UIUC Finance Seminar Series

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Finance Seminar Series is a prominent platform for showcasing cutting-edge research and fostering intellectual exchange within the finance community. Organized primarily by the Department of Finance within the Gies College of Business, the series regularly hosts leading academics, industry professionals, and policymakers to present their latest work and engage in insightful discussions.

The seminar series operates on a regular schedule, typically featuring presentations on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the academic year. Speakers are carefully selected based on the quality and relevance of their research to current topics in finance. The selection process often involves a review by faculty members who are experts in the specific areas being covered.

Presentations cover a wide spectrum of finance topics, including but not limited to:

• Asset Pricing: Exploring models and empirical evidence related to the pricing of financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives. This can include discussions on market efficiency, behavioral finance, and risk management.
• Corporate Finance: Examining the financial decisions of corporations, including investment strategies, capital structure, dividend policy, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Financial Institutions: Focusing on the role and behavior of financial intermediaries, such as banks, insurance companies, and investment funds. Topics may include regulation, risk-taking, and the impact on the broader economy.
• Market Microstructure: Analyzing the intricacies of financial markets, including trading mechanisms, order flow, price formation, and the role of market participants.
• Behavioral Finance: Investigating the psychological factors that influence investor behavior and market outcomes, challenging traditional assumptions of rationality.
• FinTech: Exploring the intersection of finance and technology, including topics such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, algorithmic trading, and the impact of technological innovation on the financial industry.

The UIUC Finance Seminar Series plays a crucial role in advancing the field of finance by:

• Disseminating New Knowledge: Providing a forum for researchers to share their latest findings and receive feedback from peers.
• Stimulating Research: Inspiring new research directions and collaborations among faculty, students, and visiting scholars.
• Enhancing Graduate Education: Exposing PhD students to a wide range of research topics and methodologies, preparing them for careers in academia and industry.
• Connecting with the Industry: Bridging the gap between academic research and real-world practice by inviting industry professionals to participate and share their perspectives.

The seminars are generally open to all interested members of the UIUC community, including faculty, students, and staff. Guest visitors are often welcome as well. The presentations typically include a Q&A session, providing ample opportunity for attendees to engage with the speaker and delve deeper into the research. The seminar series contributes significantly to the vibrant intellectual climate within the Gies College of Business and the broader university, solidifying UIUC's reputation as a leading center for finance research and education.