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• 22 Apr 2024
• Research & Ideas

When Does Impact Investing Make the Biggest Impact?

More investors want to back businesses that contribute to social change, but are impact funds the only approach? Research by Shawn Cole, Leslie Jeng, Josh Lerner, Natalia Rigol, and Benjamin Roth challenges long-held assumptions about impact investing and reveals where such funds make the biggest difference.

• 23 Jan 2024

More Than Memes: NFTs Could Be the Next Gen Deed for a Digital World

Non-fungible tokens might seem like a fad approach to selling memes, but the concept could help companies open new markets and build communities. Scott Duke Kominers and Steve Kaczynski go beyond the NFT hype in their book, The Everything Token.

• 12 Sep 2023

How Can Financial Advisors Thrive in Shifting Markets? Diversify, Diversify, Diversify

Financial planners must find new ways to market to tech-savvy millennials and gen Z investors or risk irrelevancy. Research by Marco Di Maggio probes the generational challenges that advisory firms face as baby boomers retire. What will it take to compete in a fintech and crypto world?

• 17 Aug 2023

‘Not a Bunch of Weirdos’: Why Mainstream Investors Buy Crypto

Bitcoin might seem like the preferred tender of conspiracy theorists and criminals, but everyday investors are increasingly embracing crypto. A study of 59 million consumers by Marco Di Maggio and colleagues paints a shockingly ordinary picture of today's cryptocurrency buyer. What do they stand to gain?

• 17 Jul 2023

Money Isn’t Everything: The Dos and Don’ts of Motivating Employees

Dangling bonuses to checked-out employees might only be a Band-Aid solution. Brian Hall shares four research-based incentive strategies—and three perils to avoid—for leaders trying to engage the post-pandemic workforce.

• 20 Jun 2023
• Cold Call Podcast

Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover: Lessons in Strategic Change

In late October 2022, Elon Musk officially took Twitter private and became the company’s majority shareholder, finally ending a months-long acquisition saga. He appointed himself CEO and brought in his own team to clean house. Musk needed to take decisive steps to succeed against the major opposition to his leadership from both inside and outside the company. Twitter employees circulated an open letter protesting expected layoffs, advertising agencies advised their clients to pause spending on Twitter, and EU officials considered a broader Twitter ban. What short-term actions should Musk take to stabilize the situation, and how should he approach long-term strategy to turn around Twitter? Harvard Business School assistant professor Andy Wu and co-author Goran Calic, associate professor at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, discuss Twitter as a microcosm for the future of media and information in their case, “Twitter Turnaround and Elon Musk.”

• 06 Jun 2023

The Opioid Crisis, CEO Pay, and Shareholder Activism

In 2020, AmerisourceBergen Corporation, a Fortune 50 company in the drug distribution industry, agreed to settle thousands of lawsuits filed nationwide against the company for its opioid distribution practices, which critics alleged had contributed to the opioid crisis in the US. The $6.6 billion global settlement caused a net loss larger than the cumulative net income earned during the tenure of the company’s CEO, which began in 2011. In addition, AmerisourceBergen’s legal and financial troubles were accompanied by shareholder demands aimed at driving corporate governance changes in companies in the opioid supply chain. Determined to hold the company’s leadership accountable, the shareholders launched a campaign in early 2021 to reject the pay packages of executives. Should the board reduce the executives’ pay, as of means of improving accountability? Or does punishing the AmerisourceBergen executives for paying the settlement ignore the larger issue of a business’s responsibility to society? Harvard Business School professor Suraj Srinivasan discusses executive compensation and shareholder activism in the context of the US opioid crisis in his case, “The Opioid Settlement and Controversy Over CEO Pay at AmerisourceBergen.”

• 16 May 2023
• In Practice

After Silicon Valley Bank's Flameout, What's Next for Entrepreneurs?

Silicon Valley Bank's failure in the face of rising interest rates shook founders and funders across the country. Julia Austin, Jeffrey Bussgang, and Rembrand Koning share key insights for rattled entrepreneurs trying to make sense of the financing landscape.

• 27 Apr 2023

Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi: Transforming Lives with Access to Credit

James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Bank, has transformed lives and livelihoods throughout East and Central Africa by giving impoverished people access to banking accounts and micro loans. He’s been so successful that in 2020 Forbes coined the term “the Mwangi Model.” But can we really have both purpose and profit in a firm? Harvard Business School professor Caroline Elkins, who has spent decades studying Africa, explores how this model has become one that business leaders are seeking to replicate throughout the world in her case, “A Marshall Plan for Africa': James Mwangi and Equity Group Holdings.” As part of a new first-year MBA course at Harvard Business School, this case examines the central question: what is the social purpose of the firm?

• 25 Apr 2023

Using Design Thinking to Invent a Low-Cost Prosthesis for Land Mine Victims

Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) is an Indian nonprofit famous for creating low-cost prosthetics, like the Jaipur Foot and the Stanford-Jaipur Knee. Known for its patient-centric culture and its focus on innovation, BMVSS has assisted more than one million people, including many land mine survivors. How can founder D.R. Mehta devise a strategy that will ensure the financial sustainability of BMVSS while sustaining its human impact well into the future? Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar discusses the importance of design thinking in ensuring a culture of innovation in his case, “BMVSS: Changing Lives, One Jaipur Limb at a Time.”

• 18 Apr 2023

What Happens When Banks Ditch Coal: The Impact Is 'More Than Anyone Thought'

Bank divestment policies that target coal reduced carbon dioxide emissions, says research by Boris Vallée and Daniel Green. Could the finance industry do even more to confront climate change?

The Best Person to Lead Your Company Doesn't Work There—Yet

Recruiting new executive talent to revive portfolio companies has helped private equity funds outperform major stock indexes, says research by Paul Gompers. Why don't more public companies go beyond their senior executives when looking for top leaders?

• 11 Apr 2023

A Rose by Any Other Name: Supply Chains and Carbon Emissions in the Flower Industry

Headquartered in Kitengela, Kenya, Sian Flowers exports roses to Europe. Because cut flowers have a limited shelf life and consumers want them to retain their appearance for as long as possible, Sian and its distributors used international air cargo to transport them to Amsterdam, where they were sold at auction and trucked to markets across Europe. But when the Covid-19 pandemic caused huge increases in shipping costs, Sian launched experiments to ship roses by ocean using refrigerated containers. The company reduced its costs and cut its carbon emissions, but is a flower that travels halfway around the world truly a “low-carbon rose”? Harvard Business School professors Willy Shih and Mike Toffel debate these questions and more in their case, “Sian Flowers: Fresher by Sea?”

Is Amazon a Retailer, a Tech Firm, or a Media Company? How AI Can Help Investors Decide

More companies are bringing seemingly unrelated businesses together in new ways, challenging traditional stock categories. MarcAntonio Awada and Suraj Srinivasan discuss how applying machine learning to regulatory data could reveal new opportunities for investors.

• 07 Apr 2023

When Celebrity ‘Crypto-Influencers’ Rake in Cash, Investors Lose Big

Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and other entertainers have been accused of promoting crypto products on social media without disclosing conflicts. Research by Joseph Pacelli shows what can happen to eager investors who follow them.

• 31 Mar 2023

Can a ‘Basic Bundle’ of Health Insurance Cure Coverage Gaps and Spur Innovation?

One in 10 people in America lack health insurance, resulting in $40 billion of care that goes unpaid each year. Amitabh Chandra and colleagues say ensuring basic coverage for all residents, as other wealthy nations do, could address the most acute needs and unlock efficiency.

• 23 Mar 2023

As Climate Fears Mount, More Investors Turn to 'ESG' Funds Despite Few Rules

Regulations and ratings remain murky, but that's not deterring climate-conscious investors from paying more for funds with an ESG label. Research by Mark Egan and Malcolm Baker sizes up the premium these funds command. Is it time for more standards in impact investing?

• 14 Mar 2023

What Does the Failure of Silicon Valley Bank Say About the State of Finance?

Silicon Valley Bank wasn't ready for the Fed's interest rate hikes, but that's only part of the story. Victoria Ivashina and Erik Stafford probe the complex factors that led to the second-biggest bank failure ever.

• 13 Mar 2023

What Would It Take to Unlock Microfinance's Full Potential?

Microfinance has been seen as a vehicle for economic mobility in developing countries, but the results have been mixed. Research by Natalia Rigol and Ben Roth probes how different lending approaches might serve entrepreneurs better.

• 16 Feb 2023

ESG Activists Met the Moment at ExxonMobil, But Did They Succeed?

Engine No. 1, a small hedge fund on a mission to confront climate change, managed to do the impossible: Get dissident members on ExxonMobil's board. But lasting social impact has proved more elusive. Case studies by Mark Kramer, Shawn Cole, and Vikram Gandhi look at the complexities of shareholder activism.

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Digital Finance and FinTech: current research and future research directions

• Original Paper
• Published: 25 February 2017
• Volume 87 , pages 537–580, ( 2017 )

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• Peter Gomber 1 ,
• Jascha-Alexander Koch 1 &
• Michael Siering 1  

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Since decades, the financial industry has experienced a continuous evolution in service delivery due to digitalization. This evolution is characterized by expanded connectivity and enhanced speed of information processing both at the customer interface and in back-office processes. Recently, there has been a shift in the focus of digitalization from improving the delivery of traditional tasks to introducing fundamentally new business opportunities and models for financial service companies. Digital Finance encompasses a magnitude of new financial products, financial businesses, finance-related software, and novel forms of customer communication and interaction—delivered by FinTech companies and innovative financial service providers. Against this backdrop, the research on finance and information systems has started to analyze these changes and the impact of digital progress on the financial sector. Therefore, this article reviews the current state of research in Digital Finance that deals with these novel and innovative business functions. Moreover, it gives an outlook on potential future research directions. As a conceptual basis for reviewing this field, the Digital Finance Cube, which embraces three key dimensions of Digital Finance and FinTech, i.e., the respective business functions, the technologies and technological concepts applied as well as the institutions concerned, is introduced. This conceptualization supports researchers and practitioners when orientating in the field of Digital Finance, allows for the arrangement of academic research relatively to each other, and enables for the revelation of the gaps in research.

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Introduction

Innovation and Fintech

The fintech phenomenon: antecedents of financial innovation perceived by the popular press.

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Gomber, P., Koch, JA. & Siering, M. Digital Finance and FinTech: current research and future research directions. J Bus Econ 87 , 537–580 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11573-017-0852-x

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Research Topics & Ideas: Finance

120+ Finance Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring potential research topics for your finance-related dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of finance-centric research topics and ideas.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Finance Research Topics

• Corporate finance topics
• Investment banking topics
• Private equity & VC
• Asset management
• Hedge funds
• Financial planning & advisory
• Quantitative finance
• Treasury management
• Financial technology (FinTech)
• Commercial banking
• International finance

Corporate Finance

These research topic ideas explore a breadth of issues ranging from the examination of capital structure to the exploration of financial strategies in mergers and acquisitions.

• Evaluating the impact of capital structure on firm performance across different industries
• Assessing the effectiveness of financial management practices in emerging markets
• A comparative analysis of the cost of capital and financial structure in multinational corporations across different regulatory environments
• Examining how integrating sustainability and CSR initiatives affect a corporation’s financial performance and brand reputation
• Analysing how rigorous financial analysis informs strategic decisions and contributes to corporate growth
• Examining the relationship between corporate governance structures and financial performance
• A comparative analysis of financing strategies among mergers and acquisitions
• Evaluating the importance of financial transparency and its impact on investor relations and trust
• Investigating the role of financial flexibility in strategic investment decisions during economic downturns
• Investigating how different dividend policies affect shareholder value and the firm’s financial performance

Investment Banking

The list below presents a series of research topics exploring the multifaceted dimensions of investment banking, with a particular focus on its evolution following the 2008 financial crisis.

• Analysing the evolution and impact of regulatory frameworks in investment banking post-2008 financial crisis
• Investigating the challenges and opportunities associated with cross-border M&As facilitated by investment banks.
• Evaluating the role of investment banks in facilitating mergers and acquisitions in emerging markets
• Analysing the transformation brought about by digital technologies in the delivery of investment banking services and its effects on efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Evaluating the role of investment banks in promoting sustainable finance and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions.
• Assessing the impact of technology on the efficiency and effectiveness of investment banking services
• Examining the effectiveness of investment banks in pricing and marketing IPOs, and the subsequent performance of these IPOs in the stock market.
• A comparative analysis of different risk management strategies employed by investment banks
• Examining the relationship between investment banking fees and corporate performance
• A comparative analysis of competitive strategies employed by leading investment banks and their impact on market share and profitability

Private Equity & Venture Capital (VC)

These research topic ideas are centred on venture capital and private equity investments, with a focus on their impact on technological startups, emerging technologies, and broader economic ecosystems.

• Investigating the determinants of successful venture capital investments in tech startups
• Analysing the trends and outcomes of venture capital funding in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, or clean energy
• Assessing the performance and return on investment of different exit strategies employed by venture capital firms
• Assessing the impact of private equity investments on the financial performance of SMEs
• Analysing the role of venture capital in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
• Evaluating the exit strategies of private equity firms: A comparative analysis
• Exploring the ethical considerations in private equity and venture capital financing
• Investigating how private equity ownership influences operational efficiency and overall business performance
• Evaluating the effectiveness of corporate governance structures in companies backed by private equity investments
• Examining how the regulatory environment in different regions affects the operations, investments and performance of private equity and venture capital firms

Asset Management

This list includes a range of research topic ideas focused on asset management, probing into the effectiveness of various strategies, the integration of technology, and the alignment with ethical principles among other key dimensions.

• Analysing the effectiveness of different asset allocation strategies in diverse economic environments
• Analysing the methodologies and effectiveness of performance attribution in asset management firms
• Assessing the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria on fund performance
• Examining the role of robo-advisors in modern asset management
• Evaluating how advancements in technology are reshaping portfolio management strategies within asset management firms
• Evaluating the performance persistence of mutual funds and hedge funds
• Investigating the long-term performance of portfolios managed with ethical or socially responsible investing principles
• Investigating the behavioural biases in individual and institutional investment decisions
• Examining the asset allocation strategies employed by pension funds and their impact on long-term fund performance
• Assessing the operational efficiency of asset management firms and its correlation with fund performance

Hedge Funds

Here we explore research topics related to hedge fund operations and strategies, including their implications on corporate governance, financial market stability, and regulatory compliance among other critical facets.

• Assessing the impact of hedge fund activism on corporate governance and financial performance
• Analysing the effectiveness and implications of market-neutral strategies employed by hedge funds
• Investigating how different fee structures impact the performance and investor attraction to hedge funds
• Evaluating the contribution of hedge funds to financial market liquidity and the implications for market stability
• Analysing the risk-return profile of hedge fund strategies during financial crises
• Evaluating the influence of regulatory changes on hedge fund operations and performance
• Examining the level of transparency and disclosure practices in the hedge fund industry and its impact on investor trust and regulatory compliance
• Assessing the contribution of hedge funds to systemic risk in financial markets, and the effectiveness of regulatory measures in mitigating such risks
• Examining the role of hedge funds in financial market stability
• Investigating the determinants of hedge fund success: A comparative analysis

Financial Planning and Advisory

This list explores various research topic ideas related to financial planning, focusing on the effects of financial literacy, the adoption of digital tools, taxation policies, and the role of financial advisors.

• Evaluating the impact of financial literacy on individual financial planning effectiveness
• Analysing how different taxation policies influence financial planning strategies among individuals and businesses
• Evaluating the effectiveness and user adoption of digital tools in modern financial planning practices
• Investigating the adequacy of long-term financial planning strategies in ensuring retirement security
• Assessing the role of financial education in shaping financial planning behaviour among different demographic groups
• Examining the impact of psychological biases on financial planning and decision-making, and strategies to mitigate these biases
• Assessing the behavioural factors influencing financial planning decisions
• Examining the role of financial advisors in managing retirement savings
• A comparative analysis of traditional versus robo-advisory in financial planning
• Investigating the ethics of financial advisory practices

The following list delves into research topics within the insurance sector, touching on the technological transformations, regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer behaviours among other pivotal aspects.

• Analysing the impact of technology adoption on insurance pricing and risk management
• Analysing the influence of Insurtech innovations on the competitive dynamics and consumer choices in insurance markets
• Investigating the factors affecting consumer behaviour in insurance product selection and the role of digital channels in influencing decisions
• Assessing the effect of regulatory changes on insurance product offerings
• Examining the determinants of insurance penetration in emerging markets
• Evaluating the operational efficiency of claims management processes in insurance companies and its impact on customer satisfaction
• Examining the evolution and effectiveness of risk assessment models used in insurance underwriting and their impact on pricing and coverage
• Evaluating the role of insurance in financial stability and economic development
• Investigating the impact of climate change on insurance models and products
• Exploring the challenges and opportunities in underwriting cyber insurance in the face of evolving cyber threats and regulations

Quantitative Finance

These topic ideas span the development of asset pricing models, evaluation of machine learning algorithms, and the exploration of ethical implications among other pivotal areas.

• Developing and testing new quantitative models for asset pricing
• Analysing the effectiveness and limitations of machine learning algorithms in predicting financial market movements
• Assessing the effectiveness of various risk management techniques in quantitative finance
• Evaluating the advancements in portfolio optimisation techniques and their impact on risk-adjusted returns
• Evaluating the impact of high-frequency trading on market efficiency and stability
• Investigating the influence of algorithmic trading strategies on market efficiency and liquidity
• Examining the risk parity approach in asset allocation and its effectiveness in different market conditions
• Examining the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in quantitative financial analysis
• Investigating the ethical implications of quantitative financial innovations
• Assessing the profitability and market impact of statistical arbitrage strategies considering different market microstructures

Treasury Management

The following topic ideas explore treasury management, focusing on modernisation through technological advancements, the impact on firm liquidity, and the intertwined relationship with corporate governance among other crucial areas.

• Analysing the impact of treasury management practices on firm liquidity and profitability
• Analysing the role of automation in enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making in treasury management
• Evaluating the effectiveness of various cash management strategies in multinational corporations
• Investigating the potential of blockchain technology in streamlining treasury operations and enhancing transparency
• Examining the role of treasury management in mitigating financial risks
• Evaluating the accuracy and effectiveness of various cash flow forecasting techniques employed in treasury management
• Assessing the impact of technological advancements on treasury management operations
• Examining the effectiveness of different foreign exchange risk management strategies employed by treasury managers in multinational corporations
• Assessing the impact of regulatory compliance requirements on the operational and strategic aspects of treasury management
• Investigating the relationship between treasury management and corporate governance

Financial Technology (FinTech)

The following research topic ideas explore the transformative potential of blockchain, the rise of open banking, and the burgeoning landscape of peer-to-peer lending among other focal areas.

• Evaluating the impact of blockchain technology on financial services
• Investigating the implications of open banking on consumer data privacy and financial services competition
• Assessing the role of FinTech in financial inclusion in emerging markets
• Analysing the role of peer-to-peer lending platforms in promoting financial inclusion and their impact on traditional banking systems
• Examining the cybersecurity challenges faced by FinTech firms and the regulatory measures to ensure data protection and financial stability
• Examining the regulatory challenges and opportunities in the FinTech ecosystem
• Assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on the delivery of financial services, customer experience, and operational efficiency within FinTech firms
• Analysing the adoption and impact of cryptocurrencies on traditional financial systems
• Investigating the determinants of success for FinTech startups

Commercial Banking

These topic ideas span commercial banking, encompassing digital transformation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the evolving regulatory and competitive landscape among other key themes.

• Assessing the impact of digital transformation on commercial banking services and competitiveness
• Analysing the impact of digital transformation on customer experience and operational efficiency in commercial banking
• Evaluating the role of commercial banks in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Investigating the effectiveness of credit risk management practices and their impact on bank profitability and financial stability
• Examining the relationship between commercial banking practices and financial stability
• Evaluating the implications of open banking frameworks on the competitive landscape and service innovation in commercial banking
• Assessing how regulatory changes affect lending practices and risk appetite of commercial banks
• Examining how commercial banks are adapting their strategies in response to competition from FinTech firms and changing consumer preferences
• Analysing the impact of regulatory compliance on commercial banking operations
• Investigating the determinants of customer satisfaction and loyalty in commercial banking

International Finance

The folowing research topic ideas are centred around international finance and global economic dynamics, delving into aspects like exchange rate fluctuations, international financial regulations, and the role of international financial institutions among other pivotal areas.

• Analysing the determinants of exchange rate fluctuations and their impact on international trade
• Analysing the influence of global trade agreements on international financial flows and foreign direct investments
• Evaluating the effectiveness of international portfolio diversification strategies in mitigating risks and enhancing returns
• Evaluating the role of international financial institutions in global financial stability
• Investigating the role and implications of offshore financial centres on international financial stability and regulatory harmonisation
• Examining the impact of global financial crises on emerging market economies
• Examining the challenges and regulatory frameworks associated with cross-border banking operations
• Assessing the effectiveness of international financial regulations
• Investigating the challenges and opportunities of cross-border mergers and acquisitions

Choosing A Research Topic

These finance-related research topic ideas are starting points to guide your thinking. They are intentionally very broad and open-ended. By engaging with the currently literature in your field of interest, you’ll be able to narrow down your focus to a specific research gap .

When choosing a topic , you’ll need to take into account its originality, relevance, feasibility, and the resources you have at your disposal. Make sure to align your interest and expertise in the subject with your university program’s specific requirements. Always consult your academic advisor to ensure that your chosen topic not only meets the academic criteria but also provides a valuable contribution to the field. 

If you need a helping hand, feel free to check out our private coaching service here.

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thank you for suggest those topic, I want to ask you about the subjects related to the fintech, can i measure it and how?

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• Banking Information Source This link opens in a new window Includes information on the international and domestic operations of retail and commercial banks and credit unions. Covers over 400 publications, with 160 current full-text trade magazines, newspapers, and some scholarly publications. The American Banker full-text articles start with 1987, while other full-text articles started in 1990. Formerly Banking Literature Index from the American Bankers Association.
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• Wall Street Journal This link opens in a new window Eastern edition; New York. The Wall Street Journal is the financial newspaper of record. It offers in-depth coverage of national and international finance as well as first rate coverage of hard news. Updated daily.
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• ABI/Inform Complete This link opens in a new window The most comprehensive ABI/INFORM™ database, this comprises ABI/INFORM Global, ABI/INFORM Trade and Industry, and ABI/INFORM Dateline. The database features thousands of full-text journals, dissertations, working papers, key business and economics periodicals such as the Economist, country-and industry-focused reports, and downloadable data. Its international coverage gives researchers a complete picture of companies and business trends around the world.
• Business Source Complete This link opens in a new window Full-text business publications and hundreds of scholarly, peer-reviewed journals covering all aspects of business. Coverage goes as far back as 1886. Additional full text, non-journal content includes financial data, case studies, investment research reports, market research reports, country reports, company profiles, SWOT analysis, books, videos, major reference works, book digests, and conference proceedings. more... less... Covers management, economics, finance, accounting, international business and more. Titles include Harvard Business Review, California Management Review, MIT Sloan Management Review and Administrative Science Quarterly .
• Company Dossier (LexisNexis) This link opens in a new window LexisNexis Company Dossier covers more than 35 million global companies, both public and private. Under Reference link, information comes from Hoover's, Disclosure, Datamonitor, Extel, Vickers, and SGA Executive Tracker. more... less... Includes company description and history; key financials; executive, structure, subsidiaries, auditor, and bank information news by region, topic and publication; patents, trademarks, and brands; and litigation.
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• Emerald Intelligence + Fulltext This link opens in a new window This source has over 130 full-text journals published by MCB University Press. Subjects include: general management, human resources, information management, library & information services, marketing, property, engineering, quality, training & education, operations, production & economics. Most of the journals have an international perspective.
• NYU's Damodaran's Current Data " Welcome to my [Aswath Damodaran] data page. This page contains links to almost everything you ever wanted to know about the data that is available on my site (and more). I have broken the page down into five constituent parts to make it more naviagable." About data, data breakdown, current data , archived data, webcasts/tools more... less... About Data: I lay out the history/philosophy of my datasets, the timing of the data, the sources I use and some caveats/rules for data usage. Data Breakdown: I explain how I break the data down by variable, by industry, by region, by time and by company. Current Data: This is where the data resides, broken down into corporate finance, valuation and portfolio management sections. Archived Data: If you need the data from prior years, you will find it here, broken down into corporate finance, valuation and portfolio management sections. Webcasts/Tools: These are webcasts, tools (spreadsheets), blog posts and writings about data analysis."
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Mastering change: The new CFO mandate

One trend about CFOs that we’ve confirmed after years of research : the finance leader’s role  is ever evolving. That has never been more true than it is today, during an era of dramatic change—with, for instance, the COVID-19 pandemic, increased attention being paid to social and environmental issues, and the accelerated adoption of technology to address myriad business and social problems. All these trends are triggering fundamental shifts in how people and businesses get work done. According to the latest McKinsey Global Survey  on the role of the CFO, 1 The online survey was in the field from March 16 to April 5, 2021, and garnered responses from 351 participants in the C-suite, the finance function, or both. Of the participants, 151 are company CFOs and another 36 are CFOs of a business function or individual business unit. To adjust for differences in response rates, the data are weighted by the contribution of each respondent’s nation to global GDP. finance leaders are deeply involved in determining how businesses adapt to these trends—particularly in those places where digital and finance intersect.

The newest survey results show that in the throes of the pandemic, the CFO’s focus has shifted toward crisis management and away from longer-term responsibilities such as strategic leadership, organizational change, and finance capabilities. But the results also point to a way forward for CFOs and their companies, as more industries and economies move toward recovery—suggesting the degree to which finance leaders can have more impact in key areas of the business, and how companies can take advantage of missed opportunities to leverage the CFO’s insights and leadership.

Finance leaders are deeply involved in determining how businesses adapt to significant changes in how work gets done—particularly in places where digital and finance intersect.

In recent years, the CFO’s responsibilities have grown in a few important areas—particularly in digital. Between 2016 and 2021, the share of finance leaders who say that they are responsible for their companies’ digital activities has more than tripled. Investor relations has also grown dramatically as an area of focus for CFOs. Nearly two-thirds of finance leaders say that they are responsible for these activities, up from 44 percent in 2016.

Across the entire finance function, the survey results suggest that digital adoption is on the rise. The share of finance-function respondents reporting the use of robotics and artificial-intelligence (AI) tools has more than tripled since our 2018 survey, while the share saying that they use advanced analytics for finance tasks has almost doubled. What’s more, respondents say that their companies’ IT and digital investments have paid off. Nearly six in ten report either a positive or very positive ROI from investments made in the past year.

Additionally, the survey results suggest that increasing technology adoption in finance could have lasting effects on a company’s overall resilience. Respondents who describe their companies as significantly more prepared for future crises because of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic also report greater use of digital and automation technologies within the finance function. Among the companies that are best prepared, most are using advanced analytics for business operations.

Yet for all digital technology’s promise, the outlook for further adoption remains mixed. According to respondents, the most common obstacles to adopting new technologies are familiar ones: the high up-front costs, a lack of skills or capabilities needed to build and implement the technologies, and cultural and organizational resistance to changing existing processes. Still, no single reason is cited by much more than one-quarter of respondents, for either overall finance processes or planning, budgeting, and forecasting.

For finance organizations in the early days of digital adoption, where to start? The results suggest looking at those activities where increased use of digital technologies would add the most value—namely, revenue forecasting, cash-flow forecasting, and scenario management. Yet only 24 to 36 percent of finance respondents say that their companies currently use digital in these activities.

The survey highlights clear opportunities for the CFO to reengage with the CEO. When asked about the interactions CFOs have had with their CEOs on critical activities during the pandemic, both digital and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics took a back seat to the 11 other topics we asked about. That could change, however: with the increasing prevalence of digital technologies in finance’s day-to-day work and an increasing CFO focus on relations with investors (whose interest in ESG has only grown over time), the CFO and CEO will likely need to communicate more directly on these issues.

Indeed, CFOs have a meaningful role to play in their companies’ ESG programs—especially now, as finance leaders and CEOs report that investor interest in these issues has increased dramatically during the pandemic. For all three areas related to environmental, social, and governance programs, CFO involvement also seems to support greater alignment between these programs and the company’s strategic and financial objectives.

By contrast, CFO and CEO interactions on organizational transformation have increased significantly during the COVID-19 crisis, and the data show that CFOs’ leadership in this area adds significant value. Respondents say that they are pursuing transformations for a range of reasons, particularly in support of performance improvement and digital initiatives.

A transformation initiated by the CFO is just as likely to succeed as one started by the CEO, even though it is much more common for the CEO to initiate such an effort. What’s more, finance leaders view their own role and contribution in a transformation more expansively than do their fellow executives. CFOs say that their time on transformations would be best spent on role-modeling new mindsets and behaviors, setting high-level goals, and communicating the transformation’s results—when, in practice, they are most often charged with traditional finance-oriented responsibilities.

Looking ahead

It’s no surprise, perhaps, that CFOs have been at the forefront of addressing the many challenges that the global COVID-19 pandemic has wrought across industries and geographies. Many of them have had to focus on their business’s shorter-term needs and have closely monitored performance, costs, and productivity. But the longer-term implications of many critical business trends—digital, transformation, and ESG among them—are now apparent and require the CFO’s leadership as well. Given the CFO’s focus on the kind of value creation that relies on their deep understanding of the economics of the company’s business model, their strategic perspective on sector-shaping trends, and their role as thought partner with the CEO and the board, they are best qualified to drive these changes.

CFOs are uniquely qualified to drive changes in how their companies experiment with new technologies, evaluate ESG risks and opportunities, and execute transformations.

In particular, CFOs can continue to experiment with new tools and technologies, digitize their own functions, and, with that experience, help spread digitization throughout the organization. They can lead the way in evaluating ESG risks and opportunities by factoring ESG-related criteria into the company’s investment objectives and decision making. CFOs can also take on a bigger role in executing transformations, beyond just traditional financial tasks, since they control most of the key business levers that determine a transformation’s success.

The contributors to the development and analysis of this survey include Ankur Agrawal , a partner in McKinsey’s New York office; Christian Grube, a partner in the Munich office; and Meagan Hill, a vice president in McKinsey’s Transformation Practice who is based in the Boston office, where Jacob Marcus is an associate partner.

They wish to thank Vanessa Palmer for her contributions to this article.

This article was edited by Daniella Seiler, a senior editor in the New York office.

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UKSIF research finds more favourable policies could see up to £100bn AUM shifting towards sustainable finance in the UK

by Meg Bratley | May 15, 2024

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• 69% of business decision-makers in the finance sector agreed that the lack of certainty over sustainability policy and regulation is limiting their investment in the UK.
• 95% of large UK finance firms would increase their investment in sustainable/green projects in the UK if favourable green policies were implemented.
• Nearly eight in ten (77%) have said that greater harmonisation of financial sustainability standards globally would have a positive impact on companies investing. 

The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), which brings together 300+ members managing over £19 trillion in global assets under management (AUM), has today released a report showing that the UK is at a key inflection point when it comes to sustainable finance. After years of trail-blazing and being ranked number one on the Global Green Finance Index, the UK’s world-leading position is under threat. 

The UKSIF  Financing the Future: Financial Services Report  calls for supportive policies and regulation in three key areas to strengthen the UK’s sustainable finance sector, and to create a more attractive environment for the growth of sustainable finance and private investment at large. 

As part of the research, UKSIF surveyed 100 financial services organisations representing approximately  £1 trillion  in annual turnover and over  £200 billion  in green investments in the UK. While 83% of those surveyed have expressed that the UK is still their top market for sustainable finance activity, lack of government clarity and supportive policy is creating a clear direction of travel, with two in three (65%) saying that they already have or plan to move investments out of the UK to a market that is more supportive of their sustainability goals. 

UKSIF is calling on the government to take action to reverse this trend, through the implementation of a number of practical and cost-effective policy measures.  Its research showed that 95% of respondents would increase their investment in the UK either through new projects (40%), existing projects (34%), or both (21%) if favourable policies are implemented. From those surveyed alone, this would represent a potential shift of an estimated £100bn in AUM.

Within the report, UKSIF highlights three key policy areas required to shift the UK financial system towards greater sustainability, including: 

• Critical steps include the adoption of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards, the introduction of mandatory corporate transition plans and crucially a UK green taxonomy. 

68% of finance companies agree that SDR will be helpful in increasing their investment in sustainable finance in the UK.

• TPR must issue clarification to make it clearer to pension schemes that factoring in financially material ESG issues and actively managing associated risks and impacts is consistent with fiduciary duties. 
• Clarification of fiduciary duties from policymakers would address the lack of clarity in the market that has arguably contributed to a more risk-averse culture of investing in the UK.
• Calling for investment consultants to be brought under formal FCA regulatory scope. 
• 72% of large finance firms in the UK say clarity of fiduciary duty in relation to ESG for UK Pension Schemes Trustees would help them in making investment decisions.
• If the UK is to meet its commitment to halt nature loss by 2030 and meet international commitments, policymakers and regulators must turn their focus beyond climate change risks alone.
• The Government must look to the incorporation of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework, specifically through support of the creation of a new ISSB standard for biodiversity and nature, IFRS S3.
• A new biodiversity-specific standard will better support financial services firms and companies in the UK and globally to address the financial risks posed by damage to the world’s biodiversity and reducing the economic impact on GDP.
• Over three in five (61%) of finance firms support the incorporation of the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework into UK regulation.

James Alexander, CEO at UKSIF comments:  “The UK is facing a crucial inflection point that could see it either close the remaining gaps and benefit from the great strides we have taken in our global leadership on sustainable finance to date; or lose its hard-won position as a leader.

The recent flipflopping on wider sustainability policies, continued absence of detailed policy frameworks for various sectors, alongside secondary factors such as a lack of clarity from policymakers in creating a clear and stable financial services regulatory framework, is helping drive away much needed private capital into the UK that can help progress the country towards net-zero.”

UKSIF has worked closely with organisations and businesses across the sector to understand what policies and regulation will be needed to strengthen the UK’s sustainable finance sector and help the UK meet net zero ambitions. The following organisations have endorsed for these measures: Aldersgate Group, ShareAction, Bankers for Net Zero, Impact Investing Institute, Make My Money Matter, B Lab UK.

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Articles on Federal budget 2024

Displaying 1 - 20 of 23 articles.

It’s time to give Labor’s first term a scorecard – have we actually seen any transformative vision?

John Quiggin , The University of Queensland

PrEP was earmarked $26m in the budget. What is it? Will it stop me getting HIV?

Bridget Haire , UNSW Sydney

Choice and control: what can the ACCC do to stop NDIS price gouging and reduce costs?

Mona Nikidehaghani , University of Wollongong

The budget couldn’t include every ‘good idea’ but not boosting JobSeeker and the Youth Allowance were obvious misses

Cassandra Goldie , UNSW Sydney

Funding might change, but Job-ready Graduates stays for now. What does the budget fine print say about higher education?

Gwilym Croucher , The University of Melbourne

The budget is full of good news, but good news isn’t the same as good management

Kate Griffiths , Grattan Institute

Why is the government proposing caps on international students and how did we get here?

Christopher Ziguras , The University of Melbourne

For a ‘future made in Australia’, we need more innovation and diverse people in science and tech

Kylie Walker , Australian National University

Cheaper medicines and a new approach for mental health care. Will the budget make us healthier?

Peter Breadon , Grattan Institute and Anika Stobart , Grattan Institute

Green industry yes, conservation no: a budget for people, not for nature

Timothy Neal , UNSW Sydney

At a glance: the 2024 federal budget split four ways

Matt Garrow , The Conversation and Erin Cooper-Douglas , The Conversation

View from The Hill: What the Reserve Bank thinks of Chalmers’ budget will be nearly as important as the voters’ opinion

Michelle Grattan , University of Canberra

Budget 2024: Chalmers fights inflation, will it be enough for a rate cut?

John Hawkins , University of Canberra

Relief on energy bills for all in a federal budget that bets on lower inflation

Chalmers is bitten by the giveaway bug in a budget that contains good news for almost everyone

Stephen Bartos , University of Canberra

Scrapping the waste export levy threatens Australia’s emerging lithium battery recycling industry

Yasir Arafat , Edith Cowan University and Daryoush Habibi , Edith Cowan University

Jim Chalmers’ third budget will have a surplus of $9.3 billion for this financial year

It’s so hard to see a doctor right now. What are my options?

Anthony Scott , Monash University

What does the new Commonwealth Prac Payment mean for students? Will it do enough to end ‘placement poverty’?

Deanna Grant-Smith , University of the Sunshine Coast and Paula McDonald , Queensland University of Technology

The good news is the government plans to cancel $3 billion in student debt. The bad news is indexation will still be high

Andrew Norton , Australian National University

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Investors / Regulators

EU Issues New Rules for Funds Using “ESG” or “Sustainability” Names to Address Greenwashing Risk

EU markets regulator the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) announced today the release of its finalized guidelines for the use of ESG and sustainability-related terms in investment fund names, including investment thresholds required for sustainable investment funds, and the establishment of a transition category for investments that are not yet green, but are on a positive trajectory towards achieving environmental sustainability goals.

According to ESMA, the new guidelines were established as investor demand for ESG-focused funds has increased sharply, creating incentives for asset managers to include sustainability-related terms in fund names to attract investors, leading to an increased risk of greenwashing. In a  recent study released by ESMA , the regulator found that there has been a sharp increase in the use of sustainability-related terms in fund names in Europe over the past several years, with the proportion of funds using ESG terms up more than 4x in 10 years, as fund managers launched new ESG-related products, and changed the names of funds to incorporate sustainability-related terms. The study also found a preference by fund providers for more generic ESG terms, which could make it difficult for investors to verify that investments align with the funds’ names.

ESMA’s finalized guidelines follow the launch by the regulator of a consultation on proposed guidance in November 2022. In the initial proposal, ESMA introduced a threshold of the minimum proportion of investments required to support an ESG-related fund name, including an 80% threshold for the use of ESG-related words, and a 50% threshold for the use of “sustainable” or any sustainability-related term. It also recommended exclusion criteria for such funds based on the EU’s rules for Paris Aligned Benchmarks (PABs), which fossil fuel companies and electricity producers with high GHG emissions.

The inclusion of different thresholds for ESG and for sustainability-related terms was met by criticism from investor groups, who suggested that the system may cause confusion for investors who often do not distinguish between the terms. The feedback also reflected demand for transition-related terms to promote investment strategies aimed at fostering a path to a greener economy.

In the finalized guidelines, ESMA removed the 50% sustainability-related threshold, while retaining a requirement for an 80% minimum proportion of investments used to meet the sustainability characteristics of funds using the term “sustainable,” and introducing a commitment to meaningfully invest in sustainable investments.

ESMA’s final guidelines also include a transition category, which includes terms such as “improving,” “progress,” “evolution,” and “transformation.” The transition category also includes an 80% investment threshold, while applying exclusions from the EU’s rules for Climate Transition Benchmarks (CTBs), instead of PABs, in order to enable investment in companies deriving part of their revenues from fossil fuels.

The new guidelines will begin applying three months after publication in all EUB languages on the ESMA website.

Click here to access the new guidelines.

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Meet MAI-1: Microsoft Readies New AI Model to Compete With Google, OpenAI

For the first time since it invested more than $10 billion into OpenAI in exchange for the rights to reuse the startup’s AI models, Microsoft is training a new, in-house AI model large enough to compete with state-of-the-art models from Google , Anthropic and OpenAI itself.

The new model, internally referred to as MAI-1 , is being overseen by Mustafa Suleyman , the ex-Google AI leader who most recently served as CEO of the AI startup Inflection before Microsoft hired the majority of the startup’s staff and paid $650 million for the rights to its intellectual property in March. But this is a Microsoft model, not one carried over from Inflection, although it may build on training data and other tech from the startup. It is separate from the models that Inflection previously released, according to two Microsoft employees with knowledge of the effort.

MAI-1 will be far larger than any of the smaller, open source models that Microsoft has previously trained , meaning it will require more computing power and training data and will therefore be more expensive, according to the people. MAI-1 will have roughly 500 billion parameters, or settings that can be adjusted to determine what models learn during training. By comparison, OpenAI’s GPT-4 has more than 1 trillion parameters, while smaller open source models released by firms like Meta Platforms and Mistral have 70 billion parameters.

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Three ways to close the finance skills gap in UK accounting practices

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• Training & CPD

What is an accountant?

According to ChatGPT, they are the following:

“[Accountants are] highly detail-oriented and analytical professionals, adept at managing financial records with precision and integrity.

  They possess robust problem-solving skills and are proficient in adapting to new technologies and regulatory changes to provide accurate financial reporting and strategic advice.

  Additionally, they are effective communicators, able to explain complex financial concepts clearly to stakeholders across various backgrounds.”

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Csr how the renewed commitment to esg in accountancy and finance is changing the finance recruitment landscape, people in business the ingredients for building the ideal modern finance and accounting team, skills almost half of accountants believe accountancy is viewed as a stuffy, dull profession, skills hurst launches leadership development program.

And yet, in reality, the role of the accountant has stretched beyond belief.

Amidst a shifting terrain of rapid technological advancements, stagnant economies, and evolving regulatory frameworks, a significant skills gap has emerged, posing challenges for accounting practices and corporate finance departments alike.

This deficit in specialised expertise threatens to undermine operational efficiencies and hinder strategic growth objectives. As a result, the demand for professionals proficient in areas such as data analytics, advanced financial modelling, and sustainability accounting has skyrocketed.

These emerging skill sets are now a must-have for organisations seeking to gain a competitive edge through data-driven decision-making, robust financial projections, and comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting.

“Just as accountancy firms are forward-thinking in their work processes and use of technologies, recruitment professionals also need to have a forward-thinking approach, and consider what skills the accountants of the future will need to excel in their day-to-day roles,” says Philip Edwards, Finance Director for MHR.

To bridge this widening skills chasm, UK accounting firms should consider adopting a multi-faceted approach that addresses both immediate staffing needs and long-term talent development strategies.

Here are three crucial steps to consider:

1. Strategic Education Partnerships

Forging strategic alliances with universities and professional training bodies is a great way to tailor educational programs that align with the industry’s evolving demands.

By collaborating closely with academic institutions, accounting firms can play an active role in shaping curricula, ensuring that graduates and upskilled professionals acquire the specific competencies required to thrive in modern finance roles.

Such partnerships facilitate a steady pipeline of job-ready candidates and foster a culture of continuous learning within the profession.

2. Upskilling Existing Talent

While attracting new talent is crucial, investing in the upskilling of existing professionals is equally vital. Accounting firms should prioritise implementing robust in-house training programs that empower employees to enhance their skills continuously.

These programs could encompass a range of modalities, including classroom-based instruction, online courses, mentorship programs, and hands-on practical exercises.

“Learning and development plays a crucial role in this to upskill existing talent, which can have secondary benefits through improving employee morale and boosting retention,” says Edwards.

Additionally, firms should actively encourage and support their employees’ pursuit of continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities.

By fostering an environment that values lifelong learning, organisations can cultivate a workforce that remains agile and adaptable, equipped to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.

3. Leveraging Technology

As the finance industry grapples with skills shortages, the strategic integration of advanced technologies can serve as a force multiplier, enhancing productivity and compensating for talent gaps.

AI and machine learning tools have the potential to automate routine tasks, freeing up human resources to focus on higher-value activities that demand critical thinking and strategic decision-making.

“The proliferation of AI and technology have been a game-changer for the accounting industry, with growing volumes of increasingly sophisticated data creating opportunities for even more in-depth analysis,” says Edwards.

“However, the full potential of these advancements can only be unlocked by employees with the correct skill sets.”

Moreover, these technologies can augment human capabilities by streamlining complex financial analyses, identifying patterns and insights from vast data sets, and optimising forecasting models.

By embracing these technological innovations, accounting firms can not only alleviate immediate staffing pressures but also position themselves as industry leaders in the digital transformation of finance.

Ensuring you have the best people

The finance skills gap poses a formidable challenge for UK accounting practices, but one that can be effectively addressed through a combination of strategic initiatives.

By fostering collaborations with educational institutions, investing in comprehensive upskilling programs, and judiciously leveraging cutting-edge technologies, firms can cultivate a future-ready workforce equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape.

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