The FCA is offering up to £30,000 to people who successfully submit a research proposal that the regulator reckons will lead to a publishable report on growth, competitiveness or regulation.

It has launched a prize competition to fund research into how regulation can support national growth with four winners handed up to £30,000 to complete their research.

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

The regulator wants applicants to submit research proposals that focus on areas the FCA can influence, such as: 

• Growth and productivity of the UK financial services sector.
• International competitiveness of the UK financial services sector.
• Supporting the UK’s economy and considering regulatory impacts. 

The FCA will award each winner up to £30,000 to help complete their research proposal. 

Kate Collyer, chief economist at the FCA said: “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 has published detailed guidance for entrants on its website. Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 15 December. 

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

The panel of judges will include: 

• Kate Collyer, FCA chief economist 
• Professor Julia Black, president of the British Academy, warden of Nuffield College 
• Dr Felix Martin, chair of the FCA Cost Benefit Analysis Panel
• Dr Tim Leunig, visiting professor in practice, London School of Economics