Grad Coach

Research Topics & Ideas: Finance

120+ Finance Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring potential research topics for your finance-related dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of finance-centric research topics and ideas.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Finance Research Topics

  • Corporate finance topics
  • Investment banking topics
  • Private equity & VC
  • Asset management
  • Hedge funds
  • Financial planning & advisory
  • Quantitative finance
  • Treasury management
  • Financial technology (FinTech)
  • Commercial banking
  • International finance

Research topic idea mega list

Corporate Finance

These research topic ideas explore a breadth of issues ranging from the examination of capital structure to the exploration of financial strategies in mergers and acquisitions.

  • Evaluating the impact of capital structure on firm performance across different industries
  • Assessing the effectiveness of financial management practices in emerging markets
  • A comparative analysis of the cost of capital and financial structure in multinational corporations across different regulatory environments
  • Examining how integrating sustainability and CSR initiatives affect a corporation’s financial performance and brand reputation
  • Analysing how rigorous financial analysis informs strategic decisions and contributes to corporate growth
  • Examining the relationship between corporate governance structures and financial performance
  • A comparative analysis of financing strategies among mergers and acquisitions
  • Evaluating the importance of financial transparency and its impact on investor relations and trust
  • Investigating the role of financial flexibility in strategic investment decisions during economic downturns
  • Investigating how different dividend policies affect shareholder value and the firm’s financial performance

Investment Banking

The list below presents a series of research topics exploring the multifaceted dimensions of investment banking, with a particular focus on its evolution following the 2008 financial crisis.

  • Analysing the evolution and impact of regulatory frameworks in investment banking post-2008 financial crisis
  • Investigating the challenges and opportunities associated with cross-border M&As facilitated by investment banks.
  • Evaluating the role of investment banks in facilitating mergers and acquisitions in emerging markets
  • Analysing the transformation brought about by digital technologies in the delivery of investment banking services and its effects on efficiency and client satisfaction.
  • Evaluating the role of investment banks in promoting sustainable finance and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions.
  • Assessing the impact of technology on the efficiency and effectiveness of investment banking services
  • Examining the effectiveness of investment banks in pricing and marketing IPOs, and the subsequent performance of these IPOs in the stock market.
  • A comparative analysis of different risk management strategies employed by investment banks
  • Examining the relationship between investment banking fees and corporate performance
  • A comparative analysis of competitive strategies employed by leading investment banks and their impact on market share and profitability

Private Equity & Venture Capital (VC)

These research topic ideas are centred on venture capital and private equity investments, with a focus on their impact on technological startups, emerging technologies, and broader economic ecosystems.

  • Investigating the determinants of successful venture capital investments in tech startups
  • Analysing the trends and outcomes of venture capital funding in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, or clean energy
  • Assessing the performance and return on investment of different exit strategies employed by venture capital firms
  • Assessing the impact of private equity investments on the financial performance of SMEs
  • Analysing the role of venture capital in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Evaluating the exit strategies of private equity firms: A comparative analysis
  • Exploring the ethical considerations in private equity and venture capital financing
  • Investigating how private equity ownership influences operational efficiency and overall business performance
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of corporate governance structures in companies backed by private equity investments
  • Examining how the regulatory environment in different regions affects the operations, investments and performance of private equity and venture capital firms

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Asset Management

This list includes a range of research topic ideas focused on asset management, probing into the effectiveness of various strategies, the integration of technology, and the alignment with ethical principles among other key dimensions.

  • Analysing the effectiveness of different asset allocation strategies in diverse economic environments
  • Analysing the methodologies and effectiveness of performance attribution in asset management firms
  • Assessing the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria on fund performance
  • Examining the role of robo-advisors in modern asset management
  • Evaluating how advancements in technology are reshaping portfolio management strategies within asset management firms
  • Evaluating the performance persistence of mutual funds and hedge funds
  • Investigating the long-term performance of portfolios managed with ethical or socially responsible investing principles
  • Investigating the behavioural biases in individual and institutional investment decisions
  • Examining the asset allocation strategies employed by pension funds and their impact on long-term fund performance
  • Assessing the operational efficiency of asset management firms and its correlation with fund performance

Hedge Funds

Here we explore research topics related to hedge fund operations and strategies, including their implications on corporate governance, financial market stability, and regulatory compliance among other critical facets.

  • Assessing the impact of hedge fund activism on corporate governance and financial performance
  • Analysing the effectiveness and implications of market-neutral strategies employed by hedge funds
  • Investigating how different fee structures impact the performance and investor attraction to hedge funds
  • Evaluating the contribution of hedge funds to financial market liquidity and the implications for market stability
  • Analysing the risk-return profile of hedge fund strategies during financial crises
  • Evaluating the influence of regulatory changes on hedge fund operations and performance
  • Examining the level of transparency and disclosure practices in the hedge fund industry and its impact on investor trust and regulatory compliance
  • Assessing the contribution of hedge funds to systemic risk in financial markets, and the effectiveness of regulatory measures in mitigating such risks
  • Examining the role of hedge funds in financial market stability
  • Investigating the determinants of hedge fund success: A comparative analysis

Financial Planning and Advisory

This list explores various research topic ideas related to financial planning, focusing on the effects of financial literacy, the adoption of digital tools, taxation policies, and the role of financial advisors.

  • Evaluating the impact of financial literacy on individual financial planning effectiveness
  • Analysing how different taxation policies influence financial planning strategies among individuals and businesses
  • Evaluating the effectiveness and user adoption of digital tools in modern financial planning practices
  • Investigating the adequacy of long-term financial planning strategies in ensuring retirement security
  • Assessing the role of financial education in shaping financial planning behaviour among different demographic groups
  • Examining the impact of psychological biases on financial planning and decision-making, and strategies to mitigate these biases
  • Assessing the behavioural factors influencing financial planning decisions
  • Examining the role of financial advisors in managing retirement savings
  • A comparative analysis of traditional versus robo-advisory in financial planning
  • Investigating the ethics of financial advisory practices

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

The following list delves into research topics within the insurance sector, touching on the technological transformations, regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer behaviours among other pivotal aspects.

  • Analysing the impact of technology adoption on insurance pricing and risk management
  • Analysing the influence of Insurtech innovations on the competitive dynamics and consumer choices in insurance markets
  • Investigating the factors affecting consumer behaviour in insurance product selection and the role of digital channels in influencing decisions
  • Assessing the effect of regulatory changes on insurance product offerings
  • Examining the determinants of insurance penetration in emerging markets
  • Evaluating the operational efficiency of claims management processes in insurance companies and its impact on customer satisfaction
  • Examining the evolution and effectiveness of risk assessment models used in insurance underwriting and their impact on pricing and coverage
  • Evaluating the role of insurance in financial stability and economic development
  • Investigating the impact of climate change on insurance models and products
  • Exploring the challenges and opportunities in underwriting cyber insurance in the face of evolving cyber threats and regulations

Quantitative Finance

These topic ideas span the development of asset pricing models, evaluation of machine learning algorithms, and the exploration of ethical implications among other pivotal areas.

  • Developing and testing new quantitative models for asset pricing
  • Analysing the effectiveness and limitations of machine learning algorithms in predicting financial market movements
  • Assessing the effectiveness of various risk management techniques in quantitative finance
  • Evaluating the advancements in portfolio optimisation techniques and their impact on risk-adjusted returns
  • Evaluating the impact of high-frequency trading on market efficiency and stability
  • Investigating the influence of algorithmic trading strategies on market efficiency and liquidity
  • Examining the risk parity approach in asset allocation and its effectiveness in different market conditions
  • Examining the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in quantitative financial analysis
  • Investigating the ethical implications of quantitative financial innovations
  • Assessing the profitability and market impact of statistical arbitrage strategies considering different market microstructures

Treasury Management

The following topic ideas explore treasury management, focusing on modernisation through technological advancements, the impact on firm liquidity, and the intertwined relationship with corporate governance among other crucial areas.

  • Analysing the impact of treasury management practices on firm liquidity and profitability
  • Analysing the role of automation in enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making in treasury management
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of various cash management strategies in multinational corporations
  • Investigating the potential of blockchain technology in streamlining treasury operations and enhancing transparency
  • Examining the role of treasury management in mitigating financial risks
  • Evaluating the accuracy and effectiveness of various cash flow forecasting techniques employed in treasury management
  • Assessing the impact of technological advancements on treasury management operations
  • Examining the effectiveness of different foreign exchange risk management strategies employed by treasury managers in multinational corporations
  • Assessing the impact of regulatory compliance requirements on the operational and strategic aspects of treasury management
  • Investigating the relationship between treasury management and corporate governance

Financial Technology (FinTech)

The following research topic ideas explore the transformative potential of blockchain, the rise of open banking, and the burgeoning landscape of peer-to-peer lending among other focal areas.

  • Evaluating the impact of blockchain technology on financial services
  • Investigating the implications of open banking on consumer data privacy and financial services competition
  • Assessing the role of FinTech in financial inclusion in emerging markets
  • Analysing the role of peer-to-peer lending platforms in promoting financial inclusion and their impact on traditional banking systems
  • Examining the cybersecurity challenges faced by FinTech firms and the regulatory measures to ensure data protection and financial stability
  • Examining the regulatory challenges and opportunities in the FinTech ecosystem
  • Assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on the delivery of financial services, customer experience, and operational efficiency within FinTech firms
  • Analysing the adoption and impact of cryptocurrencies on traditional financial systems
  • Investigating the determinants of success for FinTech startups

Research topic evaluator

Commercial Banking

These topic ideas span commercial banking, encompassing digital transformation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the evolving regulatory and competitive landscape among other key themes.

  • Assessing the impact of digital transformation on commercial banking services and competitiveness
  • Analysing the impact of digital transformation on customer experience and operational efficiency in commercial banking
  • Evaluating the role of commercial banks in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • Investigating the effectiveness of credit risk management practices and their impact on bank profitability and financial stability
  • Examining the relationship between commercial banking practices and financial stability
  • Evaluating the implications of open banking frameworks on the competitive landscape and service innovation in commercial banking
  • Assessing how regulatory changes affect lending practices and risk appetite of commercial banks
  • Examining how commercial banks are adapting their strategies in response to competition from FinTech firms and changing consumer preferences
  • Analysing the impact of regulatory compliance on commercial banking operations
  • Investigating the determinants of customer satisfaction and loyalty in commercial banking

International Finance

The folowing research topic ideas are centred around international finance and global economic dynamics, delving into aspects like exchange rate fluctuations, international financial regulations, and the role of international financial institutions among other pivotal areas.

  • Analysing the determinants of exchange rate fluctuations and their impact on international trade
  • Analysing the influence of global trade agreements on international financial flows and foreign direct investments
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of international portfolio diversification strategies in mitigating risks and enhancing returns
  • Evaluating the role of international financial institutions in global financial stability
  • Investigating the role and implications of offshore financial centres on international financial stability and regulatory harmonisation
  • Examining the impact of global financial crises on emerging market economies
  • Examining the challenges and regulatory frameworks associated with cross-border banking operations
  • Assessing the effectiveness of international financial regulations
  • Investigating the challenges and opportunities of cross-border mergers and acquisitions

Choosing A Research Topic

These finance-related research topic ideas are starting points to guide your thinking. They are intentionally very broad and open-ended. By engaging with the currently literature in your field of interest, you’ll be able to narrow down your focus to a specific research gap .

When choosing a topic , you’ll need to take into account its originality, relevance, feasibility, and the resources you have at your disposal. Make sure to align your interest and expertise in the subject with your university program’s specific requirements. Always consult your academic advisor to ensure that your chosen topic not only meets the academic criteria but also provides a valuable contribution to the field. 

If you need a helping hand, feel free to check out our private coaching service here.

You Might Also Like:

Topic Kickstarter: Research topics in education

thank you for suggest those topic, I want to ask you about the subjects related to the fintech, can i measure it and how?

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Print Friendly
  • 44-207-097-1871

Dissertation Writing Tools

  • 1. Complete Dissertation Writing Guide - eBook
  • 2. Dissertation Templates Pack
  • 3. Research Methodology Handbook
  • 4. Academic Writing Checklist
  • 5. Citation Style Guide
  • 6. Time Management for Dissertation Writing
  • 7. Literature Review Toolkit
  • 8. Grammar and Style Guide
  • 9. Dissertation Proposal Template
  • 10.Five Pre-written Full Dissertation Papers

research topics for financial economics

39 Financial Economics Dissertation Topics Ideas

Best Financial Economics Dissertation Topics Examples Financial economics is a branch of economics that analyzes the use and distribution of resources in markets. Financial decisions should always take into account future events, whether they relate to individual stocks, portfolios, or the market as a whole. Financial economics dissertation topics focus on capital issues in terms of […]

financial economics dissertation topics

Table of Contents

Best Financial Economics Dissertation Topics Examples

Financial economics is a branch of economics that analyzes the use and distribution of resources in markets. Financial decisions should always take into account future events, whether they relate to individual stocks, portfolios, or the market as a whole. Financial economics dissertation topics focus on capital issues in terms of economic domains. Financial economics research paper topics have become very popular these days.

Check out our other related posts for environmental economics , health economics , experimental economics , business economics , agricultural economics , development economics , and managerial economics .

Best Selected Financial Economics Dissertation Topics Ideas

Financial economics thesis topics have been enlisted below:

  • Studying the relationship between financial economics and actuarial practice: a descriptive approach.
  • Applied financial economics: focus on the challenges and interventions involved.
  • Correlational analysis of financial economics, fair value accounting and transformation of reliability: a systematic analysis.
  • Investigating the relationship between financial economics and social mood: a review of the literature.
  • Applications of financial economics: focus on the fields of pensions, insurance, and investments.
  • Public pension plans and financial economics: a correlational analysis.
  • A historical analysis of financial economics: connecting the past with the present and the future.
  • Inflation and its effects on the financial economics sector: a case study based on X country.
  • Investigating the relationship between managers’ financial practices and financial sustainability of organizations in X country.
  • Comparative analysis of the financial economics of gold in developed versus developing countries of the world.
  • Focusing on the relationship between financial sector development and institutional governance: a descriptive analysis.
  • Investigating the financial development-economic growth nexus in Asian countries: a comparative analysis.
  • Relationship between financial innovation and performance in organizational setups: a quantitative study.
  • The role played by the financial development system in the economic growth of an oil-dominant economy.
  • Studying the relationship between biopsychosocial indicators and financial risk tolerance: a descriptive study.
  • The role played by information technology in the field of financial economics: a review of empirical evidence.
  • SSA economies and the financial development-economic growth nexus: a descriptive analysis.
  • Correlational analysis of international capital inflows, domestic credit, and domestic financial institutional development.
  • Relationship between the global financial crisis and investor overreaction.
  • Security fraud cases and financial economics.
  • Extreme market risk and financial economics.
  • Financial performance and corporate growth strategies in firms of X country: an inquiry.
  • Correlational analysis of corporate investment, debt financing, and productivity of the invested capital.
  • Studying the role played by ethics in the field of financial economics: a historical analysis.
  • Investigating the relationship of the firm life cycle, ownership concentration, and leverage: a quantitative study.
  • Studying the predictive performance of liquidity risk in the field of financial economics.
  • Corporate financial performance in the insurance market of X country: focus on the major determinants.
  • Can financial markets improve the allocation of capital? An inquiry.
  • Pricing the financial assets: a comparative analysis of local versus global pricing.
  • Focusing on the effects of the uncertainty and herding of economic policies on the leverage field of X country.
  • The role played by financial economics in the extractive industries of X country.
  • International financial economics: focus on the potential challenges and interventions.
  • Comparative analysis of financial economics in the UK versus the USA.
  • Relationship between financial liberalization and efficiency of Islamic banking.
  • Financial economics in the Third World countries.

Economics helps you think strategically and make decisions in order to optimize the result. People studying economics and finance are especially in demand because they are better prepared to work in the banking and financial sector, such as accounting firms.

Above are the best financial economics dissertation topics. If you are still looking for some unique dissertation topics in financial economics fill out the form below and get customized dissertation topics mini proposals on your specific requirements.

Paid Topic Mini Proposal (500 Words)

You will get the topics first and then the mini proposal which includes:

  • An explanation why we choose this topic.
  • 2-3 research questions.
  • Key literature resources identification.
  • Suitable methodology including raw sample size and data collection method
  • View a Sample of Service

Note: After submiting your order please must check your email [inbox/spam] folders for order confirmation and login details.If email goes in spam please mark not as spam to avoid any communication gap between us.

Get An Expert Dissertation Writing Help To Achieve Good Grades

By placing an order with us, you can get;

  • Writer consultation before payment to ensure your work is in safe hands.
  • Free topic if you don't have one
  • Draft submissions to check the quality of the work as per supervisor's feedback
  • Free revisions
  • Complete privacy
  • Plagiarism Free work
  • Guaranteed 2:1 (With help of your supervisor's feedback)
  • 2 Instalments plan
  • Special discounts

Other Related Posts

  • Dissertation Topics in International Relations February 20, 2024 -->
  • Unraveling the Essence of Thesis Objectives: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples January 4, 2024 -->
  • Software That Can Help You Write A Good Resume October 25, 2023 -->
  • Unlock Your Academic Potential with the Right Topics for Dissertation October 12, 2023 -->
  • Modern resume writing system to land your dream Job September 25, 2023 -->
  • 89+ Best Unique and Informative Speech Topics for Students January 6, 2023 -->
  • Employment Law Dissertation Topics January 4, 2023 -->
  • 59 Best Environmental Law Dissertation Topics & Examples January 4, 2023 -->
  • 03 Unique Dissertation Topics along with 500 words Topic Brief to get approved April 18, 2022 -->
  • 37 Monetary economics dissertation topics ideas March 20, 2022 -->
  • 39 Economic geography dissertation topics examples March 19, 2022 -->
  • 37 Public economics dissertation topics Ideas March 18, 2022 -->
  • 39 Experimental economics dissertation topics Ideas March 16, 2022 -->
  • 39 Environmental Economics Dissertation Topics Ideas and Samples March 15, 2022 -->
  • 39 Health economics dissertation topics Ideas and Examples March 14, 2022 -->

Topic brief help

WhatsApp and Get 35% off promo code now!

  • Browse All Articles
  • Newsletter Sign-Up

research topics for financial economics

  • 22 Apr 2024
  • Research & Ideas

When Does Impact Investing Make the Biggest Impact?

More investors want to back businesses that contribute to social change, but are impact funds the only approach? Research by Shawn Cole, Leslie Jeng, Josh Lerner, Natalia Rigol, and Benjamin Roth challenges long-held assumptions about impact investing and reveals where such funds make the biggest difference.

research topics for financial economics

  • 23 Jan 2024

More Than Memes: NFTs Could Be the Next Gen Deed for a Digital World

Non-fungible tokens might seem like a fad approach to selling memes, but the concept could help companies open new markets and build communities. Scott Duke Kominers and Steve Kaczynski go beyond the NFT hype in their book, The Everything Token.

research topics for financial economics

  • 12 Sep 2023

How Can Financial Advisors Thrive in Shifting Markets? Diversify, Diversify, Diversify

Financial planners must find new ways to market to tech-savvy millennials and gen Z investors or risk irrelevancy. Research by Marco Di Maggio probes the generational challenges that advisory firms face as baby boomers retire. What will it take to compete in a fintech and crypto world?

research topics for financial economics

  • 17 Aug 2023

‘Not a Bunch of Weirdos’: Why Mainstream Investors Buy Crypto

Bitcoin might seem like the preferred tender of conspiracy theorists and criminals, but everyday investors are increasingly embracing crypto. A study of 59 million consumers by Marco Di Maggio and colleagues paints a shockingly ordinary picture of today's cryptocurrency buyer. What do they stand to gain?

research topics for financial economics

  • 17 Jul 2023

Money Isn’t Everything: The Dos and Don’ts of Motivating Employees

Dangling bonuses to checked-out employees might only be a Band-Aid solution. Brian Hall shares four research-based incentive strategies—and three perils to avoid—for leaders trying to engage the post-pandemic workforce.

research topics for financial economics

  • 20 Jun 2023
  • Cold Call Podcast

Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover: Lessons in Strategic Change

In late October 2022, Elon Musk officially took Twitter private and became the company’s majority shareholder, finally ending a months-long acquisition saga. He appointed himself CEO and brought in his own team to clean house. Musk needed to take decisive steps to succeed against the major opposition to his leadership from both inside and outside the company. Twitter employees circulated an open letter protesting expected layoffs, advertising agencies advised their clients to pause spending on Twitter, and EU officials considered a broader Twitter ban. What short-term actions should Musk take to stabilize the situation, and how should he approach long-term strategy to turn around Twitter? Harvard Business School assistant professor Andy Wu and co-author Goran Calic, associate professor at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, discuss Twitter as a microcosm for the future of media and information in their case, “Twitter Turnaround and Elon Musk.”

research topics for financial economics

  • 06 Jun 2023

The Opioid Crisis, CEO Pay, and Shareholder Activism

In 2020, AmerisourceBergen Corporation, a Fortune 50 company in the drug distribution industry, agreed to settle thousands of lawsuits filed nationwide against the company for its opioid distribution practices, which critics alleged had contributed to the opioid crisis in the US. The $6.6 billion global settlement caused a net loss larger than the cumulative net income earned during the tenure of the company’s CEO, which began in 2011. In addition, AmerisourceBergen’s legal and financial troubles were accompanied by shareholder demands aimed at driving corporate governance changes in companies in the opioid supply chain. Determined to hold the company’s leadership accountable, the shareholders launched a campaign in early 2021 to reject the pay packages of executives. Should the board reduce the executives’ pay, as of means of improving accountability? Or does punishing the AmerisourceBergen executives for paying the settlement ignore the larger issue of a business’s responsibility to society? Harvard Business School professor Suraj Srinivasan discusses executive compensation and shareholder activism in the context of the US opioid crisis in his case, “The Opioid Settlement and Controversy Over CEO Pay at AmerisourceBergen.”

research topics for financial economics

  • 16 May 2023
  • In Practice

After Silicon Valley Bank's Flameout, What's Next for Entrepreneurs?

Silicon Valley Bank's failure in the face of rising interest rates shook founders and funders across the country. Julia Austin, Jeffrey Bussgang, and Rembrand Koning share key insights for rattled entrepreneurs trying to make sense of the financing landscape.

research topics for financial economics

  • 27 Apr 2023

Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi: Transforming Lives with Access to Credit

James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Bank, has transformed lives and livelihoods throughout East and Central Africa by giving impoverished people access to banking accounts and micro loans. He’s been so successful that in 2020 Forbes coined the term “the Mwangi Model.” But can we really have both purpose and profit in a firm? Harvard Business School professor Caroline Elkins, who has spent decades studying Africa, explores how this model has become one that business leaders are seeking to replicate throughout the world in her case, “A Marshall Plan for Africa': James Mwangi and Equity Group Holdings.” As part of a new first-year MBA course at Harvard Business School, this case examines the central question: what is the social purpose of the firm?

research topics for financial economics

  • 25 Apr 2023

Using Design Thinking to Invent a Low-Cost Prosthesis for Land Mine Victims

Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) is an Indian nonprofit famous for creating low-cost prosthetics, like the Jaipur Foot and the Stanford-Jaipur Knee. Known for its patient-centric culture and its focus on innovation, BMVSS has assisted more than one million people, including many land mine survivors. How can founder D.R. Mehta devise a strategy that will ensure the financial sustainability of BMVSS while sustaining its human impact well into the future? Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar discusses the importance of design thinking in ensuring a culture of innovation in his case, “BMVSS: Changing Lives, One Jaipur Limb at a Time.”

research topics for financial economics

  • 18 Apr 2023

What Happens When Banks Ditch Coal: The Impact Is 'More Than Anyone Thought'

Bank divestment policies that target coal reduced carbon dioxide emissions, says research by Boris Vallée and Daniel Green. Could the finance industry do even more to confront climate change?

research topics for financial economics

The Best Person to Lead Your Company Doesn't Work There—Yet

Recruiting new executive talent to revive portfolio companies has helped private equity funds outperform major stock indexes, says research by Paul Gompers. Why don't more public companies go beyond their senior executives when looking for top leaders?

research topics for financial economics

  • 11 Apr 2023

A Rose by Any Other Name: Supply Chains and Carbon Emissions in the Flower Industry

Headquartered in Kitengela, Kenya, Sian Flowers exports roses to Europe. Because cut flowers have a limited shelf life and consumers want them to retain their appearance for as long as possible, Sian and its distributors used international air cargo to transport them to Amsterdam, where they were sold at auction and trucked to markets across Europe. But when the Covid-19 pandemic caused huge increases in shipping costs, Sian launched experiments to ship roses by ocean using refrigerated containers. The company reduced its costs and cut its carbon emissions, but is a flower that travels halfway around the world truly a “low-carbon rose”? Harvard Business School professors Willy Shih and Mike Toffel debate these questions and more in their case, “Sian Flowers: Fresher by Sea?”

research topics for financial economics

Is Amazon a Retailer, a Tech Firm, or a Media Company? How AI Can Help Investors Decide

More companies are bringing seemingly unrelated businesses together in new ways, challenging traditional stock categories. MarcAntonio Awada and Suraj Srinivasan discuss how applying machine learning to regulatory data could reveal new opportunities for investors.

research topics for financial economics

  • 07 Apr 2023

When Celebrity ‘Crypto-Influencers’ Rake in Cash, Investors Lose Big

Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and other entertainers have been accused of promoting crypto products on social media without disclosing conflicts. Research by Joseph Pacelli shows what can happen to eager investors who follow them.

research topics for financial economics

  • 31 Mar 2023

Can a ‘Basic Bundle’ of Health Insurance Cure Coverage Gaps and Spur Innovation?

One in 10 people in America lack health insurance, resulting in $40 billion of care that goes unpaid each year. Amitabh Chandra and colleagues say ensuring basic coverage for all residents, as other wealthy nations do, could address the most acute needs and unlock efficiency.

research topics for financial economics

  • 23 Mar 2023

As Climate Fears Mount, More Investors Turn to 'ESG' Funds Despite Few Rules

Regulations and ratings remain murky, but that's not deterring climate-conscious investors from paying more for funds with an ESG label. Research by Mark Egan and Malcolm Baker sizes up the premium these funds command. Is it time for more standards in impact investing?

research topics for financial economics

  • 14 Mar 2023

What Does the Failure of Silicon Valley Bank Say About the State of Finance?

Silicon Valley Bank wasn't ready for the Fed's interest rate hikes, but that's only part of the story. Victoria Ivashina and Erik Stafford probe the complex factors that led to the second-biggest bank failure ever.

research topics for financial economics

  • 13 Mar 2023

What Would It Take to Unlock Microfinance's Full Potential?

Microfinance has been seen as a vehicle for economic mobility in developing countries, but the results have been mixed. Research by Natalia Rigol and Ben Roth probes how different lending approaches might serve entrepreneurs better.

research topics for financial economics

  • 16 Feb 2023

ESG Activists Met the Moment at ExxonMobil, But Did They Succeed?

Engine No. 1, a small hedge fund on a mission to confront climate change, managed to do the impossible: Get dissident members on ExxonMobil's board. But lasting social impact has proved more elusive. Case studies by Mark Kramer, Shawn Cole, and Vikram Gandhi look at the complexities of shareholder activism.

  • Search Search Please fill out this field.

Financial Economics: Definition, Topics, Methods, and Importance

Daniel Liberto is a journalist with over 10 years of experience working with publications such as the Financial Times, The Independent, and Investors Chronicle.

research topics for financial economics

Erika Rasure is globally-recognized as a leading consumer economics subject matter expert, researcher, and educator. She is a financial therapist and transformational coach, with a special interest in helping women learn how to invest.

research topics for financial economics

What Is Financial Economics?

Financial economics is a branch of economics that analyzes the use and distribution of resources in markets . Financial decisions must often take into account future events, whether those be related to individual stocks,  portfolios , or the market as a whole.

Key Takeaways

  • Financial economics analyzes the use and distribution of resources in markets.
  • It employs economic theory to evaluate how time, risk, opportunity costs, and information can create incentives or disincentives for a particular decision.
  • Financial economics often involves the creation of sophisticated models to test the variables affecting a particular decision.

How Financial Economics Works

Making financial decisions is not always a straightforward process. Time, risk (uncertainty),  opportunity costs , and information can create incentives or disincentives. Financial economics employs economic theory to evaluate how certain things impact decision making, providing investors with the instruments to make the right calls.

Financial economics usually involves the creation of sophisticated models to test the variables affecting a particular decision. Often, these models assume that individuals or institutions making decisions act rationally, though this is not necessarily the case. The irrational behavior of parties has to be taken into account in financial economics as a potential risk factor.

This branch of economics builds heavily on microeconomics and basic accounting concepts. It is a quantitative discipline that uses econometrics as well as other mathematical tools.

Financial economics necessitates familiarity with basic probability and statistics since these are the standard tools used to measure and evaluate risk. 

Financial economics studies fair value, risk and returns, and the financing of securities and assets. Numerous monetary factors are taken into account, too, including interest rates and inflation.

Financial Economics vs. Traditional Economics

Traditional economics focuses on exchanges in which money is one — but only one — of the items traded. In contrast, financial economics concentrates on exchanges in which money of one type or another is likely to appear on both sides of a trade. 

The financial economist can be distinguished from traditional economists by their focus on monetary activities in which time, uncertainty, options and information play roles. 

Financial Economics Methods

There are many angles to the concept of financial economics. Two of the most prominent are:

Discounting

Decision making over time recognizes the fact that the value of $1 in 10 years' time is less than the value of $1 now. Therefore, the $1 at 10 years must be discounted to allow for risk, inflation , and the simple fact that it is in the future. Failure to discount appropriately can lead to problems, such as underfunded pension schemes.

Risk Management and Diversification

Advertisements for stock market-based financial products must remind potential buyers that the value of investments may fall as well as rise.

Financial institutions are always looking for ways of insuring, or hedging , this risk. It is sometimes possible to hold two highly risky assets but for the overall risk to be low: if share A only performs badly when share B performs well (and vice versa) then the two shares perform a perfect hedge.

An important part of finance is working out the total risk of a portfolio of risky assets, since the total risk may be less than the risk of the individual components.

research topics for financial economics

  • Terms of Service
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices

Tepper School of Business

Tepper School

Ph.D. Program in Financial Economics

This field devotes attention to the study of the effects of information, attitudes toward risk, taxation, macroeconomic fluctuations, and security market prices..

The purpose of the Ph.D. program in financial economics is to educate students in the concepts and analytical techniques needed to understand and advance the frontiers of knowledge in financial economics.

The program provides students with sound training in economics, finance, and quantitative methods, as well as the opportunity to work closely with faculty on original research.

Financial economics deals with the pricing of capital assets and the financial decisions of individuals and firms. Much of its attention is devoted to the study of the effects of information, attitudes toward risk, taxation, macroeconomic fluctuations, and time on investors' investment choices and security market prices. Issues involving the behavior of firms are also of interest, including the importance of corporate dividend, capital structure, and investment policies to firm valuation.

The Ph.D. program in financial economics is designed to educate students in the concepts and analytical techniques required for basic and applied research in these and related areas. This training typically leads to academic careers at other major business schools and economics departments.

Carnegie Mellon is one of the few institutions at which the economics department for the university as a whole is housed in the business school. This creates an environment which is especially conducive to close integration between the various management studies and economics. The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon has long played a pioneering role in the application of new ideas and techniques in economics to financial problems.

Research Topics

Asset pricing theory.

  • Market Incompleteness
  • The Effect of Incomplete Markets on Security Valuation
  • Risk Preferences
  • Asset Pricing and Investor Risk Preferences
  • Mortgage Valuation
  • The Valuation of Mortgage Loans

Tax Effects in Security Markets

  • Treasury Bonds
  • Tax Effects in the Relative Pricing of Treasury Bonds
  • Municipal Bonds
  • Term and Tax Effects in the Pricing of Municipal Bonds
  • Capital Gains Taxation
  • The Effect of Capital Gains Taxation on the Optimal Trading and Equilibrium Pricing of Financial Assets

Corporate Finance

  • Corporate Control
  • Capital Structure And Corporate Control
  • Optimal Bankruptcy Law

Market Microstructure

  • Design of Financial Markets
  • Limit and Market Orders
  • Trading Strategies

International Finance

  • Risk Premia in Currency Markets
  • Lottery Bonds

P lease visit our Ph.D. Student Profiles page t o view the profiles of our current doctoral candidates.

Program details.

  • Requirements
  • Tepper 2023
  • Course List
  • Academic Calendar
  • Privacy Policy
  • Statement of Assurance
  • Tepper Information Center
  • Journalists & Media
  • Tepper Gear Store
  • Utility Menu

University Logo

44d3fa3df9f06a3117ed3d2ad6c71ecc

  • Administration

Financial Economics

Robert Barro

Robert Barro

Robert J. Barro is a visiting scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research. Recent research involves rare macroeconomic disasters, corporate tax reform, religion & economy, empirical determinants of economic growth, and economic effects of public debt and budget deficits. Recent books include Religion and Economy (forthcoming with Rachel McCleary), Economic Growth (2nd edition, written with Xavier Sala-i-Martin), Nothing Is Sacred: Economic Ideas for the New Millennium, Determinants of Economic Growth, and Getting It Right: Markets and Choices in a Free Society. ... Read more about Robert Barro

Emily Breza

Emily Breza

Emily Breza joined the Economics Department as an Assistant Professor in January 2017.  She received her PhD in Economics from MIT and her BA from...

John Campbell

John Y. Campbell

John Campbell has published over 80 articles on various aspects of finance and macroeconomics, including fixed-income securities, equity valuation, and portfolio choice. His books include The Econometrics of Financial Markets (with Andrew Lo and Craig MacKinlay, Princeton University Press 1997), Strategic Asset Allocation: Portfolio Choice for Long-Term Investors (with Luis Viceira, Oxford University Press 2002), and The Squam Lake Report: Fixing the Financial System (with the Squam Lake Group of financial economists, Princeton University Press 2010).

Faculty Assistant: Mack Carroll

Gabriel Chodorow Reich

Gabriel Chodorow-Reich

Gabriel Chodorow-Reich's research focuses on macroeconomics, finance, and labor economics. Gabriel received his Ph.D. from the University of...

Xavier Gabaix

Xavier Gabaix

Xavier Gabaix is Pershing Square Professor of Economics and Finance at Harvard’s economics department. He received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from the Ecole Normale Supérieure (Paris) and obtained his PhD in economics from Harvard University.... Read more about Xavier Gabaix

David Laibson

David Laibson

David Laibson is a member of the National Bureau of Economic Research, where he is Research Associate in the Asset Pricing, Economic Fluctuations, and Aging Working Groups.  Laibsonʼs research focuses on the topic of behavioral economics, and he is a co-leader of the Harvard University Foundations of Human Behavior Initiative. ... Read more about David Laibson

Neil Shephard

Neil Shephard

Neil Shephard is the Frank B. Baird, Jr. Professor of Science, in the Department of Economics and Department of Statistics.  His broad research interests are in econometrics, finance and statistics, with a particular focus on financial econometrics.   He has made particular advances in developing simulation based inference methods for online learning and has contributed methods to allow the mainstream use of high frequency financial data in economics.  He joined the Harvard faculty in 2013, holding a professorship joint between the Economics and Statistics Departments.  Professor Shephard is a fellow of the Econometric Society and the British Academy.  He is an associated editor of Econometrica .  Professor Shephard was a faculty member at the London School of Economics from 1988-1993 and Oxford University from 1991 to 2013.   

Staff Support: Emily Palmer

Andrei Shleifer

Andrei Shleifer

Andrei Shleifer has worked in the areas of comparative corporate governance, law and finance, behavioral finance, as well as institutional economics. He has published six books, including The Grabbing Hand (with Robert Vishny), and Inefficient Markets: An Introduction to Behavioral Finance , as well as over a hundred articles. In 1999, Shleifer won the John Bates Clark medal of the American Economic Association.... Read more about Andrei Shleifer

Jeremy Stein

Jeremy Stein

Jeremy Stein’s research has covered such topics as behavioral finance and stock-market efficiency, corporate investment and financing decisions, risk management, capital allocation inside firms, banking, financial regulation, and monetary policy. He  was previously a co-editor of the Quarterly Journal of Economics and the Journal of Economic Perspectives , and has served on the editorial boards of several other economics and finance journals. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.  In 2008, he was president of the American Finance Association. He has served in the Obama Administration as a senior advisor to the Treasury Secretary and on the staff of the National Economic Council.... Read more about Jeremy Stein

  • Behavioral Economics (11)
  • Contracts and Organization (1)
  • Economic Development (7)
  • Econometrics (6)
  • Economic History (7)
  • Financial Economics (9)
  • Industrial Organization (3)
  • International Economics (6)
  • Labor Economics (11)
  • Macroeconomics (16)
  • Political Economy (9)
  • Public Economics (9)
  • Theory (10)
  • Search Menu
  • Sign in through your institution
  • Browse content in A - General Economics and Teaching
  • Browse content in A1 - General Economics
  • A11 - Role of Economics; Role of Economists; Market for Economists
  • A13 - Relation of Economics to Social Values
  • A14 - Sociology of Economics
  • Browse content in C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods
  • Browse content in C0 - General
  • C02 - Mathematical Methods
  • Browse content in C1 - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
  • C10 - General
  • C11 - Bayesian Analysis: General
  • C12 - Hypothesis Testing: General
  • C13 - Estimation: General
  • C14 - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
  • C15 - Statistical Simulation Methods: General
  • C18 - Methodological Issues: General
  • Browse content in C2 - Single Equation Models; Single Variables
  • C21 - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions
  • C22 - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes
  • C23 - Panel Data Models; Spatio-temporal Models
  • Browse content in C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables
  • C32 - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
  • C38 - Classification Methods; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Models
  • Browse content in C4 - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics
  • C45 - Neural Networks and Related Topics
  • Browse content in C5 - Econometric Modeling
  • C50 - General
  • C51 - Model Construction and Estimation
  • C52 - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
  • C53 - Forecasting and Prediction Methods; Simulation Methods
  • C55 - Large Data Sets: Modeling and Analysis
  • C58 - Financial Econometrics
  • Browse content in C6 - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling
  • C61 - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
  • C62 - Existence and Stability Conditions of Equilibrium
  • C65 - Miscellaneous Mathematical Tools
  • Browse content in C7 - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory
  • C70 - General
  • C72 - Noncooperative Games
  • C73 - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games; Repeated Games
  • C78 - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
  • Browse content in C8 - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs
  • C81 - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
  • Browse content in C9 - Design of Experiments
  • C91 - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
  • C92 - Laboratory, Group Behavior
  • C93 - Field Experiments
  • Browse content in D - Microeconomics
  • Browse content in D0 - General
  • D03 - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
  • Browse content in D1 - Household Behavior and Family Economics
  • D10 - General
  • D11 - Consumer Economics: Theory
  • D12 - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
  • D14 - Household Saving; Personal Finance
  • D15 - Intertemporal Household Choice: Life Cycle Models and Saving
  • D18 - Consumer Protection
  • Browse content in D2 - Production and Organizations
  • D20 - General
  • D21 - Firm Behavior: Theory
  • D22 - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
  • D23 - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
  • D24 - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
  • D25 - Intertemporal Firm Choice: Investment, Capacity, and Financing
  • Browse content in D3 - Distribution
  • D30 - General
  • D31 - Personal Income, Wealth, and Their Distributions
  • Browse content in D4 - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design
  • D40 - General
  • D43 - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
  • D44 - Auctions
  • D47 - Market Design
  • D49 - Other
  • Browse content in D5 - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium
  • D50 - General
  • D51 - Exchange and Production Economies
  • D52 - Incomplete Markets
  • D53 - Financial Markets
  • Browse content in D6 - Welfare Economics
  • D60 - General
  • D61 - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • D62 - Externalities
  • Browse content in D7 - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making
  • D70 - General
  • D71 - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
  • D72 - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
  • D73 - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
  • D74 - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
  • D78 - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
  • Browse content in D8 - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
  • D80 - General
  • D81 - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
  • D82 - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
  • D83 - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
  • D84 - Expectations; Speculations
  • D85 - Network Formation and Analysis: Theory
  • D86 - Economics of Contract: Theory
  • D87 - Neuroeconomics
  • Browse content in D9 - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
  • D90 - General
  • D91 - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
  • D92 - Intertemporal Firm Choice, Investment, Capacity, and Financing
  • Browse content in E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
  • Browse content in E0 - General
  • E00 - General
  • E03 - Behavioral Macroeconomics
  • Browse content in E1 - General Aggregative Models
  • E17 - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
  • Browse content in E2 - Consumption, Saving, Production, Investment, Labor Markets, and Informal Economy
  • E20 - General
  • E21 - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
  • E22 - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
  • E23 - Production
  • E24 - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
  • Browse content in E3 - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles
  • E30 - General
  • E31 - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
  • E32 - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
  • E37 - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
  • Browse content in E4 - Money and Interest Rates
  • E40 - General
  • E41 - Demand for Money
  • E42 - Monetary Systems; Standards; Regimes; Government and the Monetary System; Payment Systems
  • E43 - Interest Rates: Determination, Term Structure, and Effects
  • E44 - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
  • E47 - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
  • Browse content in E5 - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit
  • E50 - General
  • E51 - Money Supply; Credit; Money Multipliers
  • E52 - Monetary Policy
  • E58 - Central Banks and Their Policies
  • Browse content in E6 - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook
  • E60 - General
  • E61 - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
  • E62 - Fiscal Policy
  • E63 - Comparative or Joint Analysis of Fiscal and Monetary Policy; Stabilization; Treasury Policy
  • E64 - Incomes Policy; Price Policy
  • E65 - Studies of Particular Policy Episodes
  • E66 - General Outlook and Conditions
  • Browse content in E7 - Macro-Based Behavioral Economics
  • E71 - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on the Macro Economy
  • Browse content in F - International Economics
  • Browse content in F0 - General
  • F02 - International Economic Order and Integration
  • Browse content in F1 - Trade
  • F14 - Empirical Studies of Trade
  • Browse content in F2 - International Factor Movements and International Business
  • F21 - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements
  • F22 - International Migration
  • F23 - Multinational Firms; International Business
  • Browse content in F3 - International Finance
  • F30 - General
  • F31 - Foreign Exchange
  • F32 - Current Account Adjustment; Short-Term Capital Movements
  • F33 - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions
  • F34 - International Lending and Debt Problems
  • F36 - Financial Aspects of Economic Integration
  • F37 - International Finance Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
  • F38 - International Financial Policy: Financial Transactions Tax; Capital Controls
  • Browse content in F4 - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance
  • F40 - General
  • F41 - Open Economy Macroeconomics
  • F42 - International Policy Coordination and Transmission
  • F43 - Economic Growth of Open Economies
  • F44 - International Business Cycles
  • F47 - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications
  • Browse content in F5 - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy
  • F51 - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions
  • Browse content in F6 - Economic Impacts of Globalization
  • F63 - Economic Development
  • F65 - Finance
  • Browse content in G - Financial Economics
  • Browse content in G0 - General
  • G00 - General
  • G01 - Financial Crises
  • G02 - Behavioral Finance: Underlying Principles
  • Browse content in G1 - General Financial Markets
  • G10 - General
  • G11 - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
  • G12 - Asset Pricing; Trading volume; Bond Interest Rates
  • G13 - Contingent Pricing; Futures Pricing
  • G14 - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
  • G15 - International Financial Markets
  • G17 - Financial Forecasting and Simulation
  • G18 - Government Policy and Regulation
  • G19 - Other
  • Browse content in G2 - Financial Institutions and Services
  • G20 - General
  • G21 - Banks; Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
  • G22 - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
  • G23 - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
  • G24 - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage; Ratings and Ratings Agencies
  • G28 - Government Policy and Regulation
  • G29 - Other
  • Browse content in G3 - Corporate Finance and Governance
  • G30 - General
  • G31 - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies; Capacity
  • G32 - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
  • G33 - Bankruptcy; Liquidation
  • G34 - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
  • G35 - Payout Policy
  • G38 - Government Policy and Regulation
  • G39 - Other
  • Browse content in G4 - Behavioral Finance
  • G40 - General
  • G41 - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets
  • Browse content in G5 - Household Finance
  • G50 - General
  • G51 - Household Saving, Borrowing, Debt, and Wealth
  • G52 - Insurance
  • G53 - Financial Literacy
  • Browse content in H - Public Economics
  • H0 - General
  • Browse content in H1 - Structure and Scope of Government
  • H11 - Structure, Scope, and Performance of Government
  • H19 - Other
  • Browse content in H2 - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
  • H22 - Incidence
  • H24 - Personal Income and Other Nonbusiness Taxes and Subsidies; includes inheritance and gift taxes
  • H25 - Business Taxes and Subsidies
  • H26 - Tax Evasion and Avoidance
  • Browse content in H3 - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents
  • H31 - Household
  • Browse content in H4 - Publicly Provided Goods
  • H40 - General
  • H41 - Public Goods
  • Browse content in H5 - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies
  • H50 - General
  • H52 - Government Expenditures and Education
  • H53 - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
  • H54 - Infrastructures; Other Public Investment and Capital Stock
  • H55 - Social Security and Public Pensions
  • H56 - National Security and War
  • H57 - Procurement
  • Browse content in H6 - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt
  • H63 - Debt; Debt Management; Sovereign Debt
  • Browse content in H7 - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations
  • H70 - General
  • H72 - State and Local Budget and Expenditures
  • H74 - State and Local Borrowing
  • H75 - State and Local Government: Health; Education; Welfare; Public Pensions
  • Browse content in H8 - Miscellaneous Issues
  • H81 - Governmental Loans; Loan Guarantees; Credits; Grants; Bailouts
  • Browse content in I - Health, Education, and Welfare
  • Browse content in I1 - Health
  • I11 - Analysis of Health Care Markets
  • I12 - Health Behavior
  • I13 - Health Insurance, Public and Private
  • I14 - Health and Inequality
  • I18 - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
  • Browse content in I2 - Education and Research Institutions
  • I22 - Educational Finance; Financial Aid
  • I23 - Higher Education; Research Institutions
  • I28 - Government Policy
  • Browse content in I3 - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
  • I30 - General
  • I38 - Government Policy; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
  • Browse content in J - Labor and Demographic Economics
  • Browse content in J0 - General
  • J00 - General
  • Browse content in J1 - Demographic Economics
  • J11 - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
  • J12 - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure; Domestic Abuse
  • J13 - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
  • J15 - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
  • J16 - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
  • J18 - Public Policy
  • Browse content in J2 - Demand and Supply of Labor
  • J20 - General
  • J21 - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
  • J22 - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
  • J23 - Labor Demand
  • J24 - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
  • J26 - Retirement; Retirement Policies
  • J28 - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
  • Browse content in J3 - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs
  • J30 - General
  • J31 - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
  • J32 - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
  • J33 - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods
  • J38 - Public Policy
  • Browse content in J4 - Particular Labor Markets
  • J41 - Labor Contracts
  • J44 - Professional Labor Markets; Occupational Licensing
  • J45 - Public Sector Labor Markets
  • J46 - Informal Labor Markets
  • J49 - Other
  • Browse content in J5 - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining
  • J51 - Trade Unions: Objectives, Structure, and Effects
  • J52 - Dispute Resolution: Strikes, Arbitration, and Mediation; Collective Bargaining
  • Browse content in J6 - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers
  • J61 - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
  • J62 - Job, Occupational, and Intergenerational Mobility
  • J63 - Turnover; Vacancies; Layoffs
  • J64 - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
  • J65 - Unemployment Insurance; Severance Pay; Plant Closings
  • J68 - Public Policy
  • Browse content in J7 - Labor Discrimination
  • J71 - Discrimination
  • Browse content in J8 - Labor Standards: National and International
  • J88 - Public Policy
  • Browse content in K - Law and Economics
  • Browse content in K1 - Basic Areas of Law
  • K12 - Contract Law
  • Browse content in K2 - Regulation and Business Law
  • K22 - Business and Securities Law
  • K23 - Regulated Industries and Administrative Law
  • Browse content in K3 - Other Substantive Areas of Law
  • K31 - Labor Law
  • K32 - Environmental, Health, and Safety Law
  • K34 - Tax Law
  • K35 - Personal Bankruptcy Law
  • Browse content in K4 - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior
  • K42 - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
  • Browse content in L - Industrial Organization
  • Browse content in L1 - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance
  • L10 - General
  • L11 - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
  • L13 - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
  • L14 - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation; Networks
  • L15 - Information and Product Quality; Standardization and Compatibility
  • Browse content in L2 - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior
  • L21 - Business Objectives of the Firm
  • L22 - Firm Organization and Market Structure
  • L23 - Organization of Production
  • L24 - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures; Technology Licensing
  • L25 - Firm Performance: Size, Diversification, and Scope
  • L26 - Entrepreneurship
  • L29 - Other
  • Browse content in L3 - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise
  • L33 - Comparison of Public and Private Enterprises and Nonprofit Institutions; Privatization; Contracting Out
  • Browse content in L4 - Antitrust Issues and Policies
  • L43 - Legal Monopolies and Regulation or Deregulation
  • L44 - Antitrust Policy and Public Enterprises, Nonprofit Institutions, and Professional Organizations
  • Browse content in L5 - Regulation and Industrial Policy
  • L51 - Economics of Regulation
  • Browse content in L6 - Industry Studies: Manufacturing
  • L66 - Food; Beverages; Cosmetics; Tobacco; Wine and Spirits
  • Browse content in L8 - Industry Studies: Services
  • L81 - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce
  • L85 - Real Estate Services
  • L86 - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
  • Browse content in L9 - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities
  • L92 - Railroads and Other Surface Transportation
  • L94 - Electric Utilities
  • Browse content in M - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics
  • Browse content in M0 - General
  • M00 - General
  • Browse content in M1 - Business Administration
  • M12 - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
  • M13 - New Firms; Startups
  • M14 - Corporate Culture; Social Responsibility
  • M16 - International Business Administration
  • Browse content in M2 - Business Economics
  • M20 - General
  • M21 - Business Economics
  • Browse content in M3 - Marketing and Advertising
  • M30 - General
  • M31 - Marketing
  • M37 - Advertising
  • Browse content in M4 - Accounting and Auditing
  • M40 - General
  • M41 - Accounting
  • M42 - Auditing
  • M48 - Government Policy and Regulation
  • Browse content in M5 - Personnel Economics
  • M51 - Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions
  • M52 - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects
  • M54 - Labor Management
  • Browse content in N - Economic History
  • Browse content in N1 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations
  • N10 - General, International, or Comparative
  • N12 - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
  • Browse content in N2 - Financial Markets and Institutions
  • N20 - General, International, or Comparative
  • N21 - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
  • N22 - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
  • N23 - Europe: Pre-1913
  • N24 - Europe: 1913-
  • N25 - Asia including Middle East
  • N27 - Africa; Oceania
  • Browse content in N3 - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy
  • N32 - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
  • Browse content in N4 - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation
  • N43 - Europe: Pre-1913
  • Browse content in N7 - Transport, Trade, Energy, Technology, and Other Services
  • N71 - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
  • Browse content in N8 - Micro-Business History
  • N80 - General, International, or Comparative
  • N82 - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
  • Browse content in O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth
  • Browse content in O1 - Economic Development
  • O11 - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
  • O12 - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
  • O13 - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Other Primary Products
  • O16 - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
  • O17 - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
  • Browse content in O2 - Development Planning and Policy
  • O23 - Fiscal and Monetary Policy in Development
  • Browse content in O3 - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
  • O30 - General
  • O31 - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
  • O32 - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
  • O33 - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
  • O34 - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
  • O35 - Social Innovation
  • O38 - Government Policy
  • Browse content in O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity
  • O40 - General
  • O43 - Institutions and Growth
  • Browse content in O5 - Economywide Country Studies
  • O53 - Asia including Middle East
  • Browse content in P - Economic Systems
  • Browse content in P1 - Capitalist Systems
  • P16 - Political Economy
  • P18 - Energy: Environment
  • Browse content in P2 - Socialist Systems and Transitional Economies
  • P26 - Political Economy; Property Rights
  • Browse content in P3 - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions
  • P31 - Socialist Enterprises and Their Transitions
  • P34 - Financial Economics
  • P39 - Other
  • Browse content in P4 - Other Economic Systems
  • P43 - Public Economics; Financial Economics
  • P48 - Political Economy; Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
  • Browse content in Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics
  • Browse content in Q0 - General
  • Q02 - Commodity Markets
  • Browse content in Q3 - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation
  • Q31 - Demand and Supply; Prices
  • Q32 - Exhaustible Resources and Economic Development
  • Browse content in Q4 - Energy
  • Q40 - General
  • Q41 - Demand and Supply; Prices
  • Q42 - Alternative Energy Sources
  • Q43 - Energy and the Macroeconomy
  • Browse content in Q5 - Environmental Economics
  • Q50 - General
  • Q51 - Valuation of Environmental Effects
  • Q53 - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
  • Q54 - Climate; Natural Disasters; Global Warming
  • Q56 - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
  • Browse content in R - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics
  • Browse content in R0 - General
  • R00 - General
  • Browse content in R1 - General Regional Economics
  • R10 - General
  • R11 - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
  • R12 - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity
  • Browse content in R2 - Household Analysis
  • R20 - General
  • R21 - Housing Demand
  • R23 - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population; Neighborhood Characteristics
  • Browse content in R3 - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location
  • R30 - General
  • R31 - Housing Supply and Markets
  • R32 - Other Spatial Production and Pricing Analysis
  • R33 - Nonagricultural and Nonresidential Real Estate Markets
  • R38 - Government Policy
  • Browse content in R4 - Transportation Economics
  • R41 - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise
  • Browse content in R5 - Regional Government Analysis
  • R51 - Finance in Urban and Rural Economies
  • Browse content in Z - Other Special Topics
  • Browse content in Z1 - Cultural Economics; Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology
  • Z11 - Economics of the Arts and Literature
  • Z13 - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Social and Economic Stratification
  • Advance articles
  • Editor's Choice
  • Author Guidelines
  • Submission Site
  • Open Access
  • About The Review of Financial Studies
  • Editorial Board
  • Advertising and Corporate Services
  • Journals Career Network
  • Self-Archiving Policy
  • Dispatch Dates
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Journals on Oxford Academic
  • Books on Oxford Academic

Society for Financial Studies

Browse issues

Issue Cover

Cover image

issue cover

Volume 37, Issue 6, June 2024

Climate change and adaptation in global supply-chain networks.

  • View article
  • Supplementary data

Corporate Climate Risk: Measurements and Responses

Adverse selection and climate risk: a response to, the effect of carbon pricing on firm emissions: evidence from the swedish co 2 tax, equity return expectations and portfolios: evidence from large asset managers, which subjective expectations explain asset prices, selective default expectations, email alerts.

  • Recommend to your Library

Affiliations

  • Online ISSN 1465-7368
  • Print ISSN 0893-9454
  • Copyright © 2024 Society for Financial Studies
  • About Oxford Academic
  • Publish journals with us
  • University press partners
  • What we publish
  • New features  
  • Open access
  • Institutional account management
  • Rights and permissions
  • Get help with access
  • Accessibility
  • Advertising
  • Media enquiries
  • Oxford University Press
  • Oxford Languages
  • University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

  • Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
  • Cookie settings
  • Cookie policy
  • Privacy policy
  • Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

50 Best Finance Dissertation Topics For Research Students

Link Copied

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on LinkedIn

50 Best Finance Dissertation Topics For Research Students

Finance Dissertation Made Easier!

Embarking on your dissertation adventure? Look no further! Choosing the right finance dissertation topics is like laying the foundation for your research journey in Finance, and we're here to light up your path. In this blog, we're diving deep into why dissertation topics in finance matter so much. We've got some golden writing tips to share with you! We're also unveiling the secret recipe for structuring a stellar finance dissertation and exploring intriguing topics across various finance sub-fields. Whether you're captivated by cryptocurrency, risk management strategies, or exploring the wonders of Internet banking, microfinance, retail and commercial banking - our buffet of Finance dissertation topics will surely set your research spirit on fire!

What is a Finance Dissertation?

Finance dissertations are academic papers that delve into specific finance topics chosen by students, covering areas such as stock markets, banking, risk management, and healthcare finance. These dissertations require extensive research to create a compelling report and contribute to the student's confidence and satisfaction in the field of Finance. Now, let's understand why these dissertations are so important and why choosing the right Finance dissertation topics is crucial!

Why Are Finance Dissertation Topics Important?

Choosing the dissertation topics for Finance students is essential as it will influence the course of your research. It determines the direction and scope of your study. You must make sure that the Finance dissertation topics you choose are relevant to your field of interest, or you may end up finding it more challenging to write. Here are a few reasons why finance thesis topics are important:

1. Relevance

Opting for relevant finance thesis topics ensures that your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge and addresses contemporary issues in the field of Finance. Choosing a dissertation topic in Finance that is relevant to the industry can make a meaningful impact and advance understanding in your chosen area.

2. Personal Interest

Selecting Finance dissertation topics that align with your interests and career goals is vital. When genuinely passionate about your research area, you are more likely to stay motivated during the dissertation process. Your interest will drive you to explore the subject thoroughly and produce high-quality work.

3. Future Opportunities

Well-chosen Finance dissertation topics can open doors to various future opportunities. It can enhance your employability by showcasing your expertise in a specific finance area. It may lead to potential research collaborations and invitations to conferences in your field of interest.

4. Academic Supervision

Your choice of topics for dissertation in Finance also influences the availability of academic supervisors with expertise in your chosen area. Selecting a well-defined research area increases the likelihood of finding a supervisor to guide you effectively throughout the dissertation. Their knowledge and guidance will greatly contribute to the success of your research.

Writing Tips for Finance Dissertation

A lot of planning, formatting, and structuring goes into writing a dissertation. It starts with deciding on topics for a dissertation in Finance and conducting tons of research, deciding on methods, and so on. However, you can navigate the process more effectively with proper planning and organisation. Below are some tips to assist you along the way, and here is a blog on the 10 tips on writing a dissertation that can give you more information, should you need it!

1. Select a Manageable Topic

Choosing Finance research topics within the given timeframe and resources is important. Select a research area that interests you and aligns with your career goals. It will help you stay inspired throughout the dissertation process.

2. Conduct a Thorough Literature Review

A comprehensive literature review forms the backbone of your research. After choosing the Finance dissertation topics, dive deep into academic papers, books, and industry reports, gaining a solid understanding of your chosen area to identify research gaps and establish the significance of your study.

3. Define Clear Research Objectives

Clearly define your dissertation's research questions and objectives. It will provide a clear direction for your research and guide your data collection, analysis, and overall structure. Ensure your objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

4. Collect and Analyse Data

Depending on your research methodology and your Finance dissertation topics, collect and analyze relevant data to support your findings. It may involve conducting surveys, interviews, experiments, and analyzing existing datasets. Choose appropriate statistical techniques and qualitative methods to derive meaningful insights from your data.

5. Structure and Organization

Pay attention to the structure and organization of your dissertation. Follow a logical progression of chapters and sections, ensuring that each chapter contributes to the overall coherence of your study. Use headings, subheadings, and clear signposts to guide the reader through your work.

6. Proofread and Edit

Once you have completed the writing process, take the time to proofread and edit your dissertation carefully. Check for clarity, coherence, and proper grammar. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported, and eliminate any inconsistencies or repetitions. Pay attention to formatting, citation styles, and consistency in referencing throughout your dissertation.

Don't let student accommodation hassles derail your finance research.

Book through amber today!

Finance Dissertation Topics

Now that you know what a finance dissertation is and why they are important, it's time to have a look at some of the best Finance dissertation topics. For your convenience, we have segregated these topics into categories, including cryptocurrency, risk management, internet banking, and so many more. So, let's dive right in and explore the best Finance dissertation topics:

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Cryptocurrency

1. The Impact of Regulatory Frameworks on the Volatility and Liquidity of Cryptocurrencies.

2. Exploring the Factors Influencing Cryptocurrency Adoption: A Comparative Study.

3. Assessing the Efficiency and Market Integration of Cryptocurrency Exchanges.

4. An Analysis of the Relationship between Cryptocurrency Prices and Macroeconomic Factors.

5. The Role of Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) in Financing Startups: Opportunities and Challenges.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Risk Management

1. The Effectiveness of Different Risk Management Strategies in Mitigating Financial Risks in Banking Institutions.

2. The Role of Derivatives in Hedging Financial Risks: A Comparative Study.

3. Analyzing the Impact of Risk Management Practices on Firm Performance: A Case Study of a Specific Industry.

4. The Use of Stress Testing in Evaluating Systemic Risk: Lessons from the Global Financial Crisis.

5. Assessing the Relationship between Corporate Governance and Risk Management in Financial Institutions.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Internet Banking

1. Customer Adoption of Internet Banking: An Empirical Study on Factors Influencing Usage.

Enhancing Security in Internet Banking: Exploring Biometric Authentication Technologies.

2. The Impact of Mobile Banking Applications on Customer Engagement and Satisfaction.

3. Evaluating the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Internet Banking Services in Emerging Markets.

4. The Role of Social Media in Shaping Customer Perception and Adoption of Internet Banking.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Microfinance

1. The Impact of Microfinance on Poverty Alleviation: A Comparative Study of Different Models.

2. Exploring the Role of Microfinance in Empowering Women Entrepreneurs.

3. Assessing the Financial Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions in Developing Countries.

4. The Effectiveness of Microfinance in Promoting Rural Development: Evidence from a Specific Region.

5. Analyzing the Relationship between Microfinance and Entrepreneurial Success: A Longitudinal Study.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Retail and Commercial Banking

1. The Impact of Digital Transformation on Retail and Commercial Banking: A Case Study of a Specific Bank.

2. Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in Retail Banking: An Analysis of Service Quality Dimensions.

3. Analyzing the Relationship between Bank Branch Expansion and Financial Performance.

4. The Role of Fintech Startups in Disrupting Retail and Commercial Banking: Opportunities and Challenges.

5. Assessing the Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on the Performance of Retail and Commercial Banks.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Alternative Investment

1. The Performance and Risk Characteristics of Hedge Funds: A Comparative Analysis.

2. Exploring the Role of Private Equity in Financing and Growing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

3. Analyzing the Relationship between Real Estate Investments and Portfolio Diversification.

4. The Potential of Impact Investing: Evaluating the Social and Financial Returns.

5. Assessing the Risk-Return Tradeoff in Cryptocurrency Investments: A Comparative Study.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to International Affairs

1. The Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on International Trade: A Case Study of a Specific Industry.

2. Analyzing the Effectiveness of Capital Controls in Managing Financial Crises: Comparative Study of Different Countries.

3. The Role of International Financial Institutions in Promoting Economic Development in Developing Countries.

4. Evaluating the Implications of Trade Wars on Global Financial Markets.

5. Assessing the Role of Central Banks in Managing Financial Stability in a Globalized Economy.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Sustainable Finance

1. The impact of sustainable investing on financial performance.

2. The role of green bonds in financing climate change mitigation and adaptation.

3. The development of carbon markets.

4. The use of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decision-making.

5. The challenges and opportunities of sustainable Finance in emerging markets.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Investment Banking

1. The valuation of distressed assets.

2. The pricing of derivatives.

3. The risk management of financial institutions.

4. The regulation of investment banks.

5. The impact of technology on the investment banking industry.

Dissertation topics in Finance related to Actuarial Science

1. The development of new actuarial models for pricing insurance products.

2. The use of big data in actuarial analysis.

3. The impact of climate change on insurance risk.

4. The design of pension plans that are sustainable in the long term.

5. The use of actuarial science to manage risk in other industries, such as healthcare and Finance.

Tips To Find Good Finance Dissertation Topics 

Embarking on a financial dissertation journey requires careful consideration of various factors. Your choice of topic in finance research topics is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the entire research process. Finding a good financial dissertation topic is essential to blend your interests with the current trends in the financial landscape. We suggest the following tips that can help you pick the perfect dissertation topic:

1. Identify your interests and strengths 

2. Check for current relevance

3. Feedback from your superiors

4. Finalise the research methods

5. Gather the data

6. Work on the outline of your dissertation

7. Make a draft and proofread it

In this blog, we have discussed the importance of finance thesis topics and provided valuable writing tips and tips for finding the right topic, too. We have also presented a list of topics within various subfields of Finance. With this, we hope you have great ideas for finance dissertations. Good luck with your finance research journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i research for my dissertation project topics in finance, what is the best topic for dissertation topics for mba finance, what is the hardest finance topic, how do i choose the right topic for my dissertation in finance, where can i find a dissertation topic in finance.

Your ideal student home & a flight ticket awaits

Follow us on :

cta

Related Posts

research topics for financial economics

Master's In Canada: Top Colleges, Fees & Eligibility In 2024

research topics for financial economics

Top 10 Short-Term Finance Certification Courses In 2024

research topics for financial economics

Felix Scholarship: Eligibility, Application Process & More

research topics for financial economics

Planning to Study Abroad ?

research topics for financial economics

Your ideal student accommodation is a few steps away! Please fill in your details below so we can find you a new home!

We have got your response

Top 10 Educational YouTube Channels

amber © 2024. All rights reserved.

4.8/5 on Trustpilot

Rated as "Excellent" • 4800+ Reviews by students

Rated as "Excellent" • 4800+ Reviews by Students

play store

Browse Econ Literature

  • Working papers
  • Software components
  • Book chapters
  • JEL classification

More features

  • Subscribe to new research

RePEc Biblio

Author registration.

  • Economics Virtual Seminar Calendar NEW!

IDEAS home

Search IDEAS All Articles Papers Chapters Books Software  In: Whole record Abstract Keywords Title Author Sort by: new options Relevance Oldest Most recent Most cited Title alphabet Recently added Recent & relevant Relevant & cited Recent & cited From: Any Year 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1985 1980 1975 1970 1960 1950 1940 1930 1900 1800 1700 To: Any Year 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1985 1980 1975 1970 1960 1950 1940 1930 1900 1800 1700 More advanced search New: sort by citation count and by recently added --> What is IDEAS? IDEAS is the largest bibliographic database dedicated to Economics and available freely on the Internet. Based on RePEc , it indexes over 4,700,000 items of research, including over 4,200,000 that can be downloaded in full text. RePEc is a large volunteer effort to enhance the free dissemination of research in Economics which includes bibliographic metadata from over 2,000 participating archives , including all the major publishers and research outlets. IDEAS is just one of several services that use RePEc data. For some statistics about the holdings on this site, see here . Authors are invited to register with RePEc to create an online profile. Then, anyone finding some of their research here can find your latest contact details and a listing of their other research. They will also receive a monthly mailing about the popularity of their works, their ranking and newly found citations. How do I find on IDEAS what I am looking for?

More services and features.

Follow serials, authors, keywords & more

Public profiles for Economics researchers

Various research rankings in Economics

RePEc Genealogy

Who was a student of whom, using RePEc

Curated articles & papers on economics topics

Upload your paper to be listed on RePEc and IDEAS

New papers by email

Subscribe to new additions to RePEc

EconAcademics

Blog aggregator for economics research

Cases of plagiarism in Economics

About RePEc

Initiative for open bibliographies in Economics

News about RePEc

Questions about IDEAS and RePEc

RePEc volunteers

Participating archives

Publishers indexing in RePEc

Privacy statement

Corrections.

Found an error or omission?

Opportunities to help RePEc

Get papers listed

Have your research listed on RePEc

Open a RePEc archive

Have your institution's/publisher's output listed on RePEc

Get RePEc data

Use data assembled by RePEc

Financial Economics

Accounting and Finance Thesis Topics

Academic Writing Service

This page provides a comprehensive list of accounting and finance thesis topics designed to assist students in selecting an impactful subject for their thesis. Whether you are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies, the diverse array of topics presented here covers a broad spectrum of specialties within the field of accounting and finance. From traditional areas like audit and taxation to emerging fields like fintech and behavioral finance, this collection aims to cater to a variety of research interests and academic requirements. Each category is meticulously curated to inspire innovative thinking and encourage a deeper exploration of both established and contemporary issues in the discipline.

600 Accounting and Finance Thesis Topics

Accounting and Finance Thesis Topics

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code, browse accounting and finance thesis topics:.

  • Accounting Thesis Topics
  • Audit Thesis Topics
  • Banking Thesis Topics
  • Behavioral Finance Thesis Topics
  • Capital Markets Thesis Topics
  • Corporate Finance Thesis Topics
  • Corporate Governance Thesis Topics
  • Finance Thesis Topics
  • Financial Economics Thesis Topics
  • Financial Management Thesis Topics
  • Fintech Thesis Topics
  • Insurance Thesis Topics
  • International Finance Thesis Topics
  • Investment Thesis Topics
  • Management Accounting Thesis Topics
  • Personal Finance Thesis Topics
  • Public Finance Thesis Topics
  • Quantitative Finance Thesis Topics
  • Risk Management Thesis Topics
  • Taxation Thesis Topics

1. Accounting Thesis Topics

  • The impact of artificial intelligence on financial reporting and compliance.
  • Blockchain technology in accounting: disrupting traditional processes.
  • The role of ethical leadership in promoting sustainable accounting practices.
  • Comparative analysis of global accounting standards post-IFRS adoption.
  • Cultural influences on multinational accounting practices.
  • The future of green accounting in corporate sustainability initiatives.
  • Digital currencies and their accounting implications within multinational corporations.
  • The efficacy of automated accounting systems in small to medium enterprises.
  • Forensic accounting as a tool against cyber financial fraud.
  • Tax strategy and accounting ethics in the digital age.
  • Non-profit accounting challenges in a post-pandemic world.
  • Gig economy impacts on financial reporting and tax obligations.
  • Continuous auditing in real-time financial data environments.
  • Ethical conflicts in accounting decisions: a case study analysis.
  • The integration of blockchain for transparency in financial auditing.
  • Strategic management accounting techniques in agile organizations.
  • Predictive analytics in accounting and its impact on business strategy.
  • Cost management innovations in healthcare accounting.
  • Regulatory impacts on financial disclosures and corporate accounting.
  • Innovative financial planning tools for startup sustainability.
  • The role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in financial decision-making.
  • Public sector accountability and accounting reforms.
  • Big data analytics in financial statement analysis.
  • Adapting accounting frameworks for emerging markets.
  • The dynamics of accounting professionalism and ethical standards.
  • Real-time financial reporting: challenges and advantages.
  • Mergers and acquisitions: accounting for corporate restructuring.
  • Artificial intelligence in audit operations: reshaping traditional frameworks.
  • Corporate sustainability reporting: critical analysis of current practices.
  • Tax evasion strategies and their impact on international accounting standards.

2. Audit Thesis Topics

  • The effectiveness of continuous auditing in detecting and preventing fraud.
  • Implementing a risk-based auditing framework in emerging markets.
  • Enhancing corporate governance with robust audit committee functions.
  • The comparative reliability of external audits versus internal controls.
  • The impact of the latest regulatory frameworks on auditing standards.
  • Ensuring auditor independence in a complex corporate milieu.
  • Blockchain applications in enhancing audit trail transparency.
  • Strategies for cybersecurity audits in financial institutions.
  • Cultural impacts on audit practices in global organizations.
  • The future of auditing: integrating real-time data analytics.
  • The relationship between audit quality and investment decisions.
  • Leveraging machine learning for enhanced audit precision.
  • Auditing ethics in the face of financial technology innovations.
  • The role of internal audits in reinforcing cybersecurity measures.
  • Auditing challenges in decentralized platforms using blockchain technology.
  • Comparative study of traditional and modern audit methodologies.
  • The impact of data privacy regulations on audit practices globally.
  • Developing effective audit strategies for cloud-based accounting systems.
  • The role of audits in enhancing business resilience during economic downturns.
  • Fraud detection techniques in an AI-driven audit environment.
  • The effectiveness of environmental auditing in promoting corporate sustainability.
  • Auditing for non-financial information: challenges and methodologies.
  • Enhancing the transparency of public sector audits to improve trust.
  • Implementing forensic auditing techniques in corporate fraud detection.
  • The evolution of auditing standards in response to global financial crises.
  • The role of technology in transforming audit documentation and reporting.
  • Impact of auditor-client relationships on audit quality.
  • Strategies for overcoming challenges in cross-border audit practices.
  • Auditing supply chain operations for financial integrity and sustainability.
  • The future of regulatory audits in a dynamically changing global market.

3. Banking Thesis Topics

  • The future of digital banking post-COVID-19.
  • Analyzing the impact of blockchain technology on international banking transactions.
  • The role of central banks in managing digital currency implementations.
  • Sustainable banking practices: integrating ESG factors into bank operations.
  • The evolution of consumer banking behavior influenced by mobile technologies.
  • Cybersecurity strategies in banking: preventing breaches in a digital age.
  • The effectiveness of monetary policy in digital banking ecosystems.
  • Banking regulations and their impact on global economic stability.
  • Fintech innovations and their integration into traditional banking systems.
  • The impact of banking deserts on rural economic development.
  • Artificial intelligence in banking: reshaping customer service and risk management.
  • The role of ethical banking in promoting financial inclusion.
  • Impact of Brexit on UK banking: challenges and opportunities.
  • Stress testing in banks: approaches and implications for financial stability.
  • Consumer data protection in online banking: challenges and solutions.
  • The influence of microfinancing on developing economies.
  • The impact of interest rate changes on banking profitability.
  • Role of banking in supporting sustainable energy financing.
  • Technological disruptions in banking: a threat or an opportunity?
  • The effect of global banking regulations on emerging market economies.
  • Strategies for managing credit risk in post-pandemic recovery phases.
  • The growing role of Islamic banking in the global finance sector.
  • The impact of non-traditional banking platforms on financial services.
  • Data analytics in banking: enhancing decision-making processes.
  • Cross-border banking challenges in a globalized economy.
  • The future of branchless banking: implications for customer engagement.
  • Banking transparency and its effects on consumer trust.
  • The role of banks in facilitating international trade.
  • Innovations in mortgage banking and their impact on housing markets.
  • The effects of banking consolidation on competition and service delivery.

4. Behavioral Finance Thesis Topics

  • The psychological effects of financial losses on investment behavior.
  • Behavioral biases in financial decision-making: a case study of stock market investors.
  • The impact of social media on investor behavior and market outcomes.
  • Cognitive dissonance and its effect on personal financial planning.
  • The role of emotional intelligence in financial trading success.
  • Exploring the herding behavior in cryptocurrency markets.
  • Behavioral finance strategies to mitigate impulse spending.
  • The influence of cultural factors on investment decisions.
  • Psychological factors driving risk tolerance among millennials.
  • The effect of behavioral finance education on individual investment choices.
  • Overconfidence and trading: an analysis of its impact on stock returns.
  • Decision-making processes under financial stress: a behavioral perspective.
  • The role of behavioral factors in the success of financial advisement.
  • The impact of behavioral insights on retirement savings plans.
  • Anchoring bias in financial forecasting and market predictions.
  • The role of optimism and pessimism in financial markets.
  • Behavioral finance and its role in shaping sustainable investing.
  • Understanding the gap between perceived and actual financial knowledge.
  • Behavioral interventions to improve financial literacy.
  • The influence of personality traits on financial decision-making.
  • Behavioral economics: redesigning financial products for better decision outcomes.
  • The effectiveness of nudge theory in personal finance management.
  • The impact of financial anxiety on decision-making efficiency.
  • The behavioral aspects of financial negotiation.
  • Market sentiment analysis: behavioral finance in algorithmic trading.
  • The psychological impact of financial news on market movements.
  • Behavioral finance insights into crowd-funding behaviors.
  • Ethical considerations in behavioral finance research.
  • The influence of age and life stage on financial risk-taking.
  • Behavioral finance in corporate decision-making: case studies of strategic financial planning.

5. Capital Markets Thesis Topics

  • The future trajectory of global capital markets in the post-pandemic era.
  • Impact of quantitative easing on emerging market economies.
  • The role of technology in enhancing liquidity in capital markets.
  • Analysis of market efficiency in different economic cycles.
  • The effects of political instability on capital market performance.
  • Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and their impact on capital market trends.
  • Cryptocurrency as an emerging asset class in capital markets.
  • The role of sovereign wealth funds in global capital markets.
  • Algorithmic trading and its influence on market dynamics.
  • The impact of international sanctions on capital markets.
  • High-frequency trading: market benefits and systemic risks.
  • The role of capital markets in financing green energy initiatives.
  • Impact of fintech on traditional capital market structures.
  • Corporate bond markets and their responsiveness to economic changes.
  • The influence of central bank policies on capital market stability.
  • Market anomalies and behavioral economics: exploring the deviations from market efficiency.
  • The role of investor sentiment in capital market fluctuations.
  • Crowdfunding as an alternative financing mechanism in capital markets.
  • Regulatory challenges facing capital markets in developing countries.
  • The future of securitization post-global financial crisis.
  • Derivatives markets and their role in risk management.
  • The impact of technology IPOs on market perceptions.
  • Venture capital and its influence on market innovation.
  • Corporate governance and its effect on equity prices.
  • The role of market makers in maintaining market stability.
  • Ethical investing and its traction in the capital market.
  • The impact of demographic shifts on investment trends.
  • The interplay between macroeconomic policies and capital market growth.
  • Leveraging machine learning for capital market predictions.
  • The role of media in shaping public perceptions of capital markets.

6. Corporate Finance Thesis Topics

  • The impact of global economic shifts on corporate financing strategies.
  • Analyzing the role of corporate finance in driving sustainable business practices.
  • The influence of digital transformation on corporate financial management.
  • Risk management in corporate finance during uncertain economic times.
  • The effects of corporate financial restructuring on shareholder value.
  • Financing innovation: How corporations fund new technology investments.
  • The role of private equity in corporate finance.
  • Strategies for managing corporate debt in a fluctuating interest rate environment.
  • Impact of mergers and acquisitions on corporate financial health.
  • ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in corporate finance decisions.
  • The future of corporate finance in the era of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
  • The role of financial analytics in optimizing corporate investment decisions.
  • Corporate finance challenges in emerging markets.
  • Venture capital and its impact on corporate growth.
  • Corporate financial transparency and its effect on investor relations.
  • The role of CFOs in navigating new global tax laws.
  • Financial technology innovations and their implications for corporate finance.
  • The impact of international trade agreements on corporate financing.
  • Corporate finance strategies in the healthcare sector.
  • The influence of shareholder activism on corporate financial policies.
  • The future of corporate banking relationships.
  • Capital allocation decisions in multinational corporations.
  • The role of artificial intelligence in financial forecasting and budgeting.
  • The impact of demographic changes on corporate finance strategies.
  • Managing financial risks associated with climate change.
  • The role of corporate finance in business model innovation.
  • Financing strategies for startups versus established firms.
  • The effect of corporate culture on financial decision-making.
  • Corporate governance and its influence on financial risk management.
  • The evolving landscape of securities regulations and its impact on corporate finance.

7. Corporate Governance Thesis Topics

  • The impact of governance structures on corporate sustainability and responsibility.
  • Board diversity and its effect on corporate decision-making processes.
  • Corporate governance mechanisms to combat corruption and enhance transparency.
  • The role of stakeholder engagement in shaping governance practices.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of corporate governance codes across different jurisdictions.
  • The influence of technology on corporate governance practices.
  • Governance challenges in family-owned businesses.
  • The impact of corporate governance on firm performance during economic crises.
  • Shareholder rights and their enforcement in emerging market economies.
  • The future of corporate governance in the digital economy.
  • The role of ethics in corporate governance.
  • Corporate governance and risk management: interlinkages and impacts.
  • The effects of regulatory changes on corporate governance standards.
  • ESG integration in corporate governance.
  • The role of internal audits in strengthening corporate governance.
  • Corporate governance in non-profit organizations.
  • The influence of activist investors on corporate governance reforms.
  • The effectiveness of whistleblower policies in corporate governance.
  • Cybersecurity governance in large corporations.
  • Succession planning and governance in large enterprises.
  • The impact of international governance standards on local practices.
  • The role of governance in preventing financial fraud.
  • Corporate governance in the fintech industry.
  • The relationship between corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.
  • The impact of global economic policies on corporate governance.
  • Data privacy and security: Governance challenges in the information era.
  • The role of governance in managing corporate crises.
  • The impact of leadership styles on corporate governance effectiveness.
  • Corporate governance and its role in enhancing business competitiveness.
  • The evolving role of board committees in strategic decision-making.

8. Finance Thesis Topics

  • Financial implications of global climate change initiatives.
  • The future of financial markets in the face of geopolitical uncertainties.
  • The impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation in developing countries.
  • Cryptocurrency: emerging financial technology and its regulatory challenges.
  • The role of financial institutions in fostering economic resilience.
  • Innovations in financial products for an aging global population.
  • The impact of digital wallets on traditional banking systems.
  • Financial literacy and its role in promoting socio-economic equality.
  • The effect of fintech on the global remittance landscape.
  • Risk management strategies in finance post-global financial crisis.
  • The influence of behavioral finance on investment strategies.
  • The evolving role of central banks in digital currency markets.
  • Financing sustainable urban development.
  • The impact of artificial intelligence on personal finance management.
  • Peer-to-peer lending and its effect on traditional credit markets.
  • The role of finance in facilitating international trade and development.
  • The implications of Brexit on European financial markets.
  • Financial derivatives and their role in modern economies.
  • The effects of sanctions on financial transactions and economic stability.
  • The future of investment banking in a technology-driven world.
  • Financial models for predicting economic downturns.
  • The impact of financial education on consumer behavior.
  • Securitization of assets: benefits and risks.
  • The role of financial services in disaster recovery and resilience.
  • Emerging trends in global investment patterns.
  • Financial strategies for managing corporate mergers and acquisitions.
  • The influence of cultural factors on financial systems and practices.
  • The effectiveness of financial sanctions as a geopolitical tool.
  • The future of financial privacy in an interconnected world.
  • The role of finance in promoting renewable energy investments.

9. Financial Economics Thesis Topics

  • The economic impact of quantitative easing in developed versus emerging markets.
  • The implications of negative interest rates for global economies.
  • Economic predictors of financial market behavior in crisis periods.
  • The relationship between government debt and economic growth.
  • Economic consequences of income inequality on national financial stability.
  • The effects of consumer confidence on economic recovery.
  • The role of economic policy in shaping housing market dynamics.
  • The impact of global trade wars on financial economics.
  • The influence of demographic shifts on economic policy and financial markets.
  • Macroeconomic factors influencing cryptocurrency adoption.
  • The role of economic theory in developing financial regulation.
  • The impact of tourism economics on national financial health.
  • Economic strategies for combating hyperinflation.
  • The role of sovereign wealth funds in global economic stability.
  • Economic analyses of environmental and resource economics.
  • The implications of fintech on traditional economic models.
  • Economic impacts of global pandemic responses by governments.
  • The future of labor markets in a digitally transforming economy.
  • Economic considerations in renewable energy finance.
  • The economics of privacy and data security in financial transactions.
  • The role of international economic organizations in financial regulation.
  • Economic effects of technological innovation on traditional industries.
  • The impact of economic sanctions on international relations and finance.
  • The role of consumer spending in economic recovery phases.
  • Economic policies for addressing wealth gaps.
  • The economic impact of climate change on financial sectors.
  • The role of economic research in crafting sustainable development goals.
  • The economics of health and its impact on national economies.
  • Global economic trends and their implications for financial forecasting.
  • The relationship between educational economics and workforce development.

10. Financial Management Thesis Topics

  • The strategic role of financial management in corporate sustainability.
  • Impact of global financial regulations on corporate financial management.
  • Financial management techniques for optimizing supply chain operations.
  • The role of financial management in crisis recovery and resilience.
  • Emerging technologies in financial management systems.
  • The impact of corporate social responsibility on financial management strategies.
  • Financial planning for long-term business growth in volatile markets.
  • The influence of global economic conditions on financial management practices.
  • Financial management challenges in the nonprofit sector.
  • The role of financial management in mergers and acquisitions.
  • The impact of digital currencies on corporate financial management.
  • Financial risk management strategies in an era of global uncertainty.
  • The role of financial management in enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Financial management best practices in the tech industry.
  • The impact of consumer behavior trends on financial management.
  • Financial management in the healthcare sector: Challenges and strategies.
  • The influence of artificial intelligence on financial decision-making processes.
  • Financial management strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • The role of financial management in international expansion.
  • Ethical considerations in financial management practices.
  • Financial management in the energy sector: challenges and innovations.
  • Financial strategies for managing environmental risks.
  • The role of financial management in startup success and sustainability.
  • The impact of financial transparency on corporate governance.
  • Financial management and investor relations: integrating strategic communication.
  • The role of financial management in educational institutions.
  • Managing financial instability in emerging markets.
  • Financial management practices in the gig economy.
  • The role of financial managers in driving business model innovations.
  • Financial management tools for effective capital allocation.

11. Fintech Thesis Topics

  • The impact of blockchain on global payment systems.
  • Regulation challenges for fintech innovations: A cross-country analysis.
  • The role of fintech in democratizing access to financial services.
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence in predictive financial modeling.
  • The evolution of peer-to-peer lending platforms and their impact on traditional banking.
  • Cryptocurrency adoption: consumer behavior and market dynamics.
  • The future of robo-advisors in personal finance management.
  • The impact of mobile banking on financial inclusion in developing countries.
  • Fintech solutions for microfinance: scalability and sustainability issues.
  • Data privacy and security challenges in fintech applications.
  • The role of fintech in enhancing cybersecurity in financial transactions.
  • The impact of fintech on traditional banking employment.
  • Regulatory technology (RegTech) for compliance management: trends and challenges.
  • Fintech and its role in combating financial crime and money laundering.
  • The influence of fintech on the insurance industry: insurtech innovations.
  • Fintech investments: market trends and future prospects.
  • The role of big data analytics in fintech.
  • Digital wallets and the future of consumer spending behavior.
  • Impact of fintech on wealth management and investment strategies.
  • Challenges and opportunities of implementing distributed ledger technology in financial services.
  • Consumer trust and fintech: building relationships in a digital age.
  • The evolution of payment gateways: fintech at the forefront.
  • Fintech’s impact on cross-border payments and remittances.
  • The role of fintech in the development of smart contracts.
  • The influence of fintech on financial market transparency.
  • Fintech as a driver for financial sector innovation in emerging markets.
  • The impact of artificial intelligence on risk assessment in fintech.
  • Fintech and financial stability: an analysis of systemic risks.
  • The role of fintech in streamlining government and public sector finance.
  • Ethical considerations in fintech: balancing innovation with consumer protection.

12. Insurance Thesis Topics

  • The future of insurance in the age of climate change.
  • The impact of artificial intelligence on underwriting and risk management.
  • Cyber risk insurance: emerging challenges and opportunities.
  • The role of insurance in managing public health crises.
  • Innovations in health insurance: technology-driven approaches to coverage.
  • The evolution of automotive insurance in the era of autonomous vehicles.
  • Insurance fraud detection using big data analytics.
  • Regulatory challenges in the global insurance market.
  • The influence of behavioral economics on insurance product design.
  • The role of reinsurance in stabilizing insurance markets.
  • Insurance and financial inclusion: strategies for reaching underserved communities.
  • The impact of technological advancements on insurance pricing models.
  • The role of insurance in disaster risk reduction and management.
  • Customer data management in the insurance industry: privacy versus personalization.
  • The future of life insurance: adapting to demographic shifts.
  • The integration of IoT devices in home insurance policies.
  • Blockchain applications in the insurance industry.
  • The impact of social media on insurance marketing and customer engagement.
  • Insurance as a tool for sustainable business practices.
  • The role of insurance companies in promoting corporate social responsibility.
  • The challenges of health insurance in a post-pandemic world.
  • Emerging risks and insurance: addressing the needs of the gig economy.
  • The role of insurance in mitigating financial risks associated with sports and entertainment.
  • Ethical challenges in insurance: discrimination in risk assessment.
  • The impact of global political instability on the insurance sector.
  • Insurance products tailored for the elderly: opportunities and challenges.
  • The role of insurance in fostering innovation in the construction industry.
  • Insurance and climate resilience: protecting vulnerable communities.
  • The evolving landscape of travel insurance amid global uncertainties.
  • The role of insurance in the transition to renewable energy sources.

13. International Finance Thesis Topics

  • The impact of currency fluctuations on international trade.
  • Strategies for managing foreign exchange risk in multinational corporations.
  • The effects of global economic sanctions on financial markets.
  • The role of international financial institutions in economic development.
  • Cross-border mergers and acquisitions: challenges and opportunities.
  • The influence of geopolitical tensions on global financial stability.
  • International tax planning and its implications for global investment.
  • The future of international financial regulation in a post-Brexit Europe.
  • The impact of emerging markets on global finance.
  • Foreign direct investment trends and their economic impacts.
  • The role of sovereign wealth funds in international finance.
  • The challenges of implementing international accounting standards.
  • The impact of international remittances on developing economies.
  • The role of digital currencies in reshaping international finance.
  • The effects of protectionist trade policies on global finance.
  • International financial market trends and their implications for investors.
  • The role of expatriate remittances in national economic stability.
  • The impact of international trade agreements on financial services.
  • Global risk management strategies in the finance sector.
  • The role of green finance in promoting sustainable development.
  • The impact of international environmental policies on financial strategies.
  • The future of global banking in the context of rising nationalism.
  • The role of international finance in disaster recovery and resilience.
  • The influence of international finance on poverty reduction strategies.
  • Strategies for financing international healthcare initiatives.
  • The evolving role of Islamic finance in the global market.
  • The impact of fintech on international banking and finance.
  • Challenges in financing international infrastructure projects.
  • The role of international finance in climate change mitigation.
  • Ethical considerations in international finance: fostering global financial integrity.

14. Investment Thesis Topics

  • The role of ESG criteria in investment decision-making.
  • The impact of technological innovation on investment strategies.
  • Market reaction to unexpected global events and its effect on investment portfolios.
  • Behavioral biases in investment: a study of market anomalies.
  • The future of real estate investment in a fluctuating economic landscape.
  • The role of quantitative analysis in portfolio management.
  • The impact of demographic changes on investment trends.
  • Strategies for sustainable and responsible investing.
  • The influence of regulatory changes on investment strategies.
  • The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing investment decisions.
  • Cryptocurrency investment: risks and opportunities.
  • The impact of global trade tensions on investment strategies.
  • Investment strategies for low interest rate environments.
  • The role of crowdfunding in the investment landscape.
  • The impact of social media on investor sentiment and stock prices.
  • The effectiveness of passive versus active investment strategies.
  • The role of venture capital in driving technological innovation.
  • The future of bond markets in a changing economic context.
  • The role of international investments in diversifying portfolios.
  • Impact of inflation expectations on investment decisions.
  • The evolving landscape of commodity investments.
  • Investment opportunities in emerging markets.
  • The impact of fiscal policy changes on investment strategies.
  • The role of hedge funds in the current financial market.
  • The influence of central bank policies on investment strategies.
  • The role of pension funds in the global investment market.
  • Ethical investing: balancing profit and principles.
  • The future of investments in renewable energy.
  • The impact of political stability on foreign investments.
  • The role of technology in asset management and valuation.

15. Management Accounting Thesis Topics

  • The role of management accounting in strategic decision-making.
  • Cost management strategies in the era of global supply chain disruptions.
  • The impact of digital transformation on management accounting practices.
  • The role of management accounting in environmental sustainability.
  • Performance measurement and management in diverse organizational settings.
  • Risk management strategies in management accounting.
  • The evolving role of management accountants in corporate governance.
  • The impact of regulatory changes on management accounting.
  • The role of management accounting in healthcare cost containment.
  • The influence of management accounting on operational efficiency.
  • Management accounting practices in nonprofit organizations.
  • The role of cost analysis in pricing strategies.
  • The impact of technological advancements on budgeting and forecasting.
  • The effectiveness of management accounting tools in project management.
  • The role of management accounting in mergers and acquisitions.
  • The impact of cultural differences on management accounting systems.
  • The role of management accounting in enhancing business resilience.
  • The influence of management accounting on business model innovation.
  • Management accounting in the digital economy: challenges and opportunities.
  • Strategic cost management for competitive advantage.
  • The role of management accounting in supply chain optimization.
  • The future of management accounting in the context of AI and automation.
  • The impact of financial technology on management accounting.
  • The role of management accounting in crisis management and recovery.
  • Performance metrics and their impact on organizational success.
  • The role of management accounting in supporting sustainable practices.
  • The impact of global economic conditions on management accounting.
  • The role of predictive analytics in management accounting.
  • The effectiveness of internal controls in management accounting.
  • The role of management accounting in international business expansion.

16. Personal Finance Thesis Topics

  • The impact of financial technology on personal savings strategies.
  • Behavioral insights into personal debt management.
  • The role of personal finance education in shaping financial literacy.
  • The influence of economic downturns on personal investment choices.
  • Retirement planning: trends and strategies in the current economic climate.
  • The effectiveness of digital tools in personal budgeting and financial planning.
  • Analyzing the gender gap in personal finance management.
  • The impact of cultural factors on personal saving and spending habits.
  • Personal finance challenges for the gig economy workers.
  • The role of personal finance in achieving long-term financial security.
  • Cryptocurrency as a personal investment: risks and rewards.
  • The impact of peer-to-peer lending platforms on personal finance.
  • The influence of social media on personal financial decisions.
  • Ethical considerations in personal financial advice.
  • The evolution of consumer credit markets and its impact on personal finance.
  • Strategies for managing personal financial risk.
  • The role of emergency funds in personal financial planning.
  • The impact of student loans on financial planning for millennials.
  • Personal finance strategies for different life stages.
  • The effect of inflation on personal savings and investment strategies.
  • The future of personal finance in the age of AI and automation.
  • The role of insurance in personal financial planning.
  • The impact of tax laws changes on personal finance strategies.
  • The psychology of spending: understanding consumer behavior.
  • Personal financial planning for expatriates: strategies and challenges.
  • The role of estate planning in personal finance.
  • Impact of healthcare costs on personal financial stability.
  • The role of financial advisors in the era of self-directed financial planning.
  • Financial planning for sustainable living: integrating environmental considerations.
  • The challenges and opportunities in personal wealth building.

17. Public Finance Thesis Topics

  • The role of public finance in addressing income inequality.
  • Fiscal policies for sustainable economic growth.
  • The impact of taxation on small businesses.
  • Public finance management in times of economic crisis.
  • The role of government spending in stimulating economic development.
  • Strategies for managing national debt.
  • The effectiveness of public welfare programs.
  • The challenges of healthcare financing in public sectors.
  • The impact of international aid on public finance.
  • Public finance strategies for environmental conservation.
  • The role of public finance in urban development.
  • Tax evasion and its implications for public finance.
  • The impact of public finance on education quality and access.
  • Financing public infrastructure: challenges and solutions.
  • The role of public finance in disaster management.
  • The effectiveness of fiscal decentralization.
  • Public finance reforms and their impact on service delivery.
  • The challenges of pension financing in the public sector.
  • The impact of political stability on public financial management.
  • Public-private partnerships: financial implications and models.
  • The role of transparency in public finance.
  • The impact of corruption on public financial management.
  • Financing renewable energy projects through public funds.
  • The role of public finance in health care reform.
  • The effectiveness of government subsidies in promoting economic sectors.
  • The challenges of financing sustainable transportation systems.
  • The impact of demographic changes on public finance.
  • The role of digital technologies in improving public finance management.
  • The global trends in public finance and their implications for domestic policy.
  • The impact of climate change on public financial strategies.

18. Quantitative Finance Thesis Topics

  • The application of machine learning algorithms in predicting stock market trends.
  • The role of quantitative methods in risk management.
  • Developing advanced models for credit risk assessment.
  • The impact of high-frequency trading on market stability.
  • The use of big data analytics in portfolio management.
  • Quantitative approaches to asset pricing in volatile markets.
  • The effectiveness of quantitative strategies in hedge funds.
  • The role of algorithmic trading in enhancing market efficiency.
  • Quantitative models for predicting bond market movements.
  • The impact of quantitative finance on regulatory compliance.
  • The application of blockchain technology in quantitative finance.
  • The challenges of quantitative finance in cryptocurrency markets.
  • The integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in quantitative analysis.
  • The role of quantitative finance in private equity valuations.
  • Developing quantitative approaches for derivatives pricing.
  • The impact of quantitative finance techniques on financial advising.
  • Quantitative methods for assessing market liquidity.
  • The role of sentiment analysis in quantitative finance.
  • Quantitative trading strategies for commodities markets.
  • The application of game theory in financial strategy.
  • Quantitative finance and its role in insurance underwriting.
  • The impact of geopolitical events on quantitative financial models.
  • The use of quantitative finance in forecasting economic downturns.
  • Machine learning models for real estate investment analysis.
  • Quantitative finance techniques in sports betting markets.
  • The impact of artificial intelligence on financial market predictions.
  • Quantitative methods for managing currency exchange risks.
  • The role of quantitative finance in managing pension fund assets.
  • The effectiveness of quantitative models in emerging financial markets.
  • The future of quantitative finance in a globally interconnected economy.

19. Risk Management Thesis Topics

  • The role of risk management in enhancing corporate resilience.
  • Cybersecurity risks in financial institutions: management strategies.
  • The impact of climate change on risk management in insurance.
  • Risk management techniques in the fintech sector.
  • The effectiveness of enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks.
  • Risk management in global supply chains.
  • The role of risk management in sustainable business practices.
  • Financial risks associated with political instability.
  • The challenges of operational risk management in complex organizations.
  • Risk management strategies for digital transformation projects.
  • The impact of regulatory changes on risk management practices.
  • Risk assessment techniques for investment in volatile markets.
  • The role of data analytics in risk identification and mitigation.
  • Risk management considerations in mergers and acquisitions.
  • The impact of reputation risk on corporate strategy.
  • Risk management in the healthcare industry.
  • The challenges of risk management in the energy sector.
  • The role of risk management in nonprofit organizations.
  • Implementing risk management in public sector entities.
  • The future of risk management in the context of AI advancements.
  • Credit risk management in banking post-global financial crisis.
  • Risk management strategies for emerging technologies.
  • The role of psychological factors in risk management decision-making.
  • Legal risks in international business operations.
  • The impact of cultural differences on risk management strategies.
  • Environmental risk management and corporate responsibility.
  • Risk management techniques for protecting intellectual property.
  • The role of insurance in comprehensive risk management.
  • The challenges of liquidity risk management in financial markets.
  • The future of risk management education and training.

20. Taxation Thesis Topics

  • The impact of digital economy on global taxation frameworks.
  • Tax policy as a tool for economic recovery post-pandemic.
  • The effectiveness of tax incentives in promoting renewable energy investments.
  • The role of taxation in addressing wealth inequality.
  • International tax competition and its implications for global economic stability.
  • The challenges of implementing value-added tax (VAT) in developing countries.
  • Tax evasion and its impact on national economies.
  • The role of tax policy in encouraging corporate social responsibility.
  • The impact of tax reforms on small and medium-sized enterprises.
  • Comparative analysis of progressive versus flat tax systems.
  • The effectiveness of digital services taxes in the global economy.
  • The role of taxation in sustainable development goals.
  • Taxation strategies for digital currencies and blockchain transactions.
  • The impact of tax policies on consumer behavior.
  • The role of taxation in healthcare financing.
  • Tax compliance challenges in the gig economy.
  • The implications of tax havens on international relations.
  • The role of automated systems in improving tax collection efficiency.
  • Taxation and its impact on foreign direct investment flows.
  • The future of estate taxes and their role in wealth distribution.
  • Taxation of e-commerce transactions.
  • The impact of international tax treaties on cross-border investments.
  • The role of taxation in the informal economy.
  • The challenges of carbon taxes in combating climate change.
  • The role of tax audits in enhancing fiscal transparency.
  • The impact of tax policies on retirement planning.
  • Taxation challenges in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • The role of taxation in funding public education.
  • The impact of taxation on agricultural development.
  • The future of consumption taxes in an increasingly digital world.

This comprehensive list of accounting and finance thesis topics has been curated to reflect the latest challenges and emerging trends within the field. Whether you are exploring traditional areas like taxation and corporate finance or delving into the evolving realms of fintech and international finance, these topics are designed to provide a robust foundation for your thesis research. Each category is intended to spark innovative thinking and encourage a deep exploration of issues that are pivotal to the current and future landscape of accounting and finance. By selecting a topic from this extensive collection, students can ensure their research is relevant, timely, and contributes meaningfully to their academic and professional growth in the field of accounting and finance.

The Range of Accounting and Finance Thesis Topics

Accounting and finance stand as critical pillars in the modern economic and corporate world, guiding everything from daily business operations to global financial strategies. The study of these disciplines is not just about learning to balance books or manage corporate assets; it’s about understanding the forces that drive economic activities and shape financial landscapes. Research in accounting and finance is paramount as it provides the empirical evidence needed to develop robust financial models, innovative management practices, and effective regulatory policies. The relevance of accounting and finance thesis topics is thus foundational to nurturing informed, adept professionals capable of navigating the complexities of financial markets and addressing the challenges of economic flux.

Current Issues in Accounting and Finance

  • Globalization and Regulatory Complexity : As businesses operate across borders, the complexity of regulatory compliance increases. Researchers are tasked with exploring the implications of global regulatory frameworks and their synchronization, or lack thereof, which affects multinational corporations and global financial stability.
  • Technological Disruptions : The rapid integration of technologies such as blockchain, AI, and machine learning in financial operations presents both opportunities and challenges. Studies focus on their impacts on financial privacy, security, and new types of financial crime, as well as their potential to improve efficiency and transparency.
  • Ethical and Sustainability Challenges : With rising concerns over corporate responsibility and sustainable development, research is increasingly focusing on how financial practices can be aligned with ethical standards and sustainability goals. This includes studies on green financing, ethical investing, and the financial implications of corporate sustainability initiatives.

Recent Trends in Accounting and Finance

  • Automation and Data Analytics : The adoption of advanced data analytics and automation tools is transforming traditional accounting tasks. Research topics explore the impact of these technologies on workflow efficiencies, data accuracy, and strategic decision-making within financial departments.
  • Sustainable Finance : As the demand for environmentally and socially responsible investment options grows, there is an increasing focus on how financial markets can support ESG principles. Researchers examine the integration of sustainability into financial analysis and decision-making processes.
  • Fintech Innovations : The emergence of fintech and its components like mobile payments, peer-to-peer lending, and cryptocurrencies are reshaping the financial services industry. Theses may focus on the regulatory challenges, market dynamics, and consumer behavior influenced by these innovations.

Future Directions in Accounting and Finance

  • Digital Transformation : Future research will likely delve deeper into the consequences and potentials of continued digital transformation in finance, such as the widespread adoption of internet of things (IoT) technologies and further advancements in AI for automated trading and personal finance management.
  • Predictive Finance and AI : With AI’s increasing capability to predict financial outcomes, future topics could include the development of AI-driven models for credit scoring, risk management, and investment strategies, emphasizing their accuracy, ethical considerations, and regulatory needs.
  • Sustainability and Finance : An emerging research frontier is the intersection of finance with global sustainability challenges. Potential topics include the financing of climate change initiatives, the role of financial institutions in promoting sustainable practices, and the creation of innovative financial products that support sustainable economic growth.

The breadth of accounting and finance thesis topics is indicative of the field’s extensive scope and its significant impact on societal and economic frameworks. Continued research is essential for advancing theoretical foundations and developing practical applications that address both current challenges and future opportunities. This ongoing academic inquiry is crucial for fostering a financial landscape that is not only robust and dynamic but also ethical and sustainable, ensuring that the field of accounting and finance remains at the forefront of economic innovation and societal advancement.

iResearchNet’s Thesis Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the unique challenges and pressures that come with academic thesis writing. Our custom thesis writing services are designed to be a valuable resource for students who are striving for excellence in their academic endeavors. Whether you are tackling complex accounting and finance thesis topics or any other subject, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your academic journey is smooth and successful.

  • Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our team consists of highly qualified writers who hold advanced degrees in their respective fields. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to each project, ensuring that your thesis is handled with expert care.
  • Custom Written Works : Each thesis is crafted from scratch, tailored to meet your specific requirements and academic guidelines. This bespoke approach guarantees that your work is unique and original.
  • In-depth Research : We commit to conducting thorough and comprehensive research for every thesis, utilizing a wide range of credible sources to enrich your work with valuable insights and robust data.
  • Custom Formatting (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard) : Formatting is key in academic writing, and our writers are proficient in all major formatting styles. Whatever your formatting needs, we ensure that your thesis meets the strictest academic standards.
  • Top Quality : Quality is the cornerstone of our services. We maintain the highest standards of academic excellence, ensuring that every thesis is a reflection of deep analytical thought and clear argumentation.
  • Customized Solutions : We understand that every student’s needs are different. Our services are highly flexible, allowing for customized solutions that cater to your individual requirements and academic objectives.
  • Flexible Pricing : We offer competitive pricing models that are designed to be affordable to students while maintaining the highest quality of work. Our pricing is transparent and tailored to fit various budgets and project scopes.
  • Short Deadlines up to 3 Hours : Need your thesis urgently? We can handle tight deadlines, delivering quality work even on a stringent timeline, sometimes in as little as three hours.
  • Timely Delivery : We pride ourselves on punctuality. Every thesis is delivered within the agreed timeframe, allowing you to review the work and request any necessary revisions before your submission deadline.
  • 24/7 Support : Our support team is available around the clock to answer your questions and provide assistance. No matter the time zone or hour, we’re here to help.
  • Absolute Privacy : We guarantee complete confidentiality and privacy in all our services. Your personal and academic information is safe with us, and we never share it with third parties.
  • Easy Order Tracking : Stay updated on the progress of your thesis with our easy order tracking system. Log in anytime to see the current status of your work and communicate directly with your writer.
  • Money-Back Guarantee : We stand behind our work with a robust money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the quality of your thesis, we’ll work to make it right or provide a refund.

Choosing iResearchNet for your thesis writing needs ensures a hassle-free and professional experience. With our comprehensive suite of services, you gain access to expertise, personalized support, and guarantees that make your academic journey smoother and more successful. Trust us to help you navigate the complexities of accounting and finance thesis topics or any other academic challenge, empowering you to achieve your academic and career aspirations with confidence and ease.

Buy Your Custom Thesis Paper Today!

Take control of your academic success and elevate your studies with iResearchNet’s professional thesis writing services. If you’re dealing with challenging accounting and finance thesis topics or any other complex subjects, don’t hesitate to reach out. We provide expert guidance, custom research, and meticulous writing to help you excel in your academic pursuits. Our dedicated team is ready to support you in crafting a thesis that not only meets but exceeds academic standards. With iResearchNet, you’re not just buying a paper; you’re investing in your future. Order your custom thesis paper today and take a significant step towards academic excellence and professional growth. Join countless other students who have benefited from our tailored services and are now leading successful careers. Don’t wait; your perfect thesis is just an order away!

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

research topics for financial economics

10 Popular Posts on Economic Topics in 2021

What did people most want to know about the economy in 2021?

Inflation and COVID-19’s effects on the economy were top of mind, judging by the popularity of posts on those topics in our On the Economy blog, which offers frequent commentary, analysis and data from our economists and other St. Louis Fed experts. But examinations of longer-run trends, such as employment growth over 20 years, also attracted attention.

For readers of our Open Vault blog, which explains everyday economics and the Fed, the nuts and bolts of topical subjects like central bank digital currency and Fed “tapering” struck a chord, as did a post about the economic concept of externalities, explained with canine and pandemic examples. 

Here’s a look at a few of the posts that were among the favorites published from January through Nov. 30.

Inflation Trends

How covid-19 may be affecting inflation.

The changing of U.S. consumer spending patterns during the pandemic may have affected the measurement of inflation, according to an On the Economy post published in February. The Bureau of Labor Statistics gathers information about prices in the U.S., weights the prices and aggregates them for the consumer price index, or CPI. Inflation is measured as the CPI’s rate of growth over a certain period.

But what happens if a certain category of goods or services becomes a bigger, or smaller, part of consumer spending? Based on spending habits in prior years, the official weights might not be the “true” weights in 2020, when social distancing led to more eating at home and less spending in restaurants.

What Are Risks for Future Inflation?

As U.S. inflation surged in 2021, an October On the Economy post identified some upside and downside risks for future inflation. A follow-up post examined whether higher inflation could “be attributed to a small group of goods and services or whether it is a more generalized event.” Looking at the overall price change over the period of the pandemic, “the role of outliers is greatly diminished, revealing that higher inflation is perhaps a broader phenomenon,” the post said.

Economic and Monetary Policy Explainers

Externalities: it’s what pandemics, pollution and puppies have in common.

Externalities are costs and benefits that impact or spill over to someone other than the producer or the consumer of a good or a service. As a June Open Vault post explained, that applies to everything from pandemics to puppies. In a pandemic, a lack of social distancing by one person creates an externality that is negative: a higher risk of infection for everyone. Puppies that only bark at strangers, meanwhile, could provide a positive externality for neighbors as a warning system.

A June Open Vault blog post highlighted the Economic Lowdown series video “Externalities.” What makes pollution a negative externality is explained in this clip.

Here’s What the Fed Means by Tapering

As anticipation built this fall for a Federal Open Market Committee decision to “taper,” so did curiosity about what tapering is. An Open Vault post answered that question: The Fed can turn to large-scale asset purchases when economic conditions warrant, and tapering means reducing the pace of those purchases. The post, published a week after the Nov. 3 announcement of the FOMC’s decision to start tapering, also explained how tapering works.

What Is the Federal Open Market Committee?

Readers curious about what tapering is could have learned earlier in the year about the committee that makes that and other monetary policy decisions. As a February Open Vault post explained, the FOMC is the main monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve and is comprised of leaders from around the Federal Reserve System.

People and Places

Older workers accounted for all net employment growth in past 20 years.

Before there was the “Great Resignation,” there was an employment increase: A February On the Economy post said that a rise in employment of people age 60 and older was responsible for U.S. employment growth of 11.8 million from December 2000 to December 2020. (See chart.) Among those workers, the increase in employment is attributed to the group’s population growth and increased employment-to-population ratio.

Cumulative Net Change in the Number of Employed People since December 2000

Line chart from December 2000 to December 2020 shows employment rising more for people age 60 and older than for those under 60.

House Prices Surpass Housing-Bubble Peak on One Key Measure of Value

The steady increase of a house price-to-rent ratio “would imply increasing overvaluation” of houses, a May On the Economy post said. That was the case in early 2021 (using data available through March), when an index measuring the ratio of house prices to rent in the U.S. had risen rapidly over the course of a year and reached its highest level since at least 1975.

Women in Economics Symposium Logo

Sign up now for the free symposium, which has the theme, “Leading the Way in Challenging Times.” The event will run 6 to 8 p.m. CT on Feb. 23-24. Participants will hear insights from leading economists.

Inspiring Young Women to Pursue Economics

A January Open Vault post previewed a February 2021 event that is “designed to inspire young women and underrepresented minorities who may be interested in econ—and to encourage those pursuing a degree to persist.” The next Women in Economics Symposium is set for Feb. 23-24, 2022.

Money and Finance

Wealth gaps between white, black and hispanic families in 2019.

Across education, family structure and generations, gaps persist between the wealth of white families and that of Black and Hispanic families, the authors of a January On the Economy post found.

For instance, they wrote: “More education was associated with more wealth for all the racial and ethnic groups considered. However, wide gaps remain at every education level, with Black and Hispanic families having less median family wealth than white families with the same education.”

And Black and Hispanic families are less likely than white families to have financial and other assets like homes and businesses, and when they do, those assets were more likely to have lower values.

Navigating the ABCs of CBDCs—Central Bank Digital Currencies

“You’ve likely heard of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or even Dogecoin, but you may not have heard of ‘Fedcoin,’ an informal name some have used for the idea of a digital currency tied to a central bank, namely the Federal Reserve,” a June Open Vault post said. The post highlighted short videos in which a St. Louis Fed economist answered questions on central bank digital currencies, including about possible effects on privacy and bank lending.

Heather Hennerich

Heather Hennerich is a senior editor with the St. Louis Fed External Engagement and Corporate Communications Division.

Related Topics

This blog explains everyday economics, consumer topics and the Fed. It also spotlights the people and programs that make the St. Louis Fed central to America’s economy. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the St. Louis Fed or Federal Reserve System.

Media questions

All other blog-related questions

Let your curiosity lead the way:

Apply Today

  • Arts & Sciences
  • Graduate Studies in A&S

Topics in Financial Economics

Economics 477.

  • Department of Economics
  • Postgraduate study
  • PhD Programme in Economics

PhD research topics

PhD conference

Applications are welcomed in all Economics topics. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with research interests in the following speciality areas of our research-active staff:

Behavioural Economics

  • Behavioural Health Economics and Policy
  • Behavioural Labour and Organisational Economics
  • Decisions under Risk and Uncertainty
  • Experimental and Behavioural analyses of markets
  • Charitable Behaviour
  • Analysis of Conflict and Conflict Resolution
  • Behavioural Welfare Economics (including subjective wellbeing)

Financial Economics and Household Finance

  • Banking and financial stability
  • Household portfolios
  • Household wealth inequality
  • Household saving
  • Household financial vulnerability and asset accumulation

Gender, Race and Inequality

  • Domestic violence
  • Discrimination and Wellbeing
  • Identity Economics (gender, ethnicity, inequality)
  • Wealth inequality and racial wealth gap
  • Affirmative Action Policies

Health Economics

  • Healthcare and demographics
  • Health, wellbeing and employment
  • Long-run impact of COVID
  • Aversion to inequality in multidimensional wellbeing
  • Health state valuation and stated preferences

Industrial Organization 

  • Competition Policy
  • Innovation, industrial policy and mixed markets
  • Networks and Regulation
  • Firms Productivity
  • Tax compliance and administration

International Economics and Development

  • Empirical development economics
  • Foreign aid and development finance institutions
  • Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth
  • Trade models with heterogeneous firms, trade gravity and productivity growth
  • Trade policies and public economics

Labour and Education Economics

  • Empirical studies on the relationships between labour, health and wellbeing
  • Education Economics
  • Gender differences in human capital accumulation
  • Labour market transitions of (young) workers
  • Social mobility
  • Vocational education
  • Wages, employment and contract type

Macroeconomics

  • Open Economy Macroeconomics
  • Business Cycles
  • Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Modelling
  • Labour Market Dynamics
  • Search and Matching

Political Economy

  • Elections, political ideology, institutions and economic policy
  • Immigration: causes and consequences
  • Terrorism, public attitudes and behavioural outcomes
  • Rent-seeking and other contests

Time Series Econometrics

  • Econometric detection of bubbles and crashes
  • Specification testing and forecasting in non-linear Econometric/Time-Series models
  • Theoretical econometrics and statistical inference

Urban and Environmental Economics

  • Environmental economics and environmental policy 
  • Environmental reporting
  • Real estate economics
  • Local labour markets
  • Agglomeration externalities
  • Spatial distribution of economic activities and innovation
  • Transport economics
  • Local economic impacts and drivers of internal and external immigration 
  • Local and regional determinants of social mobility and inequality
  • Levelling-up: drivers of local productivity and growth

Related information

How to apply for a PhD

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

  • Publications
  • Our Methods
  • Short Reads
  • Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Public’s Positive Economic Ratings Slip; Inflation Still Widely Viewed as Major Problem

1. views of the nation’s economy, table of contents.

  • Views of top problems facing the nation
  • Americans’ views of the state of the nation
  • Similar shares in both parties view personal financial situation positively
  • Americans’ views on the future of the economy and their financial situation
  • Changes in views of the country’s top problems
  • Acknowledgments
  • The American Trends Panel survey methodology

Fewer than a quarter of Americans (23%) currently rate the country’s economic conditions as excellent or good, while 36% say they are poor and about four-in-ten (41%) view conditions as “only fair.”

While positive ratings of the economy have slowly climbed since the summer of 2022, there has been a slight drop  since the start of the year – when 28% rated economic conditions as excellent or good.

Chart shows Positive views of the nation’s economy edge lower after a modest uptick earlier this year

This change has been largely driven by Democrats and Democratic leaners: In January of this year, 44% of Democrats rated the economy positively, compared with 37% now.

Still, ratings among Democrats remain higher than they were last year.

Views among Republicans and GOP leaners remain negative: Just one-in-ten rate economic conditions as excellent or good, while half say they are poor and another four-in-ten view them as “only fair.”

Chart shows Wide age differences in Democrats’ views of the economy

Views of the nation’s economy have long been partisan.

  • Republicans expressed far more positive views of the economy than did Democrats throughout most of Donald Trump’s presidency.
  • Democrats have been consistently more likely than Republicans to rate conditions as excellent or good during Biden’s presidency. However, their ratings have been far less positive than Republicans’ ratings of the economy were when Trump was president. 

There also are wide differences in views of the economy by age and race and ethnicity – especially among Democrats.

Age, race and ethnicity

As in the past, Democrats under age 50 express much less positive views of the nation’s economy than do Democrats 50 and older:

  • Just 21% of Democrats under 30 rate economic conditions positively, as do 29% of those 30 to 49.
  • By contrast, nearly half of Democrats ages 50 to 64 (47%) and a majority of those 65 and older (55%) say conditions are excellent or good.

However, since January there has been a steeper decline in positive views among Democrats 65 and older (from 70% to 55%) than among Democrats in younger age groups.

Republicans are much less likely to view current economic conditions in positive terms across age groups.

There are also significant differences among Democrats by race and ethnicity. White Democrats are more likely than Black, Hispanic and Asian Democrats to rate the economy positively. However, ratings have dropped across these groups since January.

Views of personal finances and national economic ratings

As might be expected, those who rate their personal finances positively also are more likely to rate national economic conditions as excellent or good.

Among the roughly four-in-ten Americans (41%) who rate their own finances positively, 40% rate the national economy positively. Among those who say their finances are only fair or poor, far fewer say national economic conditions are excellent or good (14% among only fair, 6% among poor).

However, partisanship is a factor here as well. Among Democrats who have a positive evaluation of their finances, 58% rate economic conditions positively. That compares with just 19% of Republicans who give similarly positive ratings of their financial situation.

Overall, personal financial ratings have fluctuated less dramatically than national ratings.

Chart shows Slight partisan differences in personal financial ratings

However, the share of Americans who rate their personal finances as excellent or good declined from about 50% in 2021 to about 40% in 2022 and has remained at about that level since then.

About four-in-ten say their financial situation is in excellent or good shape (41%), while a similar share say their situation is in “only fair” shape (39%). Another 19% say their situation is in poor shape.

Americans’ ratings of their personal finances are considerably less partisan than their views of the nation’s economy. Roughly four-in-ten Democrats (44%) say their financial situation is in excellent or good shape.

When asked for their expectations of the country’s economic conditions a year from now, 43% of Americans say they expect it to be about the same as it currently is. About a quarter (24%) say they expect the economy will be better a year from now, and nearly a third (32%) expect conditions to worsen.

Chart shows Americans are more optimistic about their personal finances than about the national economy

And when asked for their expectations of their own family’s financial situation a year from now, 49% of adults say they expect it to be about the same. Roughly a third (34%) say they expect their financial situation will be better a year from now, and 16% expect their situation to worsen.

The shares of the public who expect economic conditions to worsen on either a national level or personal level is smaller than in recent years .

Among partisans, similar shares expect economic conditions of the country to be better a year from now (23% of Republicans, 26% of Democrats). However, a larger share of Republicans than Democrats expect the country’s economic conditions to worsen (38% vs. 25%).

Republicans remain less hopeful than Democrats about the future of their personal financial situation. About three-in-ten Republicans (29%) say their family’s personal finances will be better a year from now, compared with 39% of Democrats who say the same. And twice as many Republicans as Democrats say they expect their own financial situation to worsen (22% vs. 11%).

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Fresh data delivery Saturday mornings

Sign up for The Briefing

Weekly updates on the world of news & information

  • Economic Conditions
  • Issue Priorities
  • National Conditions
  • Partisanship & Issues
  • Political Issues

Is College Worth It?

A look at small businesses in the u.s., state of the union 2024: where americans stand on the economy, immigration and other key issues, americans’ top policy priority for 2024: strengthening the economy, americans more upbeat on the economy; biden’s job rating remains very low, most popular, report materials.

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

  • Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center

McKinsey Global Private Markets Review 2024: Private markets in a slower era

At a glance, macroeconomic challenges continued.

research topics for financial economics

McKinsey Global Private Markets Review 2024: Private markets: A slower era

If 2022 was a tale of two halves, with robust fundraising and deal activity in the first six months followed by a slowdown in the second half, then 2023 might be considered a tale of one whole. Macroeconomic headwinds persisted throughout the year, with rising financing costs, and an uncertain growth outlook taking a toll on private markets. Full-year fundraising continued to decline from 2021’s lofty peak, weighed down by the “denominator effect” that persisted in part due to a less active deal market. Managers largely held onto assets to avoid selling in a lower-multiple environment, fueling an activity-dampening cycle in which distribution-starved limited partners (LPs) reined in new commitments.

About the authors

This article is a summary of a larger report, available as a PDF, that is a collaborative effort by Fredrik Dahlqvist , Alastair Green , Paul Maia, Alexandra Nee , David Quigley , Aditya Sanghvi , Connor Mangan, John Spivey, Rahel Schneider, and Brian Vickery , representing views from McKinsey’s Private Equity & Principal Investors Practice.

Performance in most private asset classes remained below historical averages for a second consecutive year. Decade-long tailwinds from low and falling interest rates and consistently expanding multiples seem to be things of the past. As private market managers look to boost performance in this new era of investing, a deeper focus on revenue growth and margin expansion will be needed now more than ever.

A daytime view of grassy sand dunes

Perspectives on a slower era in private markets

Global fundraising contracted.

Fundraising fell 22 percent across private market asset classes globally to just over $1 trillion, as of year-end reported data—the lowest total since 2017. Fundraising in North America, a rare bright spot in 2022, declined in line with global totals, while in Europe, fundraising proved most resilient, falling just 3 percent. In Asia, fundraising fell precipitously and now sits 72 percent below the region’s 2018 peak.

Despite difficult fundraising conditions, headwinds did not affect all strategies or managers equally. Private equity (PE) buyout strategies posted their best fundraising year ever, and larger managers and vehicles also fared well, continuing the prior year’s trend toward greater fundraising concentration.

The numerator effect persisted

Despite a marked recovery in the denominator—the 1,000 largest US retirement funds grew 7 percent in the year ending September 2023, after falling 14 percent the prior year, for example 1 “U.S. retirement plans recover half of 2022 losses amid no-show recession,” Pensions and Investments , February 12, 2024. —many LPs remain overexposed to private markets relative to their target allocations. LPs started 2023 overweight: according to analysis from CEM Benchmarking, average allocations across PE, infrastructure, and real estate were at or above target allocations as of the beginning of the year. And the numerator grew throughout the year, as a lack of exits and rebounding valuations drove net asset values (NAVs) higher. While not all LPs strictly follow asset allocation targets, our analysis in partnership with global private markets firm StepStone Group suggests that an overallocation of just one percentage point can reduce planned commitments by as much as 10 to 12 percent per year for five years or more.

Despite these headwinds, recent surveys indicate that LPs remain broadly committed to private markets. In fact, the majority plan to maintain or increase allocations over the medium to long term.

Investors fled to known names and larger funds

Fundraising concentration reached its highest level in over a decade, as investors continued to shift new commitments in favor of the largest fund managers. The 25 most successful fundraisers collected 41 percent of aggregate commitments to closed-end funds (with the top five managers accounting for nearly half that total). Closed-end fundraising totals may understate the extent of concentration in the industry overall, as the largest managers also tend to be more successful in raising non-institutional capital.

While the largest funds grew even larger—the largest vehicles on record were raised in buyout, real estate, infrastructure, and private debt in 2023—smaller and newer funds struggled. Fewer than 1,700 funds of less than $1 billion were closed during the year, half as many as closed in 2022 and the fewest of any year since 2012. New manager formation also fell to the lowest level since 2012, with just 651 new firms launched in 2023.

Whether recent fundraising concentration and a spate of M&A activity signals the beginning of oft-rumored consolidation in the private markets remains uncertain, as a similar pattern developed in each of the last two fundraising downturns before giving way to renewed entrepreneurialism among general partners (GPs) and commitment diversification among LPs. Compared with how things played out in the last two downturns, perhaps this movie really is different, or perhaps we’re watching a trilogy reusing a familiar plotline.

Dry powder inventory spiked (again)

Private markets assets under management totaled $13.1 trillion as of June 30, 2023, and have grown nearly 20 percent per annum since 2018. Dry powder reserves—the amount of capital committed but not yet deployed—increased to $3.7 trillion, marking the ninth consecutive year of growth. Dry powder inventory—the amount of capital available to GPs expressed as a multiple of annual deployment—increased for the second consecutive year in PE, as new commitments continued to outpace deal activity. Inventory sat at 1.6 years in 2023, up markedly from the 0.9 years recorded at the end of 2021 but still within the historical range. NAV grew as well, largely driven by the reluctance of managers to exit positions and crystallize returns in a depressed multiple environment.

Private equity strategies diverged

Buyout and venture capital, the two largest PE sub-asset classes, charted wildly different courses over the past 18 months. Buyout notched its highest fundraising year ever in 2023, and its performance improved, with funds posting a (still paltry) 5 percent net internal rate of return through September 30. And although buyout deal volumes declined by 19 percent, 2023 was still the third-most-active year on record. In contrast, venture capital (VC) fundraising declined by nearly 60 percent, equaling its lowest total since 2015, and deal volume fell by 36 percent to the lowest level since 2019. VC funds returned –3 percent through September, posting negative returns for seven consecutive quarters. VC was the fastest-growing—as well as the highest-performing—PE strategy by a significant margin from 2010 to 2022, but investors appear to be reevaluating their approach in the current environment.

Private equity entry multiples contracted

PE buyout entry multiples declined by roughly one turn from 11.9 to 11.0 times EBITDA, slightly outpacing the decline in public market multiples (down from 12.1 to 11.3 times EBITDA), through the first nine months of 2023. For nearly a decade leading up to 2022, managers consistently sold assets into a higher-multiple environment than that in which they had bought those assets, providing a substantial performance tailwind for the industry. Nowhere has this been truer than in technology. After experiencing more than eight turns of multiple expansion from 2009 to 2021 (the most of any sector), technology multiples have declined by nearly three turns in the past two years, 50 percent more than in any other sector. Overall, roughly two-thirds of the total return for buyout deals that were entered in 2010 or later and exited in 2021 or before can be attributed to market multiple expansion and leverage. Now, with falling multiples and higher financing costs, revenue growth and margin expansion are taking center stage for GPs.

Real estate receded

Demand uncertainty, slowing rent growth, and elevated financing costs drove cap rates higher and made price discovery challenging, all of which weighed on deal volume, fundraising, and investment performance. Global closed-end fundraising declined 34 percent year over year, and funds returned −4 percent in the first nine months of the year, losing money for the first time since the 2007–08 global financial crisis. Capital shifted away from core and core-plus strategies as investors sought liquidity via redemptions in open-end vehicles, from which net outflows reached their highest level in at least two decades. Opportunistic strategies benefited from this shift, with investors focusing on capital appreciation over income generation in a market where alternative sources of yield have grown more attractive. Rising interest rates widened bid–ask spreads and impaired deal volume across food groups, including in what were formerly hot sectors: multifamily and industrial.

Private debt pays dividends

Debt again proved to be the most resilient private asset class against a turbulent market backdrop. Fundraising declined just 13 percent, largely driven by lower commitments to direct lending strategies, for which a slower PE deal environment has made capital deployment challenging. The asset class also posted the highest returns among all private asset classes through September 30. Many private debt securities are tied to floating rates, which enhance returns in a rising-rate environment. Thus far, managers appear to have successfully navigated the rising incidence of default and distress exhibited across the broader leveraged-lending market. Although direct lending deal volume declined from 2022, private lenders financed an all-time high 59 percent of leveraged buyout transactions last year and are now expanding into additional strategies to drive the next era of growth.

Infrastructure took a detour

After several years of robust growth and strong performance, infrastructure and natural resources fundraising declined by 53 percent to the lowest total since 2013. Supply-side timing is partially to blame: five of the seven largest infrastructure managers closed a flagship vehicle in 2021 or 2022, and none of those five held a final close last year. As in real estate, investors shied away from core and core-plus investments in a higher-yield environment. Yet there are reasons to believe infrastructure’s growth will bounce back. Limited partners (LPs) surveyed by McKinsey remain bullish on their deployment to the asset class, and at least a dozen vehicles targeting more than $10 billion were actively fundraising as of the end of 2023. Multiple recent acquisitions of large infrastructure GPs by global multi-asset-class managers also indicate marketwide conviction in the asset class’s potential.

Private markets still have work to do on diversity

Private markets firms are slowly improving their representation of females (up two percentage points over the prior year) and ethnic and racial minorities (up one percentage point). On some diversity metrics, including entry-level representation of women, private markets now compare favorably with corporate America. Yet broad-based parity remains elusive and too slow in the making. Ethnic, racial, and gender imbalances are particularly stark across more influential investing roles and senior positions. In fact, McKinsey’s research  reveals that at the current pace, it would take several decades for private markets firms to reach gender parity at senior levels. Increasing representation across all levels will require managers to take fresh approaches to hiring, retention, and promotion.

Artificial intelligence generating excitement

The transformative potential of generative AI was perhaps 2023’s hottest topic (beyond Taylor Swift). Private markets players are excited about the potential for the technology to optimize their approach to thesis generation, deal sourcing, investment due diligence, and portfolio performance, among other areas. While the technology is still nascent and few GPs can boast scaled implementations, pilot programs are already in flight across the industry, particularly within portfolio companies. Adoption seems nearly certain to accelerate throughout 2024.

Private markets in a slower era

If private markets investors entered 2023 hoping for a return to the heady days of 2021, they likely left the year disappointed. Many of the headwinds that emerged in the latter half of 2022 persisted throughout the year, pressuring fundraising, dealmaking, and performance. Inflation moderated somewhat over the course of the year but remained stubbornly elevated by recent historical standards. Interest rates started high and rose higher, increasing the cost of financing. A reinvigorated public equity market recovered most of 2022’s losses but did little to resolve the valuation uncertainty private market investors have faced for the past 18 months.

Within private markets, the denominator effect remained in play, despite the public market recovery, as the numerator continued to expand. An activity-dampening cycle emerged: higher cost of capital and lower multiples limited the ability or willingness of general partners (GPs) to exit positions; fewer exits, coupled with continuing capital calls, pushed LP allocations higher, thereby limiting their ability or willingness to make new commitments. These conditions weighed on managers’ ability to fundraise. Based on data reported as of year-end 2023, private markets fundraising fell 22 percent from the prior year to just over $1 trillion, the largest such drop since 2009 (Exhibit 1).

The impact of the fundraising environment was not felt equally among GPs. Continuing a trend that emerged in 2022, and consistent with prior downturns in fundraising, LPs favored larger vehicles and the scaled GPs that typically manage them. Smaller and newer managers struggled, and the number of sub–$1 billion vehicles and new firm launches each declined to its lowest level in more than a decade.

Despite the decline in fundraising, private markets assets under management (AUM) continued to grow, increasing 12 percent to $13.1 trillion as of June 30, 2023. 2023 fundraising was still the sixth-highest annual haul on record, pushing dry powder higher, while the slowdown in deal making limited distributions.

Investment performance across private market asset classes fell short of historical averages. Private equity (PE) got back in the black but generated the lowest annual performance in the past 15 years, excluding 2022. Closed-end real estate produced negative returns for the first time since 2009, as capitalization (cap) rates expanded across sectors and rent growth dissipated in formerly hot sectors, including multifamily and industrial. The performance of infrastructure funds was less than half of its long-term average and even further below the double-digit returns generated in 2021 and 2022. Private debt was the standout performer (if there was one), outperforming all other private asset classes and illustrating the asset class’s countercyclical appeal.

Private equity down but not out

Higher financing costs, lower multiples, and an uncertain macroeconomic environment created a challenging backdrop for private equity managers in 2023. Fundraising declined for the second year in a row, falling 15 percent to $649 billion, as LPs grappled with the denominator effect and a slowdown in distributions. Managers were on the fundraising trail longer to raise this capital: funds that closed in 2023 were open for a record-high average of 20.1 months, notably longer than 18.7 months in 2022 and 14.1 months in 2018. VC and growth equity strategies led the decline, dropping to their lowest level of cumulative capital raised since 2015. Fundraising in Asia fell for the fourth year of the last five, with the greatest decline in China.

Despite the difficult fundraising context, a subset of strategies and managers prevailed. Buyout managers collectively had their best fundraising year on record, raising more than $400 billion. Fundraising in Europe surged by more than 50 percent, resulting in the region’s biggest haul ever. The largest managers raised an outsized share of the total for a second consecutive year, making 2023 the most concentrated fundraising year of the last decade (Exhibit 2).

Despite the drop in aggregate fundraising, PE assets under management increased 8 percent to $8.2 trillion. Only a small part of this growth was performance driven: PE funds produced a net IRR of just 2.5 percent through September 30, 2023. Buyouts and growth equity generated positive returns, while VC lost money. PE performance, dating back to the beginning of 2022, remains negative, highlighting the difficulty of generating attractive investment returns in a higher interest rate and lower multiple environment. As PE managers devise value creation strategies to improve performance, their focus includes ensuring operating efficiency and profitability of their portfolio companies.

Deal activity volume and count fell sharply, by 21 percent and 24 percent, respectively, which continued the slower pace set in the second half of 2022. Sponsors largely opted to hold assets longer rather than lock in underwhelming returns. While higher financing costs and valuation mismatches weighed on overall deal activity, certain types of M&A gained share. Add-on deals, for example, accounted for a record 46 percent of total buyout deal volume last year.

Real estate recedes

For real estate, 2023 was a year of transition, characterized by a litany of new and familiar challenges. Pandemic-driven demand issues continued, while elevated financing costs, expanding cap rates, and valuation uncertainty weighed on commercial real estate deal volumes, fundraising, and investment performance.

Managers faced one of the toughest fundraising environments in many years. Global closed-end fundraising declined 34 percent to $125 billion. While fundraising challenges were widespread, they were not ubiquitous across strategies. Dollars continued to shift to large, multi-asset class platforms, with the top five managers accounting for 37 percent of aggregate closed-end real estate fundraising. In April, the largest real estate fund ever raised closed on a record $30 billion.

Capital shifted away from core and core-plus strategies as investors sought liquidity through redemptions in open-end vehicles and reduced gross contributions to the lowest level since 2009. Opportunistic strategies benefited from this shift, as investors turned their attention toward capital appreciation over income generation in a market where alternative sources of yield have grown more attractive.

In the United States, for instance, open-end funds, as represented by the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries Fund Index—Open-End Equity (NFI-OE), recorded $13 billion in net outflows in 2023, reversing the trend of positive net inflows throughout the 2010s. The negative flows mainly reflected $9 billion in core outflows, with core-plus funds accounting for the remaining outflows, which reversed a 20-year run of net inflows.

As a result, the NAV in US open-end funds fell roughly 16 percent year over year. Meanwhile, global assets under management in closed-end funds reached a new peak of $1.7 trillion as of June 2023, growing 14 percent between June 2022 and June 2023.

Real estate underperformed historical averages in 2023, as previously high-performing multifamily and industrial sectors joined office in producing negative returns caused by slowing demand growth and cap rate expansion. Closed-end funds generated a pooled net IRR of −3.5 percent in the first nine months of 2023, losing money for the first time since the global financial crisis. The lone bright spot among major sectors was hospitality, which—thanks to a rush of postpandemic travel—returned 10.3 percent in 2023. 2 Based on NCREIFs NPI index. Hotels represent 1 percent of total properties in the index. As a whole, the average pooled lifetime net IRRs for closed-end real estate funds from 2011–20 vintages remained around historical levels (9.8 percent).

Global deal volume declined 47 percent in 2023 to reach a ten-year low of $650 billion, driven by widening bid–ask spreads amid valuation uncertainty and higher costs of financing (Exhibit 3). 3 CBRE, Real Capital Analytics Deal flow in the office sector remained depressed, partly as a result of continued uncertainty in the demand for space in a hybrid working world.

During a turbulent year for private markets, private debt was a relative bright spot, topping private markets asset classes in terms of fundraising growth, AUM growth, and performance.

Fundraising for private debt declined just 13 percent year over year, nearly ten percentage points less than the private markets overall. Despite the decline in fundraising, AUM surged 27 percent to $1.7 trillion. And private debt posted the highest investment returns of any private asset class through the first three quarters of 2023.

Private debt’s risk/return characteristics are well suited to the current environment. With interest rates at their highest in more than a decade, current yields in the asset class have grown more attractive on both an absolute and relative basis, particularly if higher rates sustain and put downward pressure on equity returns (Exhibit 4). The built-in security derived from debt’s privileged position in the capital structure, moreover, appeals to investors that are wary of market volatility and valuation uncertainty.

Direct lending continued to be the largest strategy in 2023, with fundraising for the mostly-senior-debt strategy accounting for almost half of the asset class’s total haul (despite declining from the previous year). Separately, mezzanine debt fundraising hit a new high, thanks to the closings of three of the largest funds ever raised in the strategy.

Over the longer term, growth in private debt has largely been driven by institutional investors rotating out of traditional fixed income in favor of private alternatives. Despite this growth in commitments, LPs remain underweight in this asset class relative to their targets. In fact, the allocation gap has only grown wider in recent years, a sharp contrast to other private asset classes, for which LPs’ current allocations exceed their targets on average. According to data from CEM Benchmarking, the private debt allocation gap now stands at 1.4 percent, which means that, in aggregate, investors must commit hundreds of billions in net new capital to the asset class just to reach current targets.

Private debt was not completely immune to the macroeconomic conditions last year, however. Fundraising declined for the second consecutive year and now sits 23 percent below 2021’s peak. Furthermore, though private lenders took share in 2023 from other capital sources, overall deal volumes also declined for the second year in a row. The drop was largely driven by a less active PE deal environment: private debt is predominantly used to finance PE-backed companies, though managers are increasingly diversifying their origination capabilities to include a broad new range of companies and asset types.

Infrastructure and natural resources take a detour

For infrastructure and natural resources fundraising, 2023 was an exceptionally challenging year. Aggregate capital raised declined 53 percent year over year to $82 billion, the lowest annual total since 2013. The size of the drop is particularly surprising in light of infrastructure’s recent momentum. The asset class had set fundraising records in four of the previous five years, and infrastructure is often considered an attractive investment in uncertain markets.

While there is little doubt that the broader fundraising headwinds discussed elsewhere in this report affected infrastructure and natural resources fundraising last year, dynamics specific to the asset class were at play as well. One issue was supply-side timing: nine of the ten largest infrastructure GPs did not close a flagship fund in 2023. Second was the migration of investor dollars away from core and core-plus investments, which have historically accounted for the bulk of infrastructure fundraising, in a higher rate environment.

The asset class had some notable bright spots last year. Fundraising for higher-returning opportunistic strategies more than doubled the prior year’s total (Exhibit 5). AUM grew 18 percent, reaching a new high of $1.5 trillion. Infrastructure funds returned a net IRR of 3.4 percent in 2023; this was below historical averages but still the second-best return among private asset classes. And as was the case in other asset classes, investors concentrated commitments in larger funds and managers in 2023, including in the largest infrastructure fund ever raised.

The outlook for the asset class, moreover, remains positive. Funds targeting a record amount of capital were in the market at year-end, providing a robust foundation for fundraising in 2024 and 2025. A recent spate of infrastructure GP acquisitions signal multi-asset managers’ long-term conviction in the asset class, despite short-term headwinds. Global megatrends like decarbonization and digitization, as well as revolutions in energy and mobility, have spurred new infrastructure investment opportunities around the world, particularly for value-oriented investors that are willing to take on more risk.

Private markets make measured progress in DEI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become an important part of the fundraising, talent, and investing landscape for private market participants. Encouragingly, incremental progress has been made in recent years, including more diverse talent being brought to entry-level positions, investing roles, and investment committees. The scope of DEI metrics provided to institutional investors during fundraising has also increased in recent years: more than half of PE firms now provide data across investing teams, portfolio company boards, and portfolio company management (versus investment team data only). 4 “ The state of diversity in global private markets: 2023 ,” McKinsey, August 22, 2023.

In 2023, McKinsey surveyed 66 global private markets firms that collectively employ more than 60,000 people for the second annual State of diversity in global private markets report. 5 “ The state of diversity in global private markets: 2023 ,” McKinsey, August 22, 2023. The research offers insight into the representation of women and ethnic and racial minorities in private investing as of year-end 2022. In this chapter, we discuss where the numbers stand and how firms can bring a more diverse set of perspectives to the table.

The statistics indicate signs of modest advancement. Overall representation of women in private markets increased two percentage points to 35 percent, and ethnic and racial minorities increased one percentage point to 30 percent (Exhibit 6). Entry-level positions have nearly reached gender parity, with female representation at 48 percent. The share of women holding C-suite roles globally increased 3 percentage points, while the share of people from ethnic and racial minorities in investment committees increased 9 percentage points. There is growing evidence that external hiring is gradually helping close the diversity gap, especially at senior levels. For example, 33 percent of external hires at the managing director level were ethnic or racial minorities, higher than their existing representation level (19 percent).

Yet, the scope of the challenge remains substantial. Women and minorities continue to be underrepresented in senior positions and investing roles. They also experience uneven rates of progress due to lower promotion and higher attrition rates, particularly at smaller firms. Firms are also navigating an increasingly polarized workplace today, with additional scrutiny and a growing number of lawsuits against corporate diversity and inclusion programs, particularly in the US, which threatens to impact the industry’s pace of progress.

Fredrik Dahlqvist is a senior partner in McKinsey’s Stockholm office; Alastair Green  is a senior partner in the Washington, DC, office, where Paul Maia and Alexandra Nee  are partners; David Quigley  is a senior partner in the New York office, where Connor Mangan is an associate partner and Aditya Sanghvi  is a senior partner; Rahel Schneider is an associate partner in the Bay Area office; John Spivey is a partner in the Charlotte office; and Brian Vickery  is a partner in the Boston office.

The authors wish to thank Jonathan Christy, Louis Dufau, Vaibhav Gujral, Graham Healy-Day, Laura Johnson, Ryan Luby, Tripp Norton, Alastair Rami, Henri Torbey, and Alex Wolkomir for their contributions

The authors would also like to thank CEM Benchmarking and the StepStone Group for their partnership in this year's report.

This article was edited by Arshiya Khullar, an editor in the Gurugram office.

Explore a career with us

Related articles.

" "

CEO alpha: A new approach to generating private equity outperformance

Close up of network data flowing on black background

Private equity turns to resiliency strategies for software investments

The state of diversity in global Private Markets: 2023

The state of diversity in global private markets: 2022

Help us improve this section of the site. Can we get your feedback? Click here

  • This page is in
  • WB Staff Login
  • Public Login
  • Stumble Upon

Explore. Create. Share: Development Data

DataBank is an analysis and visualisation tool that contains collections of time series data on a variety of topics. You can create your own queries; generate tables, charts, and maps; and easily save, embed, and share them. Enjoy using DataBank and let us know what you think!

Explore databases

  • Agriculture & Rural Development
  • Aid Effectiveness
  • Climate Change
  • Economic Policy & External Debt
  • Energy & Mining
  • Environment
  • Financial Sector
  • Infrastructure
  • Labor & Social Protection
  • Private Sector
  • Public Sector
  • Science & Technology
  • Social Development
  • Urban Development
  • Apply filter Close
  • All Sources World Bank Databases Other Agency Databases
  • Database preview: ON OFF

Navigate to report page->World Development Indicators' )" href='https://databank.worldbank.org/source/world-development-indicators/preview/on'>World Development Indicators

World Development Indicators (WDI) is the primary World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized international sources. It presents the most current and accurate global development data available, and includes national, regional and global estimates. [Note: Even though Global Development Finance (GDF) is no longer listed in the WDI database name, all external debt and financial flows data continue to be included in WDI. The GDF publication has been renamed International Debt Statistics (IDS), and has its own separate database, as well.

 ,External Debt and Financial Flows statistics, Heath statistics, Gender, Economy, Social Data,

Navigate to report page->Statistical Capacity Indicators' )" href='https://databank.worldbank.org/source/statistical-capacity-indicators/preview/on'>Statistical Capacity Indicators

Statistical Capacity Indicators provides information on various aspects of national statistical systems of developing countries, including an overall country-level statistical capacity indicator.

Navigate to report page->Education Statistics - All Indicators' )" href='https://databank.worldbank.org/source/education-statistics-^-all-indicators/preview/on'>Education Statistics - All Indicators

The World Bank EdStats Query holds around 2,500 internationally comparable education indicators for access, progression, completion, literacy, teachers, population, and expenditures. The indicators cover the education cycle from pre-primary to tertiary education. The query also holds learning outcome data from international learning assessments (PISA, TIMSS, etc.), equity data from household surveys, and projection data to 2050.

 ,Education,

Navigate to report page->Gender Statistics' )" href='https://databank.worldbank.org/source/gender-statistics/preview/on'>Gender Statistics

Data on key gender topics. Themes included are demographics, education, health, labor force, and political participation.

 ,Education, Demographics, Health, Labor Force, Political Participation,

Navigate to report page->Health Nutrition and Population Statistics' )" href='https://databank.worldbank.org/source/health-nutrition-and-population-statistics/preview/on'>Health Nutrition and Population Statistics

Key health, nutrition and population statistics gathered from a variety of international sources.

 ,Population dynamics, Nutrition, Health financing, Medical resource and usage, Immunization, Infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, DALY, Population Projection and lending, Health financing, Medical resource and usage, Reproductive Health,

Dataset Details

What's popular.

  • Whats Popular->Indicators')" href="#tab_indicators" data-toggle="tab" aria-expanded="false">Indicators
  • Whats Popular->Countries')" href="#tab_coutries" data-toggle="tab" aria-expanded="false">Countries
  • GDP growth (annual %)
  • GDP (current US$)
  • GDP per capita (current US$)
  • GNI per capita, Atlas method (current US$)
  • Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
  • Foreign direct investment, net inflows (BoP, current US$)
  • Inflation, consumer prices (annual %)
  • Population, total
  • Life expectancy at birth, total (years)
  • Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty line (% of population)
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Research Library
  • My Knight Frank
  • South Africa
  • Chinese Mainland
  • Hong Kong SAR
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • Czech Republic
  • Germany - Berlin
  • Germany - Frankfurt
  • Germany - Munich
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Saudi Arabia

Leading Indicators | UK: Europe’s prime destination for financial services investment

research topics for financial economics

To receive this regular update straight to your inbox every Tuesday, subscribe here .

Here we look at the European leading indicators in the world of economics.

Download the dashboard for in-depth analysis into commodities, trade, equities and more with a focus on Europe.

The UK remains Europe’s #1 location for foreign finance investment

The UK was the strongest performing European market for FDI into financial services in 2023, securing 108 projects, up +42% y/y. London also maintained its position as the top European city for financial investors. Looking ahead, 75% of investors anticipate the UK to retain or improve its level of financial services attractiveness over the next 3 years.

Net migration projections raised by 70,000 per year

The ONS expects the UK population to rise by +9.9% in the next 15 years, primarily driven by migrant flows, offering a demographic advantage over G7 peers like Germany, Italy, and Japan. Long-term net migration is set to rise by 315k annually, up 70k from the ONS’ previous estimate. This expected rise may further boost the UK’s growth potential.

Global geopolitical risk rises +51% m/m

The Geopolitical Risk (GPR) index has increased by +51% m/m in April to its highest level since January 2024, but remains below the recent peak in early 2022, following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. During periods of elevated geopolitical tensions, safe-haven assets, including commercial real estate, typically see renewed demand.

Download the dashboard here

Subscribe for more

Get exclusive market analysis, news and data from our research team, straight to your inbox. Subscribe here

Further reading

research topics for financial economics

  • Luxury Investment
  • The House View
  • Agriculture
  • Development
  • Residential Lettings
  • Residential Sales
  • UK Country Homes
  • Senior Living
  • Student Housing
  • Data Centres

Publications

  • The Wealth Report
  • Active Capital
  • London Report
  • Rural Report
  • Asia Pacific Horizon
  • UK Residential Investment Report
  • European Logistics
  • European Office
  • Africa Report
  • M25 & South East Office Market Report
  • Waterfront View
  • ESG Property Investor Survey
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Australasia
  • Middle East
  • United States
  • All Publications

IMAGES

  1. Economics-Research-Proposal-Topics-list.pdf

    research topics for financial economics

  2. 130 Excellent Economics Research Topics To Consider

    research topics for financial economics

  3. List of Best Economics Research Topics [PhD MBA Master MSC]

    research topics for financial economics

  4. Top 100 Economics Research Topics For Your Paper

    research topics for financial economics

  5. Top 60 Latest and Current Research Topics in Economics

    research topics for financial economics

  6. Top 100 Economics Research Topics For Your Paper

    research topics for financial economics

VIDEO

  1. Financial Resilience Unveiled: Navigating Economic Challenges with Confidence!

  2. Research Methods in Finance

  3. Master Cutting-Edge Research Topics In Finance And Economics!

  4. Financial Management.... Bcom 5th Semester MCQ , Model Question papers and important question

  5. Financial market management class 12

  6. Financial Economics Important questions (2 ,5,10 mark) /6th semester/BAEconomics #calicutuniversity

COMMENTS

  1. 120+ Research Topics In Finance (+ Free Webinar)

    Corporate Finance. These research topic ideas explore a breadth of issues ranging from the examination of capital structure to the exploration of financial strategies in mergers and acquisitions. Evaluating the impact of capital structure on firm performance across different industries.

  2. 39 Best Financial Economics Dissertation Topics Ideas

    Financial economics dissertation topics focus on capital issues in terms of economic domains.Financial economics research topics. [email protected] 44-207-097-1871

  3. Topics

    All NBER research is categorized into topic areas that collectively span the field of economics. Featured Topics. COVID-19. ... Financial Economics. Financial Markets. Financial Institutions. Corporate Finance. Behavioral Finance. Portfolio Selection and Asset Pricing. Public Economics. Taxation.

  4. 82899 PDFs

    Financial economics is the branch of economics concerned with "the allocation and deployment of economic resources, both spatially and across time, in an uncertain environment." Questions (261 ...

  5. Journal of Financial Economics

    The Journal of Financial Economics (JFE) is a leading peer-reviewed academic journal covering theoretical and empirical topics in financial economics.It provides a specialized forum for the publication of research in the area of financial economics and the theory of the firm, placing primary emphasis on the highest quality analytical, empirical, and clinical contributions in the following ...

  6. Finance Articles, Research Topics, & Case Studies

    New research on finance from Harvard Business School faculty on issues and topics including corporate investment, governance, and accounting management. ... AmerisourceBergen's legal and financial troubles were accompanied by shareholder demands aimed at driving corporate governance changes in companies in the opioid supply chain. Determined ...

  7. The Journal of Finance

    The Journal of Finance publishes leading research across all the major fields of financial research. It is the most widely cited academic journal on finance and one of the most widely cited journals in economics as well. Each issue of the journal reaches over 8,000 academics, finance professionals, libraries, government and financial ...

  8. Annual Review of Financial Economics

    AIMS AND SCOPE OF JOURNAL: The Annual Review of Financial Economics provides comprehensive, forward-looking and critical reviews of the most significant theoretical, empirical, and experimental developments in financial economics, including the fields of capital markets, corporate finance, financial institutions, market microstructure, and behavioral and experimental finance.  

  9. Financial Economics: Definition, Topics, Methods, and Importance

    Financial economics is a branch of economics that analyzes the use and distribution of resources in markets in which decisions are made under uncertainty. Financial decisions must often take into ...

  10. Review of Financial Economics

    The Review of Financial Economics (RFE) is a journal published by Wiley in collaboration with the University of New Orleans. The scope is broad. It publishes original research in all area of financial economics (e.g. corporate finance, investments, financial institutions, international finance, and relation between macroeconomic factors and corporate financial decisions).

  11. Financial Economics

    The Ph.D. program in financial economics is designed to educate students in the concepts and analytical techniques required for basic and applied research in these and related areas. This training typically leads to academic careers at other major business schools and economics departments. Carnegie Mellon is one of the few institutions at ...

  12. Financial Economics

    Morton L. and Carole S. Olshan Professor of Economics. John Campbell has published over 80 articles on various aspects of finance and macroeconomics, including fixed-income securities, equity valuation, and portfolio choice. His books include The Econometrics of Financial Markets (with Andrew Lo and Craig MacKinlay, Princeton University Press ...

  13. Issues

    An official journal of the Society for Financial Studies. A major forum for the promotion and wide dissemination of significant new research in financial economics, the journal publishes papers of quality and importance to the field of finance.

  14. Research in finance: A review of influential publications and a

    The journals commonly classified as Tier 1 Finance journals are: the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Financial Economics, the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis and the Review of Financial Studies (Oltheten et al., ... In addition, research on topics such as environmental finance, financial crises and emerging markets will help ...

  15. 50 Best Finance Dissertation Topics For Research Students

    Opting for relevant finance thesis topics ensures that your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge and addresses contemporary issues in the field of Finance. Choosing a dissertation topic in Finance that is relevant to the industry can make a meaningful impact and advance understanding in your chosen area. 2. Personal Interest.

  16. Economics and Finance Research

    What is IDEAS? IDEAS is the largest bibliographic database dedicated to Economics and available freely on the Internet. Based on RePEc, it indexes over 4,700,000 items of research, including over 4,200,000 that can be downloaded in full text.. RePEc is a large volunteer effort to enhance the free dissemination of research in Economics which includes bibliographic metadata from over 2,000 ...

  17. Financial Economics

    Research; Topics; Financial Economics Financial Economics. Share. X LinkedIn Email. National Bureau of Economic Research. Contact Us 1050 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138 617-868-3900 [email protected] [email protected]. Homepage; Accessibility Policy; Diversity Policy;

  18. Financial Economics

    Recent studies in financial economics posit a connection between a gross-profitability strategy and quality investing. We explore this connection with two widely used factor models. The first is the four-factor Fama-French-Carhart model, which is a mainstay of empirical research in academia.

  19. PDF Research Projects in Financial Economics

    Research Projects in Financial Economics Geneva Bd. du Pont d'Arve 42 1211 Geneva 4 Switzerland T +41 22 379 84 71 F +41 22 379 82 77 [email protected] www.SwissFinanceInstitute.ch ... fund industry during economic and financial crises, and quantify the impact of opaque financial markets and heterogeneous market views when pricing assets.

  20. 600 Accounting and Finance Thesis Topics

    Research topics explore the impact of these technologies on workflow efficiencies, data accuracy, and strategic decision-making within financial departments. Sustainable Finance : As the demand for environmentally and socially responsible investment options grows, there is an increasing focus on how financial markets can support ESG principles.

  21. Financial Economics

    On October 1st 2022, the Financial Economics (FE) programme was split in two; Asset Pricing (AP) and Banking and Corporate Finance (BCF), led by Anna Pavlova and Elena Carletti, respectively. This is due to the excessive size of the old FE programme, previously the largest in CEPR. The new structure gives a clearer identity to each programme ...

  22. 10 Popular Posts on Economic Topics in 2021

    Inspiring Young Women to Pursue Economics. A January Open Vault post previewed a February 2021 event that is "designed to inspire young women and underrepresented minorities who may be interested in econ—and to encourage those pursuing a degree to persist.". The next Women in Economics Symposium is set for Feb. 23-24, 2022.

  23. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Economics and Finance

    Welcome to the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Economics and Finance. Learn about our Editorial Board. Browse the growing collection of articles, overviews and key subject works. Explore the Special Projects page, which includes individually edited collections on select subfields. Learn more.

  24. Topics in Financial Economics

    We will explore recent innovations in financial markets, as well as various frictions that arise in markets. Students will have the opportunity to apply concepts learned in class on a virtual investment and trading platform, StockTrak. Prerequisites: Econ 4011, Math 2200 (or Math 3200, QBA 120 and QBA 121, ESE 326. PolSci 363 or Psych 300B with ...

  25. PhD research topics

    Applications are welcomed in all Economics topics. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with research interests in the following speciality areas of our research-active staff: Behavioural Economics. Behavioural Health Economics and Policy; ... Financial Economics and Household Finance. Banking and financial stability;

  26. 1. Views of the nation's economy

    Views of the nation's economy. Fewer than a quarter of Americans (23%) currently rate the country's economic conditions as excellent or good, while 36% say they are poor and about four-in-ten (41%) view conditions as "only fair.". While positive ratings of the economy have slowly climbed since the summer of 2022, there has been a slight ...

  27. Global private markets review 2024

    Fundraising fell 22 percent across private market asset classes globally to just over $1 trillion, as of year-end reported data—the lowest total since 2017. Fundraising in North America, a rare bright spot in 2022, declined in line with global totals, while in Europe, fundraising proved most resilient, falling just 3 percent.

  28. DataBank

    DataBank is an analysis and visualisation tool that contains collections of time series data on a variety of topics. You can create your own queries; generate tables, charts, and maps; and easily save, embed, and share them. Enjoy using DataBank and let us know what you think! FAQs. Feedback.

  29. Personal finance

    The earliest known research in personal finance was done in 1920 by Hazel Kyrk. Her dissertation at University of Chicago laid the foundation of consumer economics and family economics. Margaret Reid, a professor of Home Economics at the same university, is recognized as one of the pioneers in the study of consumer behavior and Household behavior.

  30. Leading Indicators

    The UK remains Europe's #1 location for foreign finance investment. The UK was the strongest performing European market for FDI into financial services in 2023, securing 108 projects, up +42% y/y. London also maintained its position as the top European city for financial investors. Looking ahead, 75% of investors anticipate the UK to retain ...