Taylor C. Nelms

As the Vice President of Research and Insights, Taylor is committed to pursuing cutting-edge research to better understand people’s changing economic lives and shape the future of financial services. He brings 15 years of experience studying money, technology, and financial services and leading creative partnerships across industry, academia, and nonprofits. Trained as an anthropologist and ethnographer, Taylor is passionate about translating data and insights into actionable solutions to advance financial health for all.

Before joining the Financial Health Network, Taylor led research and advisory services at the Filene Research Institute, the leading independent think tank for the U.S. credit union industry. At Filene, Taylor oversaw strategic research initiatives and consulted with financial services providers to transform the way they do business.

Taylor received his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of California, Irvine, where he also worked at the Institute for Money, Technology & Financial Inclusion. His academic work includes ethnographic research with urban market vendors and community savings groups in Ecuador, as well as studies examining emerging financial technologies globally, from mobile payment systems to cryptocurrencies.

 A former Gates Cambridge scholar, Taylor also holds degrees from the University of Cambridge and The Ohio State University. He currently serves as editor-at-large for the Journal of Cultural Economy.