Dr. Lei Xu | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lei Xu | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

University of South Australia Business School, Australia

Author Profile

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Lei Xu’s academic path is marked by a clear vision and deep intellectual curiosity in the financial domain. He embarked on his scholarly journey at the University of South Australia, where he earned a Ph.D. in Finance in 2009. During these formative years, Dr. Xu cultivated a strong foundation in both the theoretical frameworks and empirical methodologies essential for rigorous financial research. His doctoral work laid the groundwork for future inquiries into financial systems, banking reforms, and the emerging dynamics of FinTech. His commitment to finance as both an academic and applied discipline became evident early on, positioning him for an impactful academic career. Even during his doctoral studies, his work reflected an awareness of real-world financial challenges and a forward-looking perspective that would characterize his later contributions.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Following the successful completion of his doctorate, Dr. Xu remained within the University of South Australia ecosystem, transitioning from student to faculty—a testament to his value within the institution. In 2017, he was appointed as a Senior Lecturer in Finance (Teaching & Research) at UniSA Business. In this dual capacity, Dr. Xu has demonstrated excellence in both pedagogy and scholarly inquiry. His teaching is known for blending conceptual clarity with industry relevance, ensuring that students not only understand financial theories but also appreciate their practical implications. Beyond the classroom, he has engaged in academic governance, curriculum development, and student mentorship, becoming a trusted and respected academic leader. His presence at UniSA enhances the university’s reputation in business education, especially in finance.

📊 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xu’s research is situated at the intersection of banking, financial markets, financial reforms, green finance, and FinTech—areas of growing global importance. His scholarly efforts reflect a strong alignment with contemporary financial trends and societal needs. His work on green finance, for example, explores how financial instruments and markets can be leveraged to support sustainable development and combat climate change. This research is not only academically valuable but also socially consequential. In the realm of FinTech, Dr. Xu has examined how technological innovation is disrupting traditional banking structures and offering new models of financial inclusion and efficiency. His studies in banking and market reforms reveal a keen interest in regulatory transformations and institutional resilience. Collectively, these areas of inquiry signal a research agenda that is both versatile and responsive to the evolving financial landscape.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

While Dr. Xu may not trumpet his achievements, his steady rise within academia and sustained publication record reflect the esteem he commands among peers. As a Senior Lecturer, his role entails high expectations in research, teaching, and service, and his continued appointment signals his success in meeting and exceeding those expectations. His involvement in peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and collaborative research projects underscore his active engagement with the academic community. Furthermore, his role within UniSA positions him as a thought leader in finance education, where he is trusted to shape future curricula and guide institutional strategy in business teaching and research.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Xu’s influence extends beyond the university classroom. His research themes resonate with both academic and practitioner audiences, particularly in regions undergoing financial transformation or grappling with the integration of environmental and digital priorities in finance. His scholarship has the potential to inform policy decisions and influence industry practices, especially in sectors like sustainable finance and technological innovation in banking. Additionally, through his role at UniSA, he plays a crucial part in shaping the next generation of finance professionals. By equipping students with both critical thinking skills and a sense of global responsibility, Dr. Xu helps bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world financial impact.

📚 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Lei Xu is well-positioned to expand his influence in academia and beyond. As financial ecosystems worldwide continue to evolve, particularly under the pressures of climate change, digitization, and economic inequality, the relevance of his research will only grow. His continued focus on green finance and FinTech ensures that his work remains at the cutting edge of innovation and social impact. He may also emerge as a stronger voice in global financial policy discussions, contributing thought leadership that transcends traditional academic boundaries. His dedication to scholarly excellence and student development leaves a legacy not just of knowledge, but of purpose and progress

Dr. Waqas Hanif | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Waqas Hanif | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Rabat Business School, International University of Rabat, Morocco

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Waqas Hanif’s academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in finance and a passion for research. He earned his MBA in Finance from PMAS-AAU, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in 2008, demonstrating an early interest in financial management and investment strategies. Furthering his academic excellence, he pursued an MS in Finance from MAJU, Islamabad Campus, Pakistan, in 2012. His dedication to finance research led him to IQRA University, Islamabad Campus, where he successfully completed his Ph.D. in Finance in 2018. His academic journey continued with a postdoctoral research position at the University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Portugal, in 2022-2023, where he expanded his expertise in financial markets and sustainability.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Hanif’s professional career reflects his deep engagement in academia and research. Currently, he serves as a faculty member at Rabat Business School (AACSB accredited and ranked among the top business schools by the Financial Times), International University of Rabat, Morocco. His role involves mentoring students, conducting high-impact research, and contributing to the global academic discourse on finance. With a multidisciplinary approach, he bridges theoretical insights with practical financial applications, focusing on financial risk, sustainable investments, and emerging financial technologies. His affiliations with reputable institutions and contributions to academia highlight his dedication to advancing financial research and education.

Contributions and Research Focus 📈

Dr. Hanif’s research interests lie in volatility modeling, energy economics, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, sustainable markets, climate risk, green finance, cryptocurrency, fintech, and risk management. His scholarly work is published in leading ABS-3 ranked journals, indicating the high quality and impact of his research. He has explored topics such as the interaction of GCC stock markets with U.S. and European debt markets, demonstrating his ability to analyze financial interdependencies in a globalized economy. His research continues to shape discussions on financial risk and sustainable investment strategies.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Hanif has earned significant recognition for his contributions to finance and sustainability research. His work is indexed in prestigious databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, underscoring his academic influence. His forthcoming publications in top-tier journals further cement his reputation as a leading researcher in finance. The recognition of his research contributions reflects his dedication to advancing knowledge in financial markets, green finance, and risk assessment.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Through his research and academic endeavors, Dr. Hanif has made a profound impact on the fields of finance and sustainability. His investigations into financial market volatility and ESG integration provide valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and financial institutions. His interdisciplinary approach ensures that his research remains relevant in an era where financial markets are increasingly influenced by environmental and technological changes. As a mentor and educator, he inspires students and young researchers to pursue rigorous financial research that contributes to economic and social well-being.

Legacy and Future Contributions ✨

Dr. Hanif’s legacy in financial research is built on his commitment to academic excellence and innovation. His work in ESG and green finance has the potential to influence sustainable investment strategies globally. Moving forward, he aims to expand his research in fintech and cryptocurrency, addressing emerging challenges in digital finance. His role as an educator ensures that he will continue to shape the next generation of financial experts. With a strong academic and research background, Dr. Hanif is poised to make further groundbreaking contributions to the evolving landscape of finance and sustainability.

📝Notable Publications

Nonlinear dependence and connectedness between clean/renewable energy sector equity and European emission allowance prices

Authors: W. Hanif, J.A. Hernandez, W. Mensi, S.H. Kang, G.S. Uddin, S.M. Yoon
Journal: Energy Economics
Year: 2021

 Impacts of COVID-19 outbreak on the spillovers between US and Chinese stock sectors

Authors: W. Hanif, W. Mensi, X.V. Vo
Journal: Finance Research Letters
Year: 2021

 Institutional quality and the relationship between inflation and economic growth

Authors: M. Khan, W. Hanif
Journal: Empirical Economics
Year: 2020

The influence of financial reporting quality and audit quality on investment efficiency: Evidence from Pakistan

Authors: F. Shahzad, I.U. Rehman, W. Hanif, G.A. Asim, M.H. Baig
Journal: International Journal of Accounting & Information Management
Year: 2019

 Impacts of COVID-19 on dynamic return and volatility spillovers between rare earth metals and renewable energy stock markets

Authors: W. Hanif, W. Mensi, M. Gubareva, T. Teplova
Journal: Resources Policy
Year: 2023