NPR · 16 Sep, 00:55 · Finance briefing

Turkish habit of stashing gold "under the pillow' hurts economy, government says

The Turkish government attributes significant economic instability to citizens’ persistent habit of storing wealth in physical gold rather than bank deposits.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

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The Turkish government attributes significant economic instability to citizens’ persistent habit of storing wealth in physical gold rather than bank deposits. This cultural preference for tangible assets drains liquidity from the formal financial sector, complicating monetary policy and exacerbating inflationary pressures. Officials argue that this informal savings mechanism undermines national economic planning and reduces the capital available for productive investment. The report highlights the tension between traditional wealth preservation methods and modern economic requirements, suggesting that without shifting public behaviour towards formal banking channels, the economy will continue to face structural headwinds and reduced fiscal flexibility.

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Your move

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This shift signals that macroeconomic literacy is no longer optional; it is critical. You must understand how cultural behaviours impact financial stability and policy. Professionals in finance, consulting, and public administration should prioritise skills in behavioural economics and risk assessment. Focus on understanding capital flight mechanisms and consumer saving habits. If you advise clients or shape policy, you need to navigate these informal economies effectively. Invest in courses that bridge traditional finance with behavioural insights. You should also monitor emerging markets where similar informal savings trends exist. By mastering these nuances, you position yourself as a strategic advisor who can predict economic volatility and guide organisations through complex regulatory landscapes. Stay ahead by integrating cultural context into your financial analysis.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Finance and Accounting, Risk Management Strategies, Business And Management and Compliance And Governance — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

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