Overview
Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE was established in 2013 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It operates as an independent academic research institute and is a member of the Leibniz Association. SAFE’s purpose is to advance research on financial markets and financial systems, with a strong emphasis on stability, regulation and policy relevance.
The institute follows a research-driven philosophy, combining academic rigour with applied policy analysis. Its work is designed to inform regulators, central banks, policymakers and market participants in Europe and internationally.
Mission and focus areas
SAFE’s mission is to contribute to a stable, efficient and sustainable financial system through high-quality interdisciplinary research. It focuses on understanding how financial markets function, how regulation shapes outcomes, and how financial systems respond to risk, innovation and structural change.
Key research areas include financial stability, banking and regulation, monetary policy, household finance, asset pricing and sustainable finance. Within sustainable finance, SAFE examines climate-related financial risks, transition risks, and the role of financial regulation in supporting sustainability objectives. Its work aligns with ESG integration by analysing how environmental and systemic risks affect financial decision-making and market resilience.
Structure and governance
SAFE is organised as a non-university research institute with a clear governance framework. It is led by a Scientific Director and supported by a management team overseeing research, administration and external engagement.
Research is carried out by resident researchers, affiliated scholars and visiting academics. SAFE collaborates closely with universities, central banks and international research networks, while maintaining independence from industry sponsorship in its core research agenda.
Programs and offerings
SAFE produces a wide range of academic and policy-oriented outputs. These include working papers, peer-reviewed journal articles and policy briefs aimed at informing regulatory and supervisory debates.
The institute also hosts conferences, workshops and lecture series that bring together academics, regulators and practitioners. Through its Policy Center and public events, SAFE provides accessible research insights that support evidence-based decision-making in finance, regulation and sustainable finance practice.
Mission Statement
The Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE (Sustainable Architecture for Finance in Europe) is committed to contributing to the strengthening of a sustainable and resilient financial system that promotes innovation and serves the needs of the economy and the society.
Our objectives: high-quality research and, on this basis, support for the European monetary and financial policymaking by addressing current economic and societal challenges.
Our subject: the structure and functioning of the financial system from an economics and law perspective, related to the question about the impact of economic policy measures.
Our values: research excellence, diversity of perspectives, independence.
