This research explores how buy now, pay later services are becoming normalised among young consumers in the UK. The study examines how marketing, checkout integration, and psychological framing shape perceptions of debt, arguing for stronger regulation, improved consumer protection, and greater financial literacy to address emerging financial risks among younger generations.

The research develops a precise measure of auditor expertise using new partner-level data. By matching an auditor’s specific experience to a client’s most complex accounts, the measure predicts lower audit failure rates and higher efficiency. Strengthening understanding of auditor characteristics helps protect financial markets and prevent future audit-driven crises.