The world of finance is evolving rapidly due to technology, economic changes, and shifting consumer behavior. As financial markets become more complex, research in finance plays a vital role in understanding investment strategies, digital banking, and financial decision-making.

For students, professionals, and researchers looking for high-impact finance research topics, this guide explores quantitative study areas that align with current industry trends and academic needs.

Who Can Use These Topics?

These research topics are ideal for students and professionals pursuing:

College Programs:

• Business Administration (Major in Financial Management)

• Accountancy

• Economics

Senior High School Strands:

• ABM: Perfect for studies on investment strategies and financial management.

• GAS: Best for interdisciplinary finance research.

Top 10 Finance Research Topics for 2025

1. Retirement Planning Behavior:
A Psychological and Financial Approach

A recent report by Insular Life highlighted a pressing issue that many Filipinos faced: significant retirement gaps caused by rising healthcare costs and longer life expectancies. As more people in the Philippines reached retirement age, the challenge of having enough savings to cover living and medical expenses became increasingly clear. The report, titled "Retire Without Worries: Your Roadmap to Living Life to the Fullest," strongly emphasized the need for early financial planning to ensure a comfortable and worry-free retirement.

Sadly, many Filipinos were not adequately prepared for retirement despite this growing awareness. The survey revealed that while many hoped to be financially independent in their later years, only a few felt confident about meeting their financial needs. This issue was largely due to a lack of financial knowledge and an overreliance on employer retirement plans, which often weren't enough to cover all the necessary expenses. Now more than ever, it's essential to take control of your financial future. By improving financial literacy and planning ahead, we can ensure that future generations enjoy the retirement they deserve.

Relevant News: Filipinos face retirement gaps as costs and lifespans rise - Insular Life

Possible Respondents

• Individuals nearing retirement age

• Working professionals planning for retirement

• Retired individuals reflecting on past financial decisions

• Financial advisors and retirement planners

• Policymakers in financial literacy and pension planning

2. The Role of Artificial Intelligence
in Fintech Adoption

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in the growth of financial technology (fintech), offering exciting opportunities for both businesses and consumers. By harnessing the power of AI, fintech companies have been able to provide faster, safer, and more personalized services, transforming the way we manage our finances. AI-driven tools like chatbots and smart algorithms allowed companies to make better decisions, detect fraud instantly, and offer services such as real-time customer support and financial advice, making financial services more efficient and accessible than ever before.

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, GCash demonstrated how AI played a crucial role in making financial services available to everyone, especially those who were previously excluded. By adopting AI, companies like GCash broke down barriers, bringing financial inclusion to remote and underserved communities. This not only helped individuals gain access to essential financial services but also created a more inclusive, empowering financial environment. The potential of AI in fintech is clear, and it’s time for everyone to embrace this innovation for a brighter, more connected future.

Relevant News: Gcash highlights AI and Fintech's role in economic inclusion at WEF 2025

Possible Respondents

• University students and young professionals

• Tech-savvy individuals

• Early fintech adopters

• Potential fintech users in developing economies

3. Fintech Adoption and Financial Inclusion

The rapid adoption of financial technologies (fintech) has the power to transform economies, and the Philippines stands at a pivotal moment to leverage this potential. With 44% of the bankable population still unbanked or underbanked, fintech innovations like digital banks, mobile payments, and online lending platforms have become crucial for extending access to financial services to underserved communities. These advancements are not just enhancing convenience—they are empowering individuals, especially in rural areas, to take part in the financial ecosystem, creating a more inclusive and equitable economy for all Filipinos.

However, for fintech to reach its true potential, it must ensure that no one is left behind. Despite technological advancements, barriers such as digital illiteracy, high transaction costs, and limited infrastructure remain, particularly in remote areas. To truly make an impact, fintech must prioritize the needs of marginalized groups, providing tailored solutions that address these challenges. By doing so, fintech can become a powerful catalyst for sustainable economic growth, financial empowerment, and social inclusion across the Philippines.

Relevant News: 5 Fintech Trends Driving the Philippines

Possible Respondents

• Fintech users and early adopters

• Unbanked and underbanked individuals

• Small business owners and micro-entrepreneurs

• Financial institutions and fintech startups

4. Digital Financial Knowledge and
Financial Satisfaction

In 2025, digital financial knowledge will be a game-changer in achieving true financial satisfaction. As more people embrace technology for managing their money, tools like digital wallets, online banking, and personalized financial services will offer easier access to smart, informed decisions. By gaining control over their finances through these platforms, individuals will feel more confident about their financial future and empowered to make choices that bring them closer to their financial goals.

As technology continues to advance, managing personal finances will become even simpler, helping people save, invest, and track their money effortlessly. Innovative tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are already helping individuals optimize their spending habits and reach their financial goals faster. More importantly, the growing focus on financial wellness and mental health highlights the fact that financial satisfaction goes beyond just having money—it’s about feeling secure and at peace with your financial situation. With the right digital knowledge and a healthier approach to managing money, achieving financial happiness is more attainable than ever.

Relevant News: Personal financial trends for 2025

Possible Respondents

• Millennials using online banking and fintech platforms

• Individuals with varying levels of financial literacy

• University students and recent graduates

• Young professionals managing their finances digitally
  

5. Saving Decisions in a Digital Economy

As the digital economy rapidly transformed, how people spent and saved money became more crucial than ever. A recent report highlighted that consumer spending in the Philippines was set to grow in 2025, fueled by the rise of digital tools and the ongoing economic recovery. With the increasing use of online shopping, mobile payments, and digital banking, people were given more opportunities to manage their finances efficiently. Digital platforms like budgeting apps and online investment tools provided an easy and accessible way for individuals to save, making it possible to take control of their financial future in ways that were once unimaginable.

However, this growth in digital spending also came with its own set of challenges. While digital tools made managing money and saving easier, they also increased the temptation for impulsive purchases, causing many to stray from traditional saving habits. As consumer spending continued to rise in the Philippines, it became crucial for people to adapt and make wiser saving decisions. By using these digital tools wisely, individuals could strike a balance between spending and saving, securing their financial stability and future. In this rapidly evolving digital world, making smart, informed saving choices was no longer a luxury—it was essential for long-term financial success.

Relevant News: Consumer spending in PH to grow in 2025: Fitch unit

Possible Respondents

• Young professionals and employees

• Self-employed individuals

• Individuals with disposable income

• Recent graduates navigating financial independence

6. Trust and Security on
Digital Payments Adoption

The shift to digital payments was not just a trend but a necessity, and the new guidelines introduced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) made it easier and safer than ever for both businesses and consumers to embrace this change. By requiring merchants to follow stricter security measures and better risk management practices, the BSP ensured a secure and trustworthy environment for digital transactions. As a result, these steps not only protected sensitive financial data but also encouraged more merchants to adopt digital payment methods, knowing they were supported by strong security standards.

Furthermore, as the Philippines moved forward with its digital payment initiatives, the importance of trust and security could not be overstated. The BSP’s updated regulations were specifically designed to address concerns about fraud and cyber threats, thereby giving consumers the confidence they needed to make transactions online. Consequently, with these new protections in place, the digital payment ecosystem grew even faster, benefiting both businesses and consumers alike. Ultimately, it was the perfect time to embrace digital payments and be part of a secure, forward-thinking financial system.

Relevant News: New BSP Guidelines to Boost Merchant Payment Systems

Possible Respondents

• General consumers using digital payment systems

• Individuals who prefer cash transactions

• Online shoppers and e-commerce users

• Small business owners and merchants

• Individuals who have experienced online fraud

7. Personal Finance Education on

Financial Literacy and Behavior

Personal finance education is crucial for anyone who wants to take control of their financial future and achieve financial freedom. By learning how to budget, save, invest, and make smart financial decisions, individuals can gain confidence in managing their money. Moreover, the concept of "Moneyfesting" offers a powerful way to turn your financial dreams into reality. With careful planning, intention, and a focus on making the right choices, you can achieve your financial goals and build the secure future you've always wanted.

Furthermore, financial literacy is the key to making informed and effective decisions with your money. When you understand basic financial principles, you’ll be better equipped to manage your finances, set meaningful goals, and achieve major milestones like buying a home. Studies consistently show that those with higher financial literacy make smarter decisions, reduce debt, and build wealth faster. By incorporating simple habits like tracking spending and regularly reviewing your financial goals, you can create lasting money habits that will help you not just survive, but thrive in your financial journey.

Relevant News: Moneyfesting: Your guide to manifesting financial freedom and smart homebuying

Possible Respondents

• Students enrolled in finance courses

• Employees and professionals undergoing financial training

• General consumers interested in financial literacy

8. Electronic Wallet Adoption

The adoption of electronic wallets (e-wallets) is not just a passing trend; it is a transformative shift that is revolutionizing the payments landscape. As consumers increasingly demand faster, more secure, and seamless transaction methods, e-wallets offer the perfect solution. In fact, by 2025, digital payment methods, including e-wallets, will dominate, providing not just an efficient way to make transactions but also fostering financial inclusivity on a global scale. This transformation is driven by key factors such as convenience, enhanced security, and technological innovation, which collectively bridge access gaps and allow people in even the most underserved markets to participate in the global economy.

If businesses and financial institutions want to stay competitive, they must embrace this shift and adopt e-wallets now. Innovations like AI-powered security and cross-border payment solutions are already making global transactions easier and more secure, and the pace of change will only accelerate. Moreover, organizations that fail to prioritize real-time payments and robust fraud prevention systems risk being left behind. The future is clear—e-wallets will not only simplify transactions but will play a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem, empowering individuals and businesses alike to thrive in the digital age.

Relevant News: Onwards to 2025: Embracing the shifts in payment systems

Possible Respondents

• E-wallet users and fintech adopters

• Students and young professionals

• Business owners and entrepreneurs

• Consumers transitioning to cashless payments

9. Financial Literacy and

Investment Scam

Financial literacy is more important than ever, especially as people are constantly exposed to various investment opportunities. Without a clear understanding of how investments truly work, many individuals are at risk of falling prey to scams. Scammers, therefore, exploit this lack of knowledge, taking advantage of unsuspecting victims and damaging their financial security and trust in legitimate investment options. For instance, a tragic example of this occurred in Biñan, Laguna, where teachers were defrauded of nearly 500 million pesos in a fake cosmetics and skincare investment scheme. This, in turn, is not just a financial loss—it serves as a wake-up call to the dangers of financial ignorance.

Given this, it is crucial that we prioritize financial education now more than ever. By equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, we can protect them from falling victim to scams and fraudulent schemes. In response, government leaders like Senator Win Gatchalian are already taking action by promoting financial literacy programs aimed at empowering people to spot scams and understand safe investment practices. Therefore, we must support and expand these efforts, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the tools they need to protect their money and secure their financial future. Ultimately, investing in financial education is an investment in our collective well-being.

Relevant News: Statement of Sen. Win Gatchalian on the investment scam that victimized teachers

Possible Respondents

• University students and young adults

• First-time investors

• Individuals with limited financial literacy

10. Cost Management Practices

and Financial Literacy

As healthcare benefit costs in the Philippines are projected to rise sharply in 2025, businesses must take immediate action to protect their financial future. Without effective cost management, organizations risk losing control over their budgets, which could lead to cutbacks in other critical areas or even threaten their ability to offer competitive employee benefits. Clearly, without a proactive approach, companies will struggle to balance rising costs with long-term goals. Therefore, adopting a clear cost management strategy now will ensure that businesses continue to provide valuable benefits to their employees while securing their financial health in the long run.

In addition to cost management, financial literacy plays a vital role in navigating these challenges. By equipping business leaders and employees with essential skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, companies will be empowered to make informed decisions that directly impact their bottom line. Financially literate organizations are not merely reacting to challenges—they are anticipating them and taking steps to thrive. Moreover, investing in financial education now will give your business the knowledge it needs to adapt and make smarter decisions. Ultimately, with both strong cost management practices and financial literacy, your business will not only survive but succeed, even amidst rising healthcare costs.

Relevant news: Philippines healthcare benefit costs projected to continue its double-digit increase at 18.3% in 2025, WTW survey finds

Possible Respondents

• Micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners

• Self-employed professionals

• Financial managers of small enterprises

Frequently Ask Questions

Conclusion

These 10 finance research topics provide quantitative research opportunities that align with current industry trends in 2025. Whether you’re investigating fintech adoption, personal finance education, or investment scams, these topics are data-driven, impactful, and highly relevant.

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