Featured Writing
Thoughtful analysis of how psychology shapes financial behaviour, spending habits, and long term decision making, translating academic research into practical insights that help individuals make smarter, more intentional financial choices.
22 Mar 2026
Merle van den Akker
Interview with Eliana Polemeni
Behavioural Science is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by practitioners in financial organisations, development agencies, government ‘nudge’ units and more. This interview is part of a series interviewing prominent people in the field . And in today's interview the answers are provided by Eliana Polemeni. Eliana is currently a Director in the Behavioral Science Center at Ipsos, where she applies a behavioral science...
8 Mar 2026
Merle van den Akker
Interview with David Villa
Behavioural Science is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by practitioners in financial organisations, development agencies, government ‘nudge’ units and more. This interview is part of a series interviewing prominent people in the field . And in today's interview the answers are provided by David Villa. David is a Behavioural Science Leader at BeWay Consulting, where he operates at the intersection of behavioural...
22 Feb 2026
Merle van den Akker
Interview with Ben Brikman
Behavioural Science is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by practitioners in financial organisations, development agencies, government ‘nudge’ units and more. This interview is part of a series interviewing prominent people in the field . And in today's interview the answers are provided by Ben Brikman. Ben is a Behavioral Scientist at Vanguard, where he works with a cross-functional team to improve financial outcomes...
8 Feb 2026
Merle van den Akker
Interview with Juan de Rus Gutiérrez
Behavioural Science is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by practitioners in financial organisations, development agencies, government ‘nudge’ units and more. This interview is part of a series interviewing prominent people in the field . And in today's interview the answers are provided by Juan de Rus Gutiérrez . Juan is the Managing Partner at Neovantas and Adjunct Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at IE...
25 Jan 2026
Merle van den Akker
Interview with Elisabeth Costa
Behavioural Science is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by practitioners in financial organisations, development agencies, government ‘nudge’ units and more. This interview is part of a series interviewing prominent people in the field . And in today's interview the answers are provided by Elisabeth Costa. Lis is the Chief of Innovation and Partnerships at the Behavioural Insights Team, leading global partnerships and...
7 Dec 2025
Merle van den Akker
Interview with Elizabeth Convery
Behavioural Science is a rapidly expanding field and everyday new research is being developed in academia, tested and implemented by practitioners in financial organisations, development agencies, government ‘nudge’ units and more. This interview is part of a series interviewing prominent people in the field . And in today's interview the answers are provided by Elizabeth Convery. Liz is a Principal Advisor and the Head of Research in the BIT Australian office. In addition to leading BIT...
About Merle Van
Den Akker
I study how people make financial decisions — and how financial systems can be designed to improve them.
I am a behavioural scientist working at the intersection of psychology and finance. My work focuses on how individuals make decisions about spending, investing, and risk — and how institutions can design environments that support better outcomes without undermining autonomy.
I currently serve as a Senior Product Manager at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where I apply behavioural science to consumer banking and investing products. My role sits at the interface of research, product design, experimentation, and large-scale implementation.
Experience
8+
Years of combined academic training in psychology, economics, and behavioural science
Writing & Public Engagement
I bring together psychology, economics and personal finance:
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Academic research
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A large-scale interview series with leading behavioural scientists
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Books synthesising insights from over 250 expert conversations
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Reflections on behavioural design in financial systems
My aim is to bridge academia and practice — and to contribute to a more rigorous, ethically grounded field of behavioural finance.
Evidence-based reasoning
Clear, accessible language
Real-world relevance
Respect for academic nuance
Writing
600+
Published articles translating behavioural science and finance research for a general audience
Recommended Reads
Explore my authored works, featuring current and upcoming books that translate behavioural science insights into clear, accessible knowledge for everyday life.
The Future of Behavioural Science – According to 250+ Experts (Forthcoming)
A deep exploration of behavioural science through conversations with 250+ experts.
This book draws on extensive interviews with leading figures in behavioural science — from academics and policymakers to industry practitioners. It examines how the field has evolved, where it is headed, and what it means for real-world decision-making.
Research Handbook on Personal Finance
This Research Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to personal finance, providing a historical overview of the field and highlighting the importance of financial wellbeing. Expert authors bring an international perspective to modern financial issues including proactive decision-making, financial socialization and trust, presenting a fresh take on this expanding landscape.
Academic Research
My academic work examines behavioural interventions in financial decision-making, with a focus on methodological transparency and real-world application.
Do People Like Financial Nudges?
Van Den Akker, M., & Sunstein, C. R. (2025). Do people like financial nudges?. Judgment and Decision Making, 20, e2.
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