25th Australian Finance and Banking Conference: A Quarter Century of Insights

The 25th Australian Finance and Banking Conference (AFBC) marked a significant milestone, reflecting a quarter-century of fostering rigorous academic discourse and shaping the future of the finance and banking sectors in Australia and beyond. Held annually, this prestigious conference provides a platform for leading researchers, academics, and practitioners to present cutting-edge research, exchange ideas, and discuss the pressing issues facing the industry.

Celebrating its silver jubilee, the 25th AFBC typically featured a diverse program encompassing a wide array of topics. These often included, but are not limited to:

• Asset Pricing: Examining models and empirical evidence related to the pricing of assets, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives. Discussions often revolve around market efficiency, anomalies, and the impact of behavioral biases.
• Corporate Finance: Investigating corporate governance, capital structure decisions, mergers and acquisitions, and the impact of corporate policies on firm value. Recent years have seen increased focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors in corporate finance.
• Banking and Financial Institutions: Exploring the stability and regulation of financial institutions, risk management practices, the impact of technology (FinTech) on banking, and the evolution of lending practices.
• Financial Markets: Analyzing the structure, efficiency, and regulation of financial markets, including stock markets, bond markets, and foreign exchange markets. The rise of algorithmic trading and high-frequency trading often features prominently.
• Financial Econometrics: Developing and applying econometric techniques to analyze financial data, forecast market behavior, and test financial theories.
• Behavioural Finance: Exploring the psychological factors that influence investor behavior and market outcomes.

Keynote speakers at the 25th AFBC likely included internationally renowned experts in their respective fields, providing valuable insights and perspectives on the global financial landscape. These presentations often set the tone for the conference and spark lively discussions among attendees.

The conference typically includes paper presentations selected through a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring the highest quality of research. Networking opportunities are also a crucial component, allowing attendees to connect with colleagues, potential collaborators, and industry professionals. Workshops and panel discussions offer additional avenues for learning and engagement.

Reflecting on 25 years, the AFBC has undoubtedly contributed significantly to the advancement of financial knowledge and practice in Australia. It provides a vital forum for the exchange of ideas, promotes collaboration between academia and industry, and helps to shape the future of the financial sector. As the industry continues to evolve in response to technological advancements, regulatory changes, and global economic conditions, the AFBC remains a crucial platform for staying at the forefront of these developments.