The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is launching a new competition to fund research into how regulation can support the economy’s growth.

The move by the regulator follows a review of recent literature which found significant gaps in the available research.

Applicants have been invited by the FCA to submit research proposals that focus on areas the regulator can influence, such as the productivity and growth of the UK financial services sector, as well as its international competitiveness.

The FCA will award each winner up to £30,000 to help complete their research proposal, with applications open until 15 December.

A panel of judges will select the winning proposals by 22 December 2024, before the winners have until 31 March 2025 to complete their research.

The panel of judges will include FCA chief economist, Kate Collyer, who commented: “We recently reviewed what research had been done into the role regulation can play in supporting growth and competitiveness, and we found the pool was a mile wide and an inch deep.

“We want to hear from you on how we can fill these gaps and how your research ideas can help us drive real world change. We will fund the very best ideas that help us to achieve these goals.”

The FCA confirmed that also on the judging panel will be president of the British Academy, warden of Nuffield College, Professor Julia Black; chair of the FCA Cost Benefit Analysis Panel, Dr Felix Martin; and visiting professor in practice at the London School of Economics, Dr Tim Leunig.

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