Making Financial Education Accessible without ‘Elitist Tendencies’
EBC Financial Group and the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics outline how to democratise access for the masses
OXFORD, United Kingdom, Nov. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd CEO David Barrett and the University of Oxford’s Professor of Economics, Prof. Michael McMahon, explored the complexities of present-day financial literacy, in the latest instalment of the "What Economists Really Do" discussion series, which drew 200 participants worldwide today.
Building on a Legacy of Thought Leadership
Since March 2024, EBC Financial Group ("EBC"), which is an online brokerage, and the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford have explored how economic thinking applies beyond academia. From tax evasion to climate economics, this third consecutive partnership uncovers the topic "Think Like an Economist: Financial Literacy and Economic Understanding in an Age of Complexity" via a webinar, addressing the most fundamental question: how to make economic thinking accessible to everyone. The partnership underscores both institutions' commitment to bridging the gap between academic economic theory and practical financial literacy.
Reimagining Financial Education for Inclusion
The conversation tackled a critical challenge facing modern economies: the accessibility gap in financial education. David Barrett issued a stark assessment of the current state of financial literacy efforts, particularly in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
"Currently, financial education is sadly very much geared towards disengagement," Barrett stated. "After 2008, financial education became more elitist, giving beginners a steeper learning curve, and thereby making it inaccessible to many."
Barrett's remarks underscored the online brokerage's commitment to reversing this trend through educational initiatives that prioritise inclusion over exclusivity, treating financial literacy as an essential skill rather than specialised expertise. In the last quarter alone, EBC delivered over 1,000 webinars worldwide in multiple languages to advance financial literacy. The online trading platform has also organised financial literacy talks at universities and produced educational content for learning campuses worldwide.
Through its Pulse 360º podcast on Spotify, EBC delivers market intelligence, thought leadership, and expert insights to global audiences. Prof. McMahon has appeared in two podcast episodes in which he introduced applied economics concepts and, among other things, illustrated how financial literacy enables people to understand financial instruments, interpret market movements, and make more informed financial and life decisions.
The Economic Literacy Imperative
"People are much more interested in economics than we give them credit for," McMahon observed, advocating for greater confidence in the public's capacity to grasp complex financial concepts when presented accessibly.
Emphasising the critical role of early intervention, Prof. McMahon highlighted the transformative potential of integrating financial literacy into formal education systems: "It is absolutely crucial that formal education prepares students with financial literacy and engages with it early in life. The more equipped they are, the better prepared they will be for whatever economic volatility comes their way. This includes understanding how the economy would influence their current and future financial planning."
A Shared Vision for Financial Empowerment
The webinar reinforced the strategic partnership between EBC and the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford, united by a shared mission to advance financial inclusion through education. By combining practitioner insights with academic rigour, the collaboration aims to equip individuals with the analytical tools and economic understanding necessary to make informed financial decisions in an age of complexity.
The latest webinar will be available for viewing, along with past episodes, at https://www.ebc.com/partners/oxford/.
Disclaimer: This material is for information only and does not constitute a recommendation or advice from EBC Financial Group and all its entities ("EBC"). Trading Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Before trading, you should carefully consider your trading objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and consult an independent financial advisor if necessary. Statistics or past investment performance are not a guarantee of future performance. EBC is not liable for any damages arising from reliance on this information.
About EBC Financial Group
Founded in London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is a global brand known for its expertise in financial brokerage and asset management. Through its regulated entities operating across major financial jurisdictions—including the UK, Australia, the Cayman Islands, Mauritius, and others—EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, CFDs and more.
Trusted by investors in over 100 countries and honoured with global awards including multiple year recognition from World Finance, EBC is widely regarded as one of the world’s best brokers with titles including Best Trading Platform and Most Trusted Broker. With its strong regulatory standing and commitment to transparency, EBC has also been consistently ranked among the top brokers—trusted for its ability to deliver secure, innovative, and client-first trading solutions across competitive international markets.
EBC’s subsidiaries are licensed and regulated within their respective jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); EBC Financial (MU) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission Mauritius (FSC).
At the core of EBC are a team of industry veterans with over 40 years of experience in major financial institutions. Having navigated key economic cycles from the Plaza Accord and 2015 Swiss franc crisis to the market upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic. We foster a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor relationship is handled with the utmost seriousness it deserves.
EBC is a proud official foreign exchange partner of FC Barcelona and continues to drive impactful partnerships to empower communities – namely through the UN Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria initiative, Oxford University’s Department of Economics, and a diverse range of partners to champion initiatives in global health, economics, education, and sustainability.
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