AF Research Project Secures RGC Theme-based Research Scheme Funding for AI Risk Management Research

The School of Accounting and Finance (AF) is delighted to announce that a research project led by Prof. Feng TIAN, Associate Professor of AF, has received funding under the Research Grants Council (RGC) Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) 2026/27. The project, titled “Managing AI Risk for Businesses in Hong Kong”, has been awarded approximately HK$10.84 million and is among the highly competitive projects selected to address issues of strategic importance to Hong Kong's long-term development. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into business operations, the project aims to develop a comprehensive AI risk management framework tailored to Hong Kong's business environment. The project will examine AI adoption patterns across firms and occupations, explore implications for workforce planning and talent development, and investigate the use of generative AI in corporate disclosures and analysts' reports. It will also assess compliance, operational, and misinformation risks associated with AI technologies, providing valuable insights for businesses, regulators, and policymakers. Through collaboration with industry partners, the project will produce practical outcomes, including an open-access AI risk management service, algorithms for detecting AI-generated misinformation, and policy recommendations to support responsible AI governance. This achievement highlights AF's research excellence and its commitment to generating impactful knowledge that addresses emerging business challenges.  The School congratulates Prof. Tian and his research team on this significant accomplishment and looks forward to the project's contribution to advancing responsible AI adoption and corporate governance in Hong Kong. Read the full PolyU press release: https://polyu.hk/VDcLk  

CAFR Special Issue Conference 2026

The China Accounting and Finance Review (CAFR) Special Issue Conference 2026, jointly organised by the School of Accounting and Finance and the Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the School of Accountancy of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, will be held at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in Wuhan, China on 28-29 November 2026.   Conference Theme and Aims   The conference theme for this year is “ESG in the AI Era: Challenges and Opportunities”. This special issue conference aims to explore the evolving relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and artificial intelligence (AI) in the contemporary business landscape. As AI technologies increasingly reshape how firms collect, process, and disclose ESG information, new challenges and opportunities emerge for stakeholders, regulators, and researchers alike. We seek to advance understanding of how AI impacts ESG reporting quality, assurance, investment decision-making, and corporate accountability. The conference also welcomes submissions from critical perspectives on ethical risks, algorithmic bias, and regulatory gaps introduced by AI-driven ESG practices. By bringing together interdisciplinary research, this special issue conference aspires to inform both academic inquiry and practical policy development, offering insights into responsible innovation, sustainability strategy, and the future of governance in the AI era.   The key features of this conference are:   AI-Driven ESG Reporting and Assurance; Algorithmic Bias, Ethics, and Fairness in ESG Analytics; Regulatory Responses to AI-Enabled ESG Practices; AI, Greenwashing, and Corporate Accountability; and AI for Sustainable Finance and Investment Decision-Making.   Conference Format and Paper Presentation   The conference will feature plenary sessions and concurrent sessions. Authors of papers invited to be presented at the plenary sessions are expected to commit to publishing their papers in the special issue of CAFR (scheduled to be published in the second half of the year following the conference). The commitment to publish with CAFR requirement only applies to papers accepted for presentation at the plenary sessions, and not to those accepted for presentation at the concurrent sessions.    One author of each paper accepted for presentation at the plenary sessions will be invited to present the paper at the conference and will be provided with three nights of accommodation and airfare reimbursement. The maximum amount of airfare reimbursement will range from USD 500 to USD 2,000, depending on the location of the presenter’s affiliation. The conference organisers reserve the final decision on the exact amount to be reimbursed. Presenters at the concurrent sessions will not be provided with accommodation and airfare reimbursement by the conference organizers.          Conference Schedule   Dates:           28-29 November 2026 (Saturday & Sunday) Location:      Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China Theme:         ESG in the AI Era: Challenges and Opportunities   Paper Submission   Please send a complete English version of your submission in Microsoft Word format, including separate files for the title page and for the blinded manuscript, by 31 August 2026 via the online Submission System (https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/cafr). Please select “ESG in the AI Era: Challenges and Opportunities” at Step 6: Details & Comments, and indicate in the cover letter whether you prefer to have your submission considered for:   the plenary session only (which requires a commitment to publish in CAFR if selected); the concurrent session only (which does not require a commitment to publish in CAFR); or both sessions.   For submission guidelines, please visit: https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/cafr#jlp_author_guidelines   There is no paper submission fee for the CAFR Special Issue Conference. Each paper will be peer-reviewed according to the policies of CAFR and the journal publisher Emerald.   Authors will be notified of their acceptance by 4 October 2026.   Key Dates   Paper Submission Opens: 15 April 2026 Submission Deadline: 2 August 2026 31 August 2026 Notification of Acceptance: 4 October 2026   Guest Editors   Prof. Sihai LI, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law Prof. Yi XIANG, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Colin ZENG, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Qi ZHANG, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law    Conference Organising Committee   Prof. Sihai LI, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law Prof. Nancy SU, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Qiang WU, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Qi ZHANG, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law   Organisers   School of Accounting and Finance, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Research Centre for Environmental, Social, and Governance Advancement, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Accountancy, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law  

PolyU Welcomes CUFE Delegation & Launches Joint DDFAI Programme

The School of Accounting and Finance (AF) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) warmly welcomed a delegation from the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE), led by President Prof. Haitao MA, on 29 June 2026. The visit marked a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two institutions, highlighted by the official launch of the Doctor of Digital Finance with Artificial Intelligence (DDFAI) proramme, offered by AF in collaboration with CUFE. The delegation was received by Prof. Wing-tak WONG, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, alongside key AF representatives, including Dr Justin LAW, Associate Head of AF, Prof. Hong XIANG, DDFAI Programme Director, and Prof. Wenzhi DING, a member of the DDFAI Programme Planning Committee. During the meeting, Prof. Wing-tak WONG and President Haitao MA delivered welcoming remarks, expressing their shared vision for deepening future collaboration in education and research. The highlight of the visit was the plaque unveiling ceremony for the newly established DDFAI programme. Officiated jointly by Prof. Wong and President Ma, the ceremony officially inaugurated this cutting-edge programme, which is designed to nurture top-tier talent possessing a profound understanding of both financial practices and artificial intelligence technologies. AF looks forward to building on this partnership with CUFE and advancing new opportunities in accounting, finance, and innovation.

JCAE Annual Symposium and Doctoral Consortium 2027

CALL FOR PAPERS JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNTING & ECONOMICS Annual Symposium and Doctoral Consortium January 15th – 17th, 2027 The 2027 JCAE Annual Symposium, organized by the Journal, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and The Macau University of Science and Technology, will be held on the campus of The Macau University of Science and Technology during January 16-17, 2027. It will be preceded by the Doctoral Consortium on January 15, 2027.   The Theme The theme of the 2027 JCAE Annual Symposium will be The Future of Accounting and Economics Research: AI, Sustainability, and More. We invite submissions of original research papers using innovative methods to address relevant and practical issues. We particularly welcome timely research that can enhance our understanding of how AI, sustainability initiatives, and other emerging yet critical issues are transforming the future of accounting and economics research. These topics include, but are not limited to: AI, Fintech, Machine learning applications Sustainability reporting, disclosure, and regulation Corporate accountability, governance, stakeholder primacy Green and transition finance, macroeconomic impact   Keynote Speakers Professor Sudipto Dasgupta, Department of Finance, Business School, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Professor Liandong Zhang, School of Accountancy, Singapore Management University   Details & Submission Guidelines Plenary session submissions Plenary paper submissions should be made directly to JCAE using Editorial Manager. The submission fee is US$100. The submission fee will be refunded for the papers accepted for plenary session presentation. Use the following link to submit papers: https://www.editorialmanager.com/cae/default1.aspx In the “Article Type,” choose Conference Papers. 1 Best Paper Award (USD 300) and 1 Best Discussant Award (USD 200) will be presented at the conference. Concurrent session submissions Concurrent manuscripts should be submitted in MS Word format (1 blind copy & 1 copy with authors’ details) to jcae2027.conf@polyu.edu.hk. Please state clearly that the manuscript is submitted for the Concurrent Session by including “Concurrent Session” in the subject line of the email. Please do not use Editorial Manager for the submission of Concurrent Session papers. There is no submission fee for Concurrent Sessions submissions.   Journal Publication Subject to satisfactory revision and acceptance by the Editors, papers accepted for Plenary Sessions will be published in the JCAE. Authors are required to sign a copyright release form as a condition of publication.   Authors who do not wish to commit their papers to the Journal should submit their papers for consideration at the Concurrent Sessions. Note that concurrent session submissions are not considered journal submissions and will not be automatically considered for the journal.   Plenary submissions not selected for Plenary Sessions will automatically be considered for the Concurrent Sessions. Authors who do not wish their papers to be considered for Concurrent Sessions should clearly state this in their submission (or notify us after submitting it to Editorial Manager). Doctoral consortium submissions The Doctoral Consortium allows students to present their proposals and interact with renowned professors of international standing. Research proposals should be submitted in MS-Word format with an abstract (maximum 800 words) to jcae2027.conf@polyu.edu.hk. Please state clearly that the proposal is submitted for the Doctoral Consortium by including “Doctoral Consortium” in the title of the email.   Important Dates Please make your submissions (i.e., papers for Plenary sessions through Editorial Manager and papers for Concurrent sessions or Doctoral Consortium via email) by August 31, 2026. Authors will be notified of their acceptance around September 30, 2026. Each paper will be peer-reviewed according to the policies of JCAE and the journal publisher Elsevier.   About the Journal of Contemporary Accounting & Economics The JCAE is a tri-annual publication published by Elsevier in April, August, and December. The Journal encourages submissions in all the major areas related to accounting and auditing issues. JCAE is widely recognized as a high-quality journal by researchers and journal evaluation institutes. For example, since 2010, JCAE has been ranked an “A” grade journal in the Journal Rating Listing of the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC). JCAE is included in the SCOPUS of Elsevier, the EconLit of the American Economic Association, and the SSCI listing. The Journal has an impact factor of 2.9 and a Citescore of 6.0. For all inquiries, please contact: jcae2027.conf@polyu.edu.hk   Conference Organising Committee   Prof. Lin Yongjia, The Macau University of Science and Technology Prof. Nancy Su, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Zhang Shuran, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University  

Result Announcement: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU School of Accounting and Finance 2026

We are pleased to present the “Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU School of Accounting and Finance 2026” to two distinguished graduates in recognition of their outstanding achievement, active support to their alma mater as well as impactful contributions to the wider community. Congratulations to the following awardees!

AF Students Recognised at PolyU–CCB (Asia) Scholarship Presentation Ceremony

The School of Accounting and Finance (AF) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is pleased to share that its students have been recognised at the PolyU – China Construction Bank (Asia) (CCB (Asia)) Scholarship Presentation Ceremony, held on 29 May 2026. Organised under the theme “Financing the World, Building the Future,” the initiative reflects a shared commitment between PolyU and CCB (Asia) to nurture globally minded financial talent equipped to meet the evolving demands of the industry. This year, all 18 scholarship recipients are undergraduate students from AF, demonstrating the School’s strong dedication to developing future-ready professionals. The awardees were recognised for their outstanding potential in three key areas shaping the future of finance: artificial intelligence, sustainable finance and cross-border finance.  Among the recipients, three First Prize awardees delivered impressive presentations at the ceremony, showcasing their ability to integrate academic research with current industry developments. A highlight of the ceremony was a symbolic activity in which awardees wrote down their career aspirations and placed them into a globe. This meaningful gesture represents the joint commitment of PolyU and CCB (Asia) to support young talents and contribute to the development of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the global financial landscape. These students’ achievements underscore AF’s dedication to driving impact through talent development by nurturing professionals who are equipped to lead digital transformation, advance sustainability and create long-term value in the financial sector. The School extends its heartfelt congratulations to all scholarship recipients and looks forward to their continued success. Read the full PolyU press release: https://polyu.hk/EzrYq  

AF Students Complete Cambridge Immersion Programme on AI Applications in Accounting and Finance

The School of Accounting and Finance (AF) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University successfully concluded the PolyU Cambridge Immersion Programme in AI Applications in Accounting and Finance, held from 18 to 22 May 2026 at the Møller Institute, Churchill College, University of Cambridge. Led by Prof. Feng TIAN, Programme Director of the MSc in Accounting and Finance Analytics (MAFA), and Prof. Angie WANG, the programme brought together 27 students from MAFA and other AF programmes for an intensive learning experience focused on artificial intelligence, fintech, and data-driven innovation. Throughout the week, students engaged in lectures, workshops, and simulations covering topics such as fintech innovation, data science and cyber crisis management. They also visited leading fintech companies Revolut and Endava in London, gaining valuable industry insights and engaging in career discussions with professionals. The programme concluded with student group presentations, followed by a certificate presentation ceremony and celebratory dinner at the historic Downing College, University of Cambridge. This immersive experience reflects AF's commitment to equipping students with global perspectives, industry exposure, and future-ready skills for the rapidly evolving accounting and finance profession. The School congratulates all participants on their outstanding achievements and successful completion of the programme.

AF Student Project “LexDrive” Named Top Performer in Micro Fund 2025/26

We are pleased to share that Mr Lau Chun Yuen, a student of BBA in Accountancy, has been named a Top Performer under the Micro Fund 2025/26 Cohort 2 for his project “LexDrive”. Dr Lucas Chiang, Lecturer from the School of Accounting and Finance, developed the project concept and serves as its Supervisor and Legal Advisor with Mr Lau serving as Principal Applicant in the 2026 cycle. The project team is supported by Mr Theodor Yu as Technical Consultant. “LexDrive” is an AI-driven legal technology platform designed to enhance the handling of personal injury claims arising from traffic accidents in Hong Kong. By integrating intelligent automation, fraud detection and multilingual tools, the platform aims to improve efficiency, accessibility, and fairness in legal processes. Following this achievement, the team will proceed to the next stage of the Micro Fund journey, which includes participation in the Lean Launchpad Programme (LLP) — a mandatory training focused on business model development and market validation— and the Final Presentation, where they will compete for further funding and the opportunity for admission to the HKSTP Incubation Programme/Ideation Programme.  

Asia-Pacific Digital Economy Forum 2026 – PolyU Digital Economy Workshop (Hong Kong)

Hosted by the Research Centre for Digital Economy (RCDE) under the School of Accounting and Finance at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), we are pleased to announce that Asia-Pacific Digital Economy Forum 2026 – PolyU Digital Economy Workshop (Hong Kong) will be held on 6 - 7 July 2026.  Theme: Elevated Sovereign Debt and the Fiscal–Monetary Nexus Academic Workshop  Date: 6 July 2026 (Monday) Time: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm (Registration starts at 9:15 am) Venue: AG710, 7/F, Poly U Industry Forum on Digital Economy & FinTech Date: 7 July 2026 (Tuesday) Time: 9:30 am-1:00 pm (Registration starts at 9:15 am) Venue: AG710, 7/F, Poly U Background and motivation Elevated debt levels and constrained fiscal capacity have refocused attention on debt sustainability, sovereign risk pricing, and macro-financial outcomes. The fiscal–monetary interaction is therefore a core channel through which inflation expectations, policy credibility, and financial stability are determined. At the same time, digital transformation is reshaping economic and financial mechanisms that matter for sovereign risk and policy transmission. FinTech-enabled intermediation, platform finance, digital payments, data- and AI-driven credit allocation, and emerging monetary innovations can alter liquidity conditions, risk premia, capital-flow dynamics, and the sovereign–financial sector nexus. This workshop aims to foster frontier research that integrates these strands using rigorous theory, credible empirical identification, and disciplined quantitative modelling. We particularly encourage submissions exploring intersections across sovereign debt dynamics, fiscal–monetary interactions, and digital transformation. We also welcome research on innovation-led growth under high-debt regimes, including whether and how financial access and credit conditions can protect firms’ innovation activities when fiscal space is constrained.  Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Sovereign debt & fiscal–monetary nexus • Debt sustainability, sovereign spreads, default/restructuring risk • Fiscal dominance, credibility, inflation dynamics, and policy coordination • Monetary policy under high-debt constraints; unconventional tools • Sovereign–bank nexus, financial stability, spillovers and capital flows Digital economics, FinTech & modelling • FinTech, platform finance, and digital payments: inclusion and risk • CBDCs, stablecoins, and crypto-assets: transmission and sovereign risk • Big data and AI: forecasting, evaluation, and risk monitoring • Digital finance and credit allocation: innovation under high public debt Keynote speakers • Professor Sushanta Mallick, Queen Mary University of London • Professor Kai Li, The PBC School of Finance, Tsinghua University • Additional keynote and invited speakers will be announced in due course Journal support and submission invitations This workshop is supported by partner journals. Following the workshop, authors of selected and conference-presented papers will be invited/encouraged to submit their manuscripts to the following outlets (subject to each journal’s scope and editorial decision): • European Economic Review (EER) — Special Issue: “Elevated Sovereign Debt and the Fiscal–Monetary Nexus” (Guest Editor: Sushanta Mallick). • Economic Modelling (EM) — Special Issue: “Digital Economics & FinTech: Modelling” (Guest Editors: Xuan Zhang and Zilong Wang). • Oxford Economic Papers (OEP) — Selected high-quality papers will be recommended to Oxford Economic Papers (OEP) for consideration with a fast-track review process (subject to confirmation). Important note: Workshop presentation and/or invitation to submit does not guarantee publication. All submissions will undergo the journal’s standard independent peer-review process. Submission Submissions from researchers worldwide are welcome: • Full paper, or • Extended abstract (2–3 pages) Submission email: xuanzhang.nanking@gmail.com Timeline • Submission deadline (final): 1 June 2026 • Rolling review and notification: decisions will be communicated on a rolling basis; early submissions will receive earlier decisions • Registration deadline (to confirm attendance): 10 June 2026 • On-site check-in: 5 July 2026 • Academic workshop: 6 July 2026 • Industry forum (Digital Economy & FinTech): 7 July 2026 Registration Due to limited capacity, registration was accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration fee for AF faculty members and students are waived. For external participants, registration fee of HK$2,000 will be charged for this event. Participants are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements.  For PolyU AF Faculty members, please register (Here)  For PolyU AF PhD students, please register (Here)  For Guests, please register (Here) For enquiries, please contact Ms Mandy Chan at mlokchan@polyu.edu.hk or Dr. Paul Wang at paul.wang@polyu.edu.hk. Conference Chairs Professor Nancy Su, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor Pengcheng Song, Xi’an Jiaotong University Dr Xuan Zhang, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Organising Committee (alphabetical by surname) Professor Sushanta Mallick, Queen Mary University of London Professor Pengcheng Song, Xi’an Jiaotong University Professor Nancy Su, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr Paul Wang, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr Zilong Wang, University of Cambridge Professor Xiuyun Yang, Xi’an Jiaotong University Professor Yong Yang, Shanghai Polytechnic University Dr Xuan Zhang, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics    

Inauguration Ceremony of the PolyU - Tech-Trans Cross-Border Data Flow Laboratory and PolyU - Zhong Sheng Credit Management Cross-Border Credit Technology Collaboration Lab

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) School of Accounting and Finance hosted the inauguration ceremony of the PolyU - Tech-Trans Cross-Border Data Flow Laboratory (CBDFL) and the PolyU - Zhong Sheng Credit Management Cross-Border Credit Technology Collaboration Lab (CBCTL) on 24 April 2026.   The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Nancy Su, Head of the School of Accounting and Finance, alongside distinguished industry leaders including Mr. Yiuching Chan, Executive Director of Tech-Trans Group, and Mr. Kuanhua Hu, Executive Director and CEO of Zhongsheng Credit Management.   In her opening remarks, Prof. Su highlighted the strategic importance of the two laboratories in strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for data and credit. She noted that the CBDFL will focus on secure and compliant cross-border data transmission, while the CBCTL will drive innovation in credit technology and FinTech solutions to support enterprises expanding globally.   The event featured unveiling ceremonies for both laboratories, followed by group photos with PolyU faculty members and industry representatives. Guests included leaders from China Telecom International, Qi An Xin Technology Group, PingAn OneConnect Credit Reference Services Agency, Hawley & Hazel Chemical Ltd., and other organisations.   PolyU expressed deep gratitude to its partners and donors, including Tech-Trans Telecom Group and Zhongsheng Credit Management Co., Ltd., whose generous contributions will support the laboratories’ research and foster collaboration across academia, industry, and government.