Research
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how households’ and small businesses’ ability to rebound from financial shocks affects not only their own future financial health, but the nation’s broader racial wealth gaps and economic resiliency. FinRegLab is investigating the use of data and technology innovations and other strategies to promote faster, more inclusive recoveries.
Debt Management Insights for Distressed Borrowers
FinRegLab is working with teams at The Ohio State University and Charles River Associates to evaluate new workout structures and data and technology applications for consumers who are struggling with unsecured credit. The project will use data from pilots organized by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and other sources.
Learn MoreCOVID-19 Triage (Series)
Rapidly adjusting credit reporting and underwriting practices and processing small businesses’ Paycheck Protection Program applications posed substantial challenges in the first months of the pandemic. In 2020, FinRegLab produced a series of research briefs highlighting emerging issues and innovations.
Learn MorePublications
See the individual project pages for additional publications.
Bridging from Emergency Programs to Longer Term Payment Plans (Aug. 2023)
This additional study of COVID-19 loan forbearances probes the benefits of combining short-term payment relief with longer term assistance plans for the most vulnerable consumers struggling with credit card debt.
Read MoreThe Countdown Clock for Student Loan Forbearances (May 2023)
This research brief highlights the need for consumer engagement and administrative flexibility to help distressed borrowers transition smoothly into longer-term repayment plans as pandemic deferral programs end and new programs are implemented.
Read MoreCredit Counseling and Lender Forbearances Post-COVID (Updated Aug. 2023)
This working paper focuses on consumers who struggled to manage credit card and other unsecured debt during the pandemic, analyzing the extent to which consumers obtained card and other forbearances from lenders and shifts in patterns of consumers who sought credit counseling and enrolled in debt management plans through September 2021.
Read MoreDebt Resolution Options for Distressed Borrowers: Market & Policy Context (Oct. 2022)
This report surveys the options that are available to consumers who are struggling with unsecured debt, including available research on the options’ scope and outcomes. It provides an overview of market and policy challenges as stakeholders ponder strategies to help consumers recover more quickly from personal and broader economic crises such as COVID-19.
Read MoreDisaster-Related Credit Reporting Options (May 2020)
This Research Brief analyzes the current options under consideration for addressing concerns that declining credit scores could make it harder for consumers and small businesses to access the credit they need to ride out and rebuild from the pandemic, as well as providing related historical and market context.
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