Blind Spots & Bad Decisions: Why We Fall for Financial Traps - Raghavendra Rau

Why do smart people make dumb financial choices? This lecture explores the surprising link between our psychology and money mistakes. We will see how fear, overconfidence, and even our desire to be liked can cloud our judgment, especially when dealing with financial "experts". Learn how these psychological blind spots worsen conflicts of interest, and how to make smarter financial decisions, free from emotional influence.

This lecture was recorded by Raghavendra Rau on 2nd June 2025 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London

Raghu is the Mercers School Memorial Professor of Business

He is also the Sir Evelyn de Rothschild Professor of Finance at Cambridge Judge Business School.

The transcript of the lecture is available from the Gresham College website: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/blind-spots-bad-decisions-why-we-fall-financial-traps

Gresham College has offered free public lectures for over 400 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters. There are currently over 2,500 lectures free to access. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest minds. To support Gresham College's mission, please consider making a donation: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/get-involved/support-us/make-donation/donate-today

Website:  https://gresham.ac.uk
X: https://x.com/GreshamCollege
Facebook: https://facebook.com/greshamcollege
Instagram: https://instagram.com/greshamcollege
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/greshamcollege.bsky.social
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greshamcollege
Support Us: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/get-involved/support-us/make-donation/donate-today