Olivia Valdes

Dr. Olivia Valdes is a Senior Principal Researcher at the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, where she leads the National Financial Capability Study, the Foundation’s flagship research initiative measuring Americans’ financial behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge at national, state, and regional levels. With a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Valdes identifies patterns in financial capability and risk factors for financial fraud through empirical analysis. Her research informs decision makers at all levels—from community organizations to national institutions—helping consumers achieve their financial goals and protecting them from fraud.