Dr. Waqas Hanif | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Rabat Business School, International University of Rabat, Morocco

Profile

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

Early Academic Pursuits

Benson Chizubem's academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Geology from Anambra State University in Nigeria. Following this, he pursued a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Oil, Gas, and Energy Engineering at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus. Building upon his master's degree, he completed a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Occupational Safety and Health at the European University Cyprus.

Professional Endeavors

Chizubem's professional career spans various roles and industries, showcasing a diverse skill set. Notably, he served as a Research Associate at the Center of Excellence in Risk & Decision Sciences (CERIDES), European University Cyprus, from 2017 to 2021. During this period, he contributed to several projects focusing on safety and risk analysis, occupational health hazards in the oil and gas sector, safety climate factors, and the impact of weak signals on digitalized risk analysis.

Additionally, Chizubem gained hands-on experience in the oil and gas industry, working as a Core Sampling Engineer at Niger Blossom Drilling Company Limited and as a Roustabout at Omega Maritime & Energy Nig. Limited. These roles involved tasks such as analyzing core samples for oil exploration and ensuring safety protocols on drilling decks.

Contributions and Research Focus

Chizubem's research has significantly contributed to the field of occupational safety and health, particularly in the oil and gas industry. His projects have explored diverse topics, including safety in digitalized process operations, occupational health hazards, safety climate factors, and the impact of psychological factors on employee engagement and safety behavior. These research endeavors have resulted in several publications in reputable journals, showcasing the depth and breadth of his contributions.

Accolades and Recognition

Chizubem received prestigious scholarship awards for both his Master's and Ph.D. programs, demonstrating recognition of his academic excellence and potential contributions to the field. His involvement as a speaker at the 2nd Annual Symposium Nicosia Risk Forum further highlights his acknowledgment within the academic and professional community.

Impact and Influence

Through his research and projects, Chizubem has contributed valuable insights that can enhance safety measures in high-profile industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector. His work on identifying early warning signals and assessing safety compliance factors demonstrates a commitment to proactive risk management and accident prevention.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Chizubem's legacy lies in his commitment to improving organizational objectives related to worker safety and well-being. His multidisciplinary skills, including qualitative and quantitative research, data management, and project management, position him as a valuable contributor to future advancements in occupational safety. As he continues his journey, it is anticipated that his research will leave a lasting impact on safety practices, shaping the future of risk management in industrial settings.