring real-world impact. We’re excited to support the best proposals.”

Detailed guidance is available for applicants. Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM on December 15, 2024. A panel of experts will select the winning entries by December 22, 2024, with research completion expected by March 31, 2025.

The judging panel includes:

• Kate Collyer, FCA Chief Economist
• Professor Julia Black, President of the British Academy and Warden of Nuffield College
• Dr. Felix Martin, Chair of the FCA CBA Panel
• Dr. Tim Leunig, Visiting Professor in Practice, London School of Economics