James Banks is deputy research director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, London and Professor of Economics at the University of Manchester. He joined the Institute in 1990 having studied at Bristol University and the London School of Economics.

His research focuses on empirical models of household spending behaviour and intertemporal consumption patterns; savings, retirement and household asset holding; equivalence scales and welfare measures.

In December 2010 James gave a presentation, hosted by the Retirement Commission, on numeracy, financial literacy and retirement saving trajectories.

His presentation can be viewed here.