The Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics at SMU will promote the study of Financial Economics and Financial Econometrics in areas of strategic relevance to Singapore's economy and the economies of the region. A significant addition to Singapore's efforts to be a financial hub in Asia, the Institute aims to be a leading institute for academic research with strong industry application and practical dimension in the area of Financial Economics.

The Institute will provide new high level centres for quantitative financial analysis and new training programmes for professionals in the financial industry. It will carry out its work in close collaboration with leading scholars in financial economics and financial econometrics from around the world as well as leading international organisations and experts from the industry.

The four pillars of the Institute are:

• Generating cutting edge research
• Organising training activities
• Driving education
• Developing human resources and industry applications

In carrying out these activities, the Institute will reach out to distinguished local, regional and international academic institutions and industry partners. Research and training activities will be undertaken through various research centres, each focusing on a specific area. Some of the key activities which the Institute will spearhead include conferences, seminars, training programmes, workshops, generating research publications and presentations at leading international conferences.

The Institute has identified four major research areas – Financial Econometrics, “Silver” Security, Asset Securitisation in Asia, and Investor & Corporate Responsibility – for its immediate focus. Four research centres, under the umbrella of the Institute, will drive the various research and activities under its purview. Research will be carried out collaboratively between external experts and investigators, and SMU faculty.

Mission

The Institute intends to be a world-class institute in financial economics through research, education and training.