Navigating Behavioral Economics in the Digital Age

Underlying open banking is an important assumption: That if you give the consumer all the information about what data is held on them and all the control over how that data is shared, that they will be better off. That they will use that information and control to make better decisions, decisions that benefit them. But is that actually so? Behavioral economics says that perhaps the answer is no.

Rising to prominence in the late nineties and two-thousands, behavioural economics challenges the idea that people always behave rationally. For those building open banking environments aimed at truly helping consumers make better decisions about their money and their data, its lessons are invaluable. In this episode, Eyal sits down with renowned behavioural economist Dan Ariely, a professor, scientist and best-selling author, to discuss the roots of behavioral economics, the role of paternalism, and how friction and motivation can be applied to building better financial services.

Specifically they discuss: 

• Understanding behavioural economics
• Visible money vs. invisible money
• Using friction and motivation
• Paternalism and responsibility
• Building environments that benefit us