Most consumers ‘overestimate’ their financial knowledge

A survey by the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) has found an “alarming overconfidence in financial literacy versus capability” among consumers, with 94 per cent of respondents who expressed confidence having “poor financial habits or a misunderstanding of basic financial concepts”.

Conducted between 8 February and 18 February 2019, the survey of more than 2,000 consumers found that only 4 per cent were “justifiably confident” in their financial literacy.

Overall, more than three-quarters of respondents failed to fully grasp basic financial concepts such as inflation and tax, despite almost two-thirds expressing confidence in their ability to manage their own finances.

Only about one-fifth of the consumers surveyed had a basic understanding of financial concepts.

“It is clear consumers overestimate their ability to understand their finances, which means it is imperative for financial practitioners to be professional and ethical, demonstrating the highest standards of behaviour,” Chris Whitehead, FINSIA CEO, said.

Due to the lack of financial knowledge among consumers, as well as the growing distrust of banks following the royal commission, Mr Whitehead said it is “crucial” that bankers make “competent ethical decisions” moving forward. This is especially because a third of FINSIA survey respondents said they rely on banks for sound financial advice.

FINSIA’s latest Consumer Trust Survey showed that only 19 per cent of consumers, down from 46 per cent a year ago, trust their banks, with more than half saying that they don’t believe the positive changes brought on by the banking royal commission will last.

“Most believe banks will revert back to their old ways,” Mr Whitehead said.

“That’s why FINSIA believes industry-wide professional standards of conduct are now more paramount than ever to drive good behaviour and reverse the consumer trust deficit.”

The consumer trust survey found that consumers, particularly young ones, are more likely to trust a bank with high professional standards.

Three quarters of new customers, aged below 24 years, said they expect their bank to have professional standards for all staff.

The proportion of Millennials willing to switch banks to deal with more professionally qualified staff has also risen from 19 per cent to 24 per cent over the last 12 months.

The proportion of consumers who would swap banks was 30 per cent, according to the consumer trust survey.

The vast majority of respondents, or 81 per cent, believe oversight of industry standards by a professional body is important.

“The FINSIA Consumer Trust survey is yet more evidence for banks that they will win customers with ethical professionally qualified staff,” Mr Whitehead said.

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