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.  

AF Hosted Second PhD Consortium

The School of Accounting and Finance (AF) hosted its second PhD Consortium on 20 April 2026, continuing to provide a valuable platform for showcasing the research achievements and efforts of its PhD students. The event brought together research students and faculty members for a full day of stimulating presentations and constructive academic exchange. Throughout the consortium, 13 PhD students presented their research papers, each followed by interactive Q&A sessions. The presentations covered a broad spectrum of topics, highlighting the originality and rigour of the research conducted by AF’s PhD students. The event concluded with the announcement of the top six paper presentations, recognising students for their excellent research quality, effective presentation skills, and strong ability to respond to questions. Their accomplishments once again reflect the high calibre of research and academic excellence within AF.

Call for Nominations: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU School of Accounting and Finance 2026

The School of Accounting and Finance (AF) is delighted to announce that the new round of nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU AF 2026 is now open. The Award aims to recognise distinguished graduates of AF for great distinction in their respective areas, dedicated support to their alma mater, as well as impactful contributions to the wider community.   Eligibility The nominated candidate must be a graduate who has successfully completed full-time or part-time programme offered by PolyU (or its forerunners: Hong Kong Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College, and Hong Kong Polytechnic) which led to academic award accredited by the respective Institution.   The proposer can be a PolyU graduate, Honorary Graduate, University Fellow, PolyU staff, PolyU Council and Court member and Advisory Committee member.  There is no limit to the number of nominations to be submitted by each proposer.  However, the proposer cannot be the candidate himself/herself. Selection Criteria The selection of the Award considers two criteria:   (1)      Support and Contributions to PolyU: This key criterion considers nominee’s support and contribution to PolyU, including his/her leadership and/or support in University event and/or alumni activities, support in advisory committee, teaching, research, or student development, as well as support rendered to PolyU initiatives including financial / in-kind donation, or sponsorship.   (2)      Achievement Areas: Three achievement areas serve as a framework for assessing nominee’s achievements in the concerned areas.  They include Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial Achievement, and Scholarly Achievement.   Award Category Description Professional Achievement This achievement area recognises alumni who have attained distinguished achievements, demonstrated exemplary leadership, and made a strong impact on their profession / industry / society. Entrepreneurial Achievement This achievement area recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as founded or advanced business or technology ventures with impact. Scholarly Achievement This achievement area recognises alumni scholars who have made notable scholarly or research contributions in their disciplines, with proven track record and excellent reputation in the field. Alumni who are aged at/under 40 in the award selection year would be eligible for the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.   Nomination and Selection Schedule The nomination form could be downloaded here. Please return the completed form to af.mktg@polyu.edu.hk with all required supplementary documents (such as a current curriculum vitae of the nominee and two written references) on or before 8 May 2026 (Friday). Award Selection Committee The Selection Committee will examine the nominations and assess candidates’ qualifications and performance for the awards.   Confidentiality All information submitted on this nomination form will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used by the Award Selection Committee for the purpose of the selection process.    Enquiries School of Accounting and Finance The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Email: af.mktg@polyu.edu.hk

PolyU AF-HKMA IPMN Closing Ceremony and Student Presentations

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) Industry Project Masters Network (IPMN) Scheme 2026 was successfully concluded on 10 April 2026, marking the programme’s third consecutive year of fruitful collaboration and professional development. The closing ceremony, held at the Royal Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui, celebrated months of dedicated work by 16 MSc in Accounting and Finance Analytics students of the School of Accounting and Finance (AF). To showcase their achievements, eight student groups with two persons for each, presented their projects to the audience of industry professionals and project owners. This was followed by speeches from Prof. Feng Tian and Dr Justin Law of AF. The ceremony concluded with a group photo, the presentation of souvenirs, and a celebratory dinner. We extend our sincere thanks to the HKMA and our industry partners for their support and collaboration, which have made the Scheme a success and strengthened the mentorship bonds between mentors and mentees. Through the IPMN Scheme, our students have gained invaluable practical experience and industry insights, particularly in fintech and sector-specific projects. We are proud of their accomplishments, which demonstrate the practical skills and knowledge they have acquired and their ability to collaborate effectively with industry professionals and project owners.   Event photo   

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 2 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 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

BBA Students Secure Third Prize at HSBC China Future Leaders Challenge

We are delighted to announce that Team DeepBank, comprising three BBA students from the School of Accounting and Finance (AF) at PolyU, has secured the Third Prize at the  “Together for future” HSBC China Future Leaders Challenge.    Team members, CHEN Yueer, YANG Mengyun, and HE Qiwen, advanced to the final round of the competition held on 27 March 2026 at the HSBC Building, Shanghai IFC. The competition focused on contemporary business themes, “Intelligent Succession” and “Smart Go Global”. Team DeepBank selected “Intelligent Succession” and presented a comprehensive financial planning solution for a high net worth family.    Among the team, HE Qiwen was further recognised with the Outstanding Individual Award, highlighting Team DeepBank’s strong performance in the competition.     We thank Prof. Sunny Sun, Dr Increase Onwachukwu and Dr William Wong from AF for their dedicated coaching, as well as the HSBC industry mentor, Ms Edith Wong, for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the competition journey.

AF Student Receives PolyU Outstanding Student Award 2025/26

We are delighted to share that Kun TAO, a student from the BBA in Accounting and Finance programme, has been awarded the Outstanding Student Award of the School of Accounting and Finance for 2025/26.   The Outstanding Student Award recognises students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance, a positive learning attitude, and outstanding personal qualities, and who have excelled in both academic and non‑academic pursuits during their studies at PolyU.   The School extends its warmest congratulations to Kun TAO on this well‑deserved honour and wishes him continued success in his future endeavours.

Inauguration Ceremony of the PolyU–Quant Cloud Centre for AI in Accounting and Finance

The inauguration ceremony of the PolyU–Quant Cloud Centre for AI in Accounting and Finance was held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The newly established research centre is dedicated to harnessing the power of large language models and advanced natural language processing to extract market signals, transform them into robust and testable sentiment factors, and generate measurable value for both academic scholarship and professional practice. Prof. Jin-guang Teng, President of PolyU, delivered the opening remarks at the ceremony. On behalf of the School of Accounting and Finance, Prof. Nancy Su, Head of the School, received a cheque from Dr. Zeng Zhiyun, Chairman of the Board of Capital Finance Holdings Limited (Stock Code: HK.08239), in support of the establishment of the centre.  The ceremony was also graced by Prof. Geoffrey Shen, Associate Vice President (Global Partnerships) of PolyU; Mr. David Wu, Chairman of Going Quant, and Ms. Vivian Wang, Operating President of Going Quant; together with Prof. Xianjin Xu, Professor of Practice and Deputy Programme Director of the Doctor of Management Programme, Faculty of Business, as well as Secretary-General of the PolyU–Tsinghua University Alumni Association and faculty members of the School of Accounting and Finance. The launch of the PolyU–Quant Cloud Centre for AI in Accounting and Finance marks a significant milestone in the School’s enduring commitment to advancing knowledge and translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.    

BBA Students Secure First Runner-Up at HSBC/HKU Business Case Competition 2026

Congratulations to PolyU’s BBA team featuring students from the School of Accounting and Finance (AF) for securing the first runner-up position at the HSBC/HKU Hong Kong Business Case Competition 2026, held on 7 March 2026. Representing AF were Audrey ARISGRAHA (BBA in Accounting and Finance) and Zixuan ZHANG (BBA in Digital Finance and Investment with a Secondary Major in AIDA), who partnered with peers from the Department of Management and Marketing to deliver a well-structured and insightful solution in the competition. This achievement demonstrates the students’ ability to translate their academic knowledge into practical solutions, demonstrating strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.