We welcome papers from the following sub themes / areas:
- Artificial Intelligence, Analytics and Intelligent Finance
This theme explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics in financial analysis, forecasting, and decision-making. We invite papers on generative AI in finance, machine learning, predictive analytics, algorithmic trading, robo-advisory, AI-enabled valuation and forecasting, intelligent financial models, and emerging applications of AI in financial decision-making.
- FinTech, Digital Banking and Financial Innovation
This theme explores how financial technologies and digital business models are reshaping the delivery and accessibility of financial services. We invite papers on FinTech platforms, digital and neo-banking, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, cryptocurrencies and digital assets, CBDCs, peer-to-peer lending, digital payments, embedded finance, open banking, and emerging financial technologies.
- Responsible AI, Cyber Risk, Data Governance and Financial Regulation
This theme examines the governance, ethical, security, and regulatory challenges arising from the increasing digitalisation and use of AI in financial systems. We invite papers on responsible and explainable AI, algorithmic bias, AI ethics, data privacy and governance, cybersecurity, digital financial fraud, model risk, RegTech, SupTech, and evolving regulatory frameworks for AI-enabled finance.
- Banking, Credit and Financial Sector Transformation
This theme explores the changing structure, performance, and intermediation role of banks and other financial institutions. We invite papers on banking performance and efficiency, credit growth and allocation, asset quality and NPAs, credit risk assessment, bank competition and consolidation, NBFCs, priority-sector lending, financial stability, and structural changes in the banking and financial sector.
- Capital Markets, Derivatives and Structured Products
This theme explores the dynamics, efficiency, and evolving structure of capital and derivatives markets. We invite papers on stock-market behaviour, market volatility and liquidity, price discovery, market microstructure, futures and options, commodity derivatives, structured products, hedging, speculation and arbitrage, trading mechanisms, and innovations in securities markets.
- Investment, Mutual Funds and Portfolio Management
This theme focuses on investment choices, asset allocation, and the performance of professionally and individually managed portfolios. We invite papers on mutual funds, ETFs, portfolio construction and optimisation, asset allocation, investment strategies, performance evaluation, alternative investments, wealth management, institutional investors, and risk-adjusted investment performance.
- Behavioural Finance and Investor Decision-Making
This theme examines how psychological, cognitive, and social factors influence financial and investment decisions. We invite papers on behavioural biases, investor sentiment, risk perception, financial heuristics, herding behaviour, overconfidence, loss aversion, retail investor behaviour, social-media influences, financial influencers, and behavioural interventions in financial decision-making.
- Risk Management, Insurance and Financial Resilience
This theme explores approaches to identifying, assessing, and managing financial and non-financial risks while strengthening the resilience of institutions and businesses. We invite papers on enterprise risk management, market and liquidity risk, operational risk, insurance and reinsurance, InsurTech, catastrophe and emerging risks, risk modelling, business continuity, and financial resilience.
- Corporate Finance, Governance and Value Creation
This theme examines financial decisions and governance mechanisms that influence firm value and long-term corporate performance. We invite papers on capital structure, cost of capital, dividend and payout policy, mergers and acquisitions, corporate valuation, ownership structures, board effectiveness, agency issues, corporate governance practices, and their implications for firm value and shareholder wealth.
- Sustainable Finance, ESG and Climate Finance
This theme explores the role of finance in supporting sustainable development and responding to environmental and climate-related challenges. We invite papers on ESG investing, green and transition finance, climate finance, green bonds, carbon markets, sustainable investment, climate-related financial risks, impact investing, responsible investment, and financing the transition towards low-carbon economies.
- Accounting, Financial Reporting and Assurance
This theme examines developments in accounting, disclosure, reporting, and assurance and their implications for the quality and credibility of financial information. We invite papers on financial reporting quality, accounting standards, earnings management, corporate disclosures, sustainability reporting and BRSR, integrated reporting, auditing and assurance, forensic accounting, and emerging developments in accounting practice.
- Financial Inclusion, Literacy and Consumer Finance
This theme explores how access, usage, knowledge, and consumer behaviour shape participation in formal financial systems and individual financial well-being. We invite papers on financial inclusion, financial literacy and capability, digital financial inclusion, household finance, consumer credit, micro finance, financial well-being, gender and finance, rural finance, access-to-usage gaps, and consumer protection in financial services.
- Entrepreneurial Finance, Start-ups and Family Businesses
This theme explores financing decisions and financial challenges across entrepreneurial ventures, start-ups, MSMEs, and family-owned businesses. We invite papers on venture capital, private equity, angel investment, start-up valuation and financing, crowdfunding, MSME finance, entrepreneurial funding constraints, family-business finance, succession planning, ownership transitions, and financing innovation and growth.
- International Finance, Geopolitics and Global Markets
This theme examines financial decisions and market developments in an increasingly interconnected and geopolitically uncertain global environment. We invite papers on international capital flows, foreign exchange markets, exchange-rate risk, cross-border investment, international financial integration, global financial crises, geopolitical risk, trade and financial linkages, sovereign risk, and emerging-market finance.
- Customer Analytics, Brand Value and Financial Performance
This theme explores the financial implications of customer- and market-related strategies and the contribution of marketing assets to business value. We invite papers on customer lifetime value, customer profitability, brand valuation and brand equity, marketing expenditure and firm value, pricing and profitability, customer analytics, marketing return on investment, customer retention, and the financial impact of market-based assets.
- Human Capital, HR Analytics and Financial Performance
This theme examines how human-capital decisions and workforce practices influence organisational costs, productivity, and financial outcomes. We invite papers on human-capital investment, HR analytics, employee productivity, compensation and financial performance, executive compensation, workforce costs, human-capital disclosure, employee retention and turnover costs, diversity and firm performance, and the financial value of human capital.
- Strategy, Operations and Financial Value Creation
This theme explores how strategic and operational decisions translate into financial efficiency, competitiveness, and enterprise value. We invite papers on operational efficiency and profitability, cost optimisation, working-capital efficiency, supply-chain finance, capacity and capital investment decisions, productivity, strategic resource allocation, business-model transformation, operational performance metrics, and the financial outcomes of strategic decisions.
- Macroeconomics, Public Policy and Financial Markets
This theme examines the interaction between macroeconomic conditions, public policy, and the functioning and performance of financial markets. We invite papers on monetary and fiscal policy, inflation and interest rates, economic growth and financial markets, public debt, central banking, macro-financial linkages, policy uncertainty, economic shocks, fiscal sustainability, and the transmission of economic policy to financial markets.
