The global financial sector continues to evolve rapidly with new technologies enabling the digitization of money, innovative trends involving artificial intelligence and DLT, and a greater focus on financing SMEs and financial inclusion. We see a long-term transition toward a sustainable financial industry, while there is a need to support the economic recovery from the pandemic in the short term.
We invite young academics to submit papers or essays addressing one of the following topics:
- The role of international financial centers in promoting collaboration and channeling climate change finance.
- How financial centers can support harmonizing and proliferating sustainable reporting standards.
- The role of IFCs in financing the circular economy.
- The role of the financial sector in fostering a sustainable blue (maritime) economy.
- The role of the financial sector in designing products/services and due diligence practices to specifically foster social enterprises.
- How financial centers can foster gender equity in the financial industry.
- The impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on the financial sector.
- The impact of Quantum Computing on the financial sector.
- The role digital and tokenized assets will play in the coming years.
- How the financial sector can better protect consumers from fraud.
- How financial centers can support talent development and re-skilling, particularly regarding sustainability and financial technology.
- How the financial sector can remain an attractive employer for young talent.
- The role IFCs should play in facilitating the significant transfer of wealth between generations in the coming years.
Resources
The WAIFC Young Academic Award 2025 winners were unveiled in a grand ceremony held during WAIFC's Annual General Meeting 2025, in Frankfurt, organized by Frankfurt Main Finance. The event was a culmination of hard work, dedication, and exceptional research skills showcased by young academics from around the world.
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the WAIFC YAA Award 2025:
Vivi Yuwei Liao - First place
Wilson Tsz Shing Wan - Second place
Each of these winners has demonstrated exceptional research skills, contributing papers of the highest quality. Their work stood out among numerous submissions, showcasing their dedication and expertise in their respective fields.
The WAIFC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Vivi, Wilson, and Prakriti for their outstanding achievements. We are proud to have such talented individuals as part of our YAA winners, and we look forward to seeing the impact of their work in the years to come.
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing exclusive interviews with the winners, delving into their research, their journey, and their future aspirations. Please follow us to gain insights into the minds of these brilliant young academics.
We would like to thank our Jury for their remarkable work.
Once again, congratulations to the winners of the WAIFC YAA Award 2025. Your hard work has set a high standard for future participants.