As of 1 January 2026, Kim Peijnenburg is appointed as Professor of Household Credit at Erasmus School of Economics. The chair (0.2 FTE) is established in collaboration with the Dutch Credit Registration Bureau (BKR), which contributes to responsible lending and financial well-being and inclusion in the Netherlands.
Turning data into insights for inclusive and responsible lending
The new Chair in Household Credit focuses on the financial decision-making of Dutch households, particularly on the expenditure and liability side of their balance sheets. The position supports high-quality academic research that can help prevent financial distress arising from excessive debt and promote affordable, responsible access to credit.
Kim Peijnenburg currently holds a chair in Household Finance at Tilburg University and is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). Her research explores the determinants of household financial distress, behavioural biases in financial decisions, and credit market access. Her work has been published in leading journals such as the Review of Financial Studies, Journal of Financial Economics, and American Economic Journal: Applied Economics. She also serves as Associate Editor of the Review of Financial Studies and Editor of the Journal of Pension Economics and Finance.
‘Kim Peijnenburg brings outstanding academic credentials, international recognition, and a clear societal vision to Erasmus School of Economics,’ says Professor Patrick Groenen, Dean of Erasmus School of Economics. ‘Her expertise will deepen our understanding of household financial behaviour and contribute to BKR’s mission of financial inclusion and stability.’
Through her appointment, Kim Peijnenburg will conduct empirical research using unique datasets from BKR, such as the “schuldhulpregister” and “vroegsignaleringsregister”, to identify early warning signs of financial vulnerability and assess the effectiveness of interventions by municipalities and other organisations. Her research agenda is strongly aligned with Erasmus School of Economics’ commitment to societal impact and evidence-based policy development.
Peter van den Bosch, until recently Chair of the Board of Directors of BKR, welcomes the collaboration: BKR is proud to support this Chair, which enables independent research into household credit and financial decision-making. By combining academic expertise with our unique datasets, Professor Peijnenburg’s work will generate actionable insights that help prevent financial distress, strengthen responsible lending practices, and enhance the financial resilience of Dutch households.’
Kim Peijnenburg will also contribute to the educational activities of Erasmus School of Economics through guest lectures and workshops on household credit and finance. As the second female professor in the section Finance of the Department of Business Economics, she also strengthens the School’s commitment to academic diversity and mentorship.
- More information
For more information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media & Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Economics: rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, mobile +31 6 53 641 846.
