Dear Colleagues, Members, and Friends of IAFICO,

It is my great honor to extend my warmest greetings as the Chairperson of the International Academy of Financial Consumers (IAFICO), serving from January 2026 to December 2028. Since its establishment in 2015, IAFICO has been committed to advancing rigorous academic research and fostering global collaboration on financial consumer issues across the banking, securities, and insurance sectors. This mission reflects the growing significance of financial consumers in an increasingly complex and interconnected global financial environment.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to our former Chairpersons, Professor Hong-Moo Lee and Professor Man Cho, whose leadership and vision laid the firm foundation upon which IAFICO continues to grow. Through their tireless dedication, scholarly excellence, and strong commitment to international cooperation, they played a pivotal role in establishing IAFICO as a respected global academic community in the field of financial consumer research. Their contributions remain an enduring legacy of our Academy.

As a non-profit academic association, IAFICO seeks to promote the development of financial systems that are fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of financial consumers. Through research, education, and policy-oriented dialogue, we address emerging challenges and advance evidence-based solutions aimed at enhancing consumer protection and financial well-being worldwide.

Among our core achievements is the publication of the International Review of Financial Consumers (IRFC), which has become a leading platform for high-quality research by scholars and practitioners from around the world. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to our honorable IRFC Editor, Professor Sharon Tennyson of Cornell University, whose distinguished scholarship, editorial leadership, and unwavering dedication have greatly contributed to enhancing the academic quality, international visibility, and reputation of the journal. In addition, the Global Forum for Financial Consumers (GFFC) serves as a vital venue for academic exchange, fostering meaningful dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and industry experts on critical financial consumer issues.

Looking ahead, I am pleased to share our upcoming GFFC plans, which reflect IAFICO’s continued commitment to global engagement and academic excellence. The 2026 Global Forum for Financial Consumers (GFFC) will be held at the University of Konstanz, Germany, on August 20 and 21, 2026, as a two-day international academic forum. In accordance with the IAFICO Articles of Association, the host professor, Professor Axel Kind, will serve as President of IAFICO for the year 2026.

Furthermore, the 2027 GFFC will be hosted by Universiti Putra Malaysia, under the leadership of Professor Mohamad Fazli Bin Sabri, and the 2028 GFFC will be held at the University of Warsaw, Poland, hosted by Professor Anne-Marie Weber. These forthcoming forums will further strengthen our international network and scholarly collaboration across regions.

Building upon the invaluable legacy of our former Chairpersons, Presidents, and our continuing Editor, IAFICO will continue to expand its global network, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and deepen its academic and societal impact. I encourage all members to actively engage in our activities and to contribute to shaping a future in which financial systems truly serve and protect consumers.

I sincerely thank our members, partners, and supporters for your continued commitment to IAFICO. Together, we will advance excellence in research, education, and global engagement for the benefit of financial consumers worldwide.

Warm regards,

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Hongjoo JUNG

Professor, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Korea

Chairperson

International Academy of Financial Consumers (IAFICO)