Breaking the Circle of Disadvantage

In the aftermath of natural disasters, borrowers who seek credit from traditional sources such as banks may encounter higher interest rates than in pre-disaster periods. Peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms offer an alternative, involving individual investors making decisions based on profit motives as well as empathy. Evidence has indicated that banks' post-disaster credit tightening is overly conservative, while fintech platforms, by including empathetic lenders, may facilitate the channeling of relief to those in need. Learn more about the research surrounding these borrowing methods and how they affect minorities both positively and negatively.

Raj Sharman is professor of management science and systems in the UB School of Management. His expertise is in artificial intelligence, patient safety and health IT, information assurance, including the use of biologically-inspired computer security models, and disaster response management. He has published widely in national and international journals and has received numerous grants from the university and external agencies, such as the National Science Foundation.