Merlyn Holkar

Senior Research Officer

Merlyn Holkar is a Senior Research Officer at the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. Much of Merlyn’s research focuses on essential services – including financial services, energy and telecoms – and how well these sectors work for people with mental health problems. Merlyn also manages our Research Community, a group of over 5,000 people with experience of mental health problems who are at the heart of everything we do. Outside of work, Merlyn enjoys playing football and hiking. (he/him) @ItsMerlyn

Policy notes and publications

• Convenience at a cost November 10, 2020 -
• Help Along the Way July 21, 2020 - Exploring the challenges that people with mental health problems face when accessing free debt advice.
• Data protecting October 22, 2019 - Using financial data to support customers
• Access essentials July 3, 2018 -

• FCA guidance on temporary financial relief for customers impacted by coronavirus April 8, 2020 -
• Advancing our health: prevention in the 2020s October 14, 2019 - Merlyn Holkar, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Cabinet Office and Department of Health […]
• Draft Guidance for firms on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers October 11, 2019 - Katie Alpin, Head of Research and Policy, and Merlyn Holkar, Senior Research Officer, Money and […]
• Improving outcomes for consumers who self-disconnect and self-ration October 9, 2019 - Merlyn Holkar, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health 20 September 2019 Ofgem Consultation: Proposals […]

Recent blogs

• Online shopping and mental health November 10, 2020 -
• 3 takeaways from our recent webinar on online gambling and mental health August 13, 2020 -
• Introducing our new checklist for debt advice services August 12, 2020 -
• The FCA calls on firms to improve support for vulnerable customers July 23, 2019 -