Consumer Financial Capability

In a market place with increasing variety and complexity of financial products, the consumer's information and education are essential. Empowered European consumers will be able to better compare products and to make better informed financial choices. This is echoed by the European Commission in a White Paper on the Financial Services Policy (December 2005): "As the public sector gradually withdraws from financing some aspects of social systems, there is a need for increased awareness and direct involvement of citizens in financial issues - it is essential - to help consumers understand financial products." Following the successful first Consumer Financial Capability Workshop at the European Credit Research Institute (ECRI) that took place in November 2005, the Second Consumer Financial Capability Workshop will be held on 27. June 2006. Building on the contributions made at the former workshop, we will focus on how the guidelines that emerged from that debate can be put into practical financial capability programmes.

The event is co-sponsored by Visa Europe.