Gap profile between subjective and objective financial risk tolerance

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the gap profile between attitude and behaviour towards financial risk, both the profile of individuals who incur a gap, as well as the direction of the gap. That is, those who underestimate (Gap-under) and those who overestimate (Gap-over) their financial risk tolerance. The sample is made up of 6155 observations taken from the Financial Survey of Families, corresponding to 2017 as elaborated by the Bank of Spain. The results reveal that 51% of respondents show a gap, which predominantly corresponds to 'Gap-under'. The profile of Gap-under is an older, educated (medium or higher) man, with a larger income, who uses a financial adviser. The profile of Gap-under differs to Gap-over only in education and age, i.e., younger. The results suggest that financial professionals should pay particular attention to the differentiation of clients in order to provide a tailored recommendation to their risk profile.