WAIFC Young Academic Award 2026

Topics address the most pressing forces transforming the financial system, including the transition to net zero and sustainable economic models, the rise of artificial intelligence, digital assets, and next- generation market infrastructure, the need for more inclusive and impact-driven finance, the development of future-ready financial talent, and the growing importance of geopolitical resilience and cross-border cooperation among IFCs. Submissions should ideally combine academic rigor with
practical insights, offering actionable recommendations that can inform policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and IFCs worldwide.

We invite young academics to submit papers or essays addressing one of the following topics:

1. Climate and Sustainability Finance
   1.1. The role of international financial centers in financing the net-zero transition
   1.2. The role of international financial centers in financing the circular economy.
   1.3. The role of the financial sector in fostering a sustainable blue (maritime) economy and
   creating biodiversity solutions.
   1.4. The role of international financial centers in global sustainability reporting interoperability
   connecting ISSB, ESRS, GRI, and taxonomies. 
                                    
2. Social Impact and Inclusion
   2.1. How international financial centers can foster diversity and inclusion in the financial
   industry.
   2.2. The role of international financial institutions in designing financial products and due
   diligence methods to promote the growth of social enterprises and social finance. 
   
   
3. Digital Finance and Technology
   3.1. The impact of agentic artificial intelligence on the financial sector.
   3.2. The impact of quantum computing on the financial sector.
   3.3. How can IFCs lead in establishing global tokenized capital markets and competitive
   regulatory ecosystems to develop digital assets and tokenization of real-world assets?
   3.4. How will new forms of digital money, such as Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and
   stablecoins, transform payments and banking?
   3.5. The role of the financial sector in better protecting consumers from fraud.
   
   
4. Talent and Skills for the Future
   4.1. How international financial centers can support talent development and re-skilling.
   4.2. How the financial sector can remain an attractive employer for young talent.