Center for Research and Development of Financial Wellbeing (CIDEBIF)

Abstract

Financial well-being has become a fundamental component for sustainable development, social equity, and the economic stability of nations. In the case of Costa Rica, despite its progress in education, democracy, and environmental sustainability, structural challenges persist—such as excessive household indebtedness, low levels of financial literacy, limited access to inclusive financial services, and economic disparities that perpetuate poverty and inequality. In response to this situation, the creation of the Financial Well-being Research and Development Center (CIDEBIF) is proposed— an integrated and innovative model focused on applied research, education, and financial inclusion. The center aims to become a national and international benchmark by structuring its work around four strategic pillars: financial literacy, the development of skills and financial technologies, economic inclusion, and the defense of financial consumer rights. The proposal is supported by a robust normative, institutional, and technical framework, including the guidelines of the Organic Statute of the National Technical University, the National Financial Education Strategy, the Anti-Usury Law (No. 9859), international standards such as ISO 22222:2010, and principles promoted by the International Network on Financial Education.