Over the last 30 years the financial services marketplace in developed economies has grown increasingly complex, surpassing the knowledge and skills of the average consumer. The rise of self-directed retirement plans, the abundance of consumer credit and the wide availability of exotic financial products have brought developed nations to a place where consumers’ choices have outpaced their knowledge. When consumers make the wrong choices they can suffer terrible personal and financial consequences even when those consumers are using properly disclosed, well-regulated financial products that are issued by licensed institutions. This means that for developed countries, no modern consumer protection regime can be considered sound without a robust national financial education effort as a key component. Back to Who We Serve: Government & Multilaterals