Asset-based policies—broadly defined as policies that seek to help lower-income households build and preserve wealth—are increasingly being seen as a critical part of efforts to build an inclusive economic system. Over the past two decades, researchers have identified barriers to asset building for lower-income families, and have contributed to a better understanding of the benefits that asset-based policies can confer. This research has also highlighted the need for a continuum of asset-based policies that support individuals over the life course and at every stage of financial capability. These policies range from expanding access to mainstream financial services and financial education, to ensuring responsible mortgage lending, to developing savings platforms and products for college and retirement.

While research in each of these areas has grown in sophistication in recent years, a cohesive field of asset building researchers has yet to develop.  The goal for this research briefing is to help build the institutional foundation for better collaboration and information exchange among scholars whose research is relevant to an understanding of how lower-income families can build and sustain wealth.   Panelists will present on existing assets research and its applications to public policy, as well as identify research questions and future directions for the field (including data needs).

This event is being held in conjunction with the inaugural “Asset Building” track at the Annual Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management Research Conference, being held from November 5-7 in Washington, D.C.  For more information on the asset building research being presented at APPAM, click here.