We invite young academics to submit papers or essays on the future of a sustainable and inclusive financial sector.
The global financial sector continues to undergo rapid evolution 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 in the short-term there is a need to support the economic recovery from the pandemic.
We invite young academics to submit papers or essays addressing one of the following topics:
- The future of finance, or what will financial centers look like in 2030
- How the financial sector can contribute to a sustainable economic recovery from the current pandemic
- Innovations in sustainable finance and their impact on the financial industry
- How financial centers can promote inclusive finance
- New ways of successfully financing small and medium-sized enterprises
We will also consider papers on topics not mentioned above, but relevant to the work of international financial centers.
The top three finalists will have the unique opportunity to present their research at WAIFC’s Annual General Meeting to be held in Casablanca, Morocco in October 2022. Our Chair will announce the winner of the best paper and award a prize of €3,000. The runners-up will be awarded prizes of €2,000 (2nd place) and €1,000 (3rd place).
Who can enter?
We invite young academics from around the world to make a submission. WAIFC is a global organization, and we aim to make this a global competition. The Award is open to all countries, including non-WAIFC member countries. As our focus is on finance, we particularly encourage submissions from Ph.D. students in finance, economics, mathematics, computer science, or other similar fields to participate. We are, however, seeking new ideas, so a background in any field of study is welcome as long as your paper or essay relates to finance and meets our submission criteria. Submissions are welcome from those in universities, research institutes, think tanks, and other similar institutions.
Multiple authors can contribute to a paper or essay, but as we are seeking ideas from bright young minds, at least one author must be under the age of 35 as of 15 June 2022.
How will the winners be selected?
We will assess the papers against the following criteria: (1) novelty, (2) topicality, (3) innovative thinking, (4) scientific merit, (5) relevance for financial centers, and (6) practical applicability.
How to apply?
Applications to submit your paper or essay may be made no later than 15 May 2022 via our submission form. Your final paper or essay must be submitted no later than 15 June 2022.
Full details on who can enter, how to enter, assessment criteria, etc. are detailed within our Award Handbook. If you have any further questions, please email award@waifc.finance.
We look forward to receiving your submissions and hopefully meeting you in Casablanca later this year.
About the WAIFC
The World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) is a non-profit association registered in Belgium, representing 21 leading international financial centers across four continents. WAIFC members are governments agencies, associations, and similar institutions developing and promoting their financial centers. WAIFC facilitates cooperation between its members, exchanging best practices and communication with the general public.