Brattle Group Honors Research on Mortgage Lock-In, Firm Expansion, and Regulatory Fragmentation
Event summary
- The Brattle Group and The Journal of Finance awarded the 2025 Brattle Group Prizes in Corporate Finance on February 4, 2026.
- First Prize ($25,000) went to 'Mortgage Lock-in, Mobility, and Labor Reallocation' by Julia Fonseca and Lu Liu.
- Two Distinguished Papers ($10,000 each) recognized research on firm expansion and regulatory fragmentation.
- Awards were presented at the American Finance Association's Annual Meeting in January 2026.
The big picture
The awards highlight The Brattle Group's commitment to bridging academic research with practical applications in corporate finance, particularly in areas of regulatory complexity and labor market dynamics. This year's winners reflect growing concerns about regulatory efficiency and the structural evolution of modern firms. The recognition underscores the increasing intersection between financial research and real-world policy challenges.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Impact
- How findings on regulatory fragmentation will influence policy debates and corporate strategy.
- Labor Market Trends
- Whether research on mortgage lock-in effects will shape Federal Reserve policy considerations.
- Corporate Strategy
- The pace at which firms adapt to insights on scope expansion through acquisitions and R&D.
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