Novel Financial Data for Research: Access and Applications
The increasing availability of real-time, high-frequency financial data—ranging from credit card transactions to bank records and digital payment platforms—has opened new frontiers in economic research. For instance, such data enables a deeper understanding of spending and saving behavior, urban and regional spending patterns, and macroeconomic trends. Moreover, it facilitates the development of real-time economic indicators relevant for policymakers.
Under the umbrella of the BERD Academy, this full-day workshop seeks to highlight research that leverages novel financial data to answer questions that were previously unaddressable, offering new perspectives on economic activity, financial decision-making, and policy impact. In addition, the workshop aims to increase awareness of the availability, scope, and potential of transaction and other financial data by fostering an exchange between researchers and data owners. We welcome empirical studies, methodological advancements, and applications that showcase the unique value of transaction data in driving new insights across economics and related fields.