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The Centre for Global Finance (CGF) is located in the School of Finance and Management, SOAS University of London. 

Endowed by AXA Research Fund (AXARF), we believe in scientific discoveries that play a critical role in generating policy and enhancing practice for the transformation of society and the improvement of lives. 

Through a diverse portfolio of impactful projects, we undertake rigorous empirical research that aims to significantly enhance the knowledge, policy, and practice in the areas of financial economics, financial markets, financial inclusion, corporate finance, and sustainable growth.  By collaborating with global partners, we also actively participate in major international development projects, focusing on critical areas such as Fintech, the strengthening of research and innovation ecosystems in Africa, and financial systems in developing countries. 

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Our research and development projects have been supported by highly competitive grants from various traditional and non-traditional funding agencies, including:

  • AXA Research Fund
  • Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China
  • Indian Council of Social Science Research

Our ongoing research activities are dedicated to exploring and addressing key challenges and emerging opportunities in:

  • China’s economic interactions with the rest of the world 
  • China's infrastructure investment in Africa post-COVID-19 
  • African industrialisation 
  • Inclusive financial development and economic growth in Africa and Asia
  • The impact of Fintech on global financial markets
  • Mega trends in global finance
  • Strengthening research and innovation ecosystems in Africa

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AXA Chair Programme

Under the AXA Chair programme, we undertake rigorous research that aligns with policy and practice, exploring major shifts in China's infrastructure investment in Africa in the post-COVID-19 era. China’s overseas infrastructure investment (OII) has undergone a process of adjustment since Covid-19. The fundamental changes are related to infrastructure financing. China has reduced its financing for large-scale infrastructure investments in Africa. This change has significant implications for the infrastructure development and economic performance of African countries, the export structure of the natural resources and energy sector in Africa, and the localisation of China’s investment in Africa. The centre’s research aims to empirically investigate the consequences of the above-mentioned changes on African host countries.

Full AXA Chair Programme

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