The Financial Research Institute (FRI) was established in 1988 to promote education, research and service across various areas of finance. Today, under the academic leadership of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) at the University of Missouri, the Financial Research Institute, through its Public Utilities Division, serves as a neutral environment for the comprehensive examination of sound regulatory policy. The FRI provides interactive forums for consumers, regulators, industry and educators to facilitate innovation, understanding, and education in public utility policy issues.