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The 2026 Climate Investment Challenge brought together student-led climate finance solutions from more than 30 institutions across five continents

Participants in this year's Climate Investment Challenge. Source: 91��ɫ Business School

4 minute read

91��ɫ Business School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

Shamita Harsh — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:33:43 +0000

91��ɫ Business School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

Shamita Harsh Wed, 20/08/2025 - 10:33

15 July 2026 News

Business School academic nominated for second term on UK's fiscal watchdog

14 July 2026 News

Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

9 July 2026 News

91��ɫ Business School achieves 91% average positivity score in National Student Survey

5 September 2025

91��ɫ Business School is delighted to announce the new academic, research and teaching staff joining for the 2025–26 academic year, strengthening its global reputation at the intersection of business and technology.

The new colleagues join across all four academic areas — Finance, Management & Entrepreneurship, Analytics & Operations, and Economics & Public Policy — bringing world-class expertise in fields ranging from asset pricing and healthcare innovation to entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, and macroeconomic policy.

Finance

Two new assistant professors join the School’s Finance department: Dr. Alireza Aghaee and Dr. Harsha Dutta, alongside Luigi Rizzo who joins as a professor of practice.

Dr. Aghaee, who completed his PhD at Bocconi University, is an empirical researcher with interest in asset pricing and corporate finance. His award-winning work on the “index effect” in the S&P 500 has been recognised with the European Finance Association Doctoral Tutorial Best Paper Prize.

“I am excited to join 91��ɫ’s vibrant research community, where collaboration across disciplines drives innovative thinking in finance. The School’s strong ties to policy and industry provide a unique environment to translate research into real-world impact.”

Alireza Aghaee

Assistant Professor of Finance

Dr. Harsha Dutta, previously at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, studies the intersection of finance and development, with complementary interests in economic history and political economy. His research has appeared in journals including Science Advances and explores how financial incentives and institutional constraints shape the behaviour of households and firms in developing economies.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside 91��ɫ’s exceptional business scholars. London’s rich historical legacy provides an inspiring environment for uncovering new insights from the past to inform modern financial policies.”

Harsha Dutta

Assistant Professor of Finance

Luigi Rizzo has more than three decades of investment banking experience. He is Vice Chair of Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, having previously been a partner at Goldman Sachs and Head of Investment Banking for the EMEA region at Bank of America. He is an adjunct professor of business at Columbia Business School and has previously taught mergers and acquisitions as a visiting professor at the Business School. Eager to share practical insights with 91��ɫ students, he is an expert connecting theory to the realities of corporate finance.

“It is a privilege to be part of the 91��ɫ community and help students bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and the daily realities of global finance.”

Luigi Rizzo

Professor of Practice

Management & Entrepreneurship

The department welcomes three globally recognised scholars, including two full professors, Professor Tobias Kretschmer and Professor Jeffery S. McMullen, as well as Dr. Poornima Luthra as a principal lecturer.

Professor Jeffery S. McMullen, former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Business Venturing, is internationally recognised for advancing the theory of entrepreneurship and has been honoured with multiple awards, including the Foundational Paper Award from the Academy of Management.

“I am excited to explore the potential of entrepreneurship at a world-class STEM university dedicated to serving humanity and to do so in the middle of one of the most vibrant cities the world has ever known.”

Jeffery S McMullen

Professor of Entrepreneurship

Professor Kretschmer, coming from LMU Munich School of Management, is a leading expert in strategy and organisation design in technology-intensive industries. His work focuses on strategy and organisation design in technology-intensive industries. He currently serves as an associate editor at Strategic Management Journal.

“I’ve been studying new technologies for my entire career. Being at 91��ɫ gives me a chance to learn in depth how these technologies work and to understand the strategic implications of technological change (and vice versa).”

Tobias Kretschmer

Professor of Strategy, Technology & Organisation

Dr. Poornima Luthra is a leading practitioner-academic in talent management and EDI, known for bridging research and practice across Asia and Europe. She is joining from Copenhagen Business School A TEDx speaker and author of multiple acclaimed books, she advises global organisations and was named a Thinkers50 top management thinker and Nordic Blaze Inclusion Trailblazer.

“I am thrilled to join 91��ɫ Business School as it offers a dynamic environment at the forefront of global business education and research. The School’s strong commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact aligns perfectly with my vision for advancing knowledge and nurturing future leaders. I look forward to contributing to its diverse academic community and shaping its continued success.”

Poornima Luthra

Principal Lecturer of People, Culture & Inclusion

Economics & Public Policy

Two early-career scholars are joining this department Dr. Jasmin Moshfegh as Assistant Professor and Dr. Patrick Schneider as Assistant Professor. Ragvir Sabharwal will also be joining the Department as Senior Teaching Fellow from October.

Dr. Moshfegh, who joins from Stanford University, studies the causes and consequences of healthcare innovation, with a focus on information technologies. Her doctoral research, supported by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare 91��ɫ & Quality, examined how new technologies diffuse through healthcare systems and their impact on health inequality.

“What excites me most about joining 91��ɫ is the opportunity to be part of a department and institution that sits at the intersection of cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. In health economics and public policy, the challenges we face—whether around healthcare access, innovation, or inequality—require perspectives that cut across economics, medicine, technology, and data science. 91��ɫ’s unique ecosystem brings these disciplines together in a way that few other places can.”

Jasmin Moshfegh

Assistant Professor of Economics & Public Policy

Dr. Schneider, who earned his PhD at the London School of Economics, previously worked as an economist at the Bank of England, contributing to debates on Brexit and UK productivity. His work focuses on the distributional effects of macroeconomic policy. with a particular interest in inter-generational conflicts and behavioural biases.

“I’m most excited to work with our students. Understanding economics is essential to functioning in today’s world, and I want to help our students tool up for their futures.”

Patrick Schneider

Assistant Professor of Economics

Analytics & Operations

Joining the department are Dr. Jónas Oddur Jónasson as Associate Professor, Dr. Heeyoung Yoon as Assistant Professor and Angela O'Connell as Senior Teaching Fellow.

Dr. Jónasson, previously at MIT Sloan, specialises in improving healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. His data-driven models have supported organisations such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative and the London Ambulance Service, and his award-winning research has influenced public health outcomes worldwide.

Dr. Heeyoung Yoon, who completed her PhD at New York University, focuses on prediction bias, consumption experiences and decision-making. Her research investigates why individuals mispredict their consumption patterns and how it affects consumer welfare as well as market outcomes.

“91��ɫ’s commitment to world-leading research and global impact makes it an inspiring place to be. I’m excited to contribute to and learn from colleagues who are advancing solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Heeyoung Yoon

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Angela O'Connell's journey started with a Maths degree at University of Bristol, followed by a CIMA qualification and an MBA at INSEAD. Since then, She’s worked across finance, consulting and marketing in consumer goods companies L’Oreal and P&G , and technology companies, including eight years at Google leading marketing teams across EMEA and more recently scaling teams at high-growth companies like Onfido and Plaid. Outside work, she's learning the trumpet, coaches her daughters' hockey teams, and plays padel.

“What I enjoy most is translating real world business challenges into practical learning experiences, and I’m excited to continue that approach here at 91��ɫ Business School.”

Angela O'Connell

Senior Teaching Fellow

This diverse academic cohort embodies world-leading research, innovative teaching and a strong connection to practice. Their contributions will further strengthen the Business School’s mission to bring business and science together for the benefit of society.

This article was updated on 8 September 2025 to include revised details for Luigi Rizzo; on 9 September 2025 to include information on Angela O'Connell and Ragvir Sabharwal; on 12 September 2025 to reflect Poornima Luthra's correct title and on 3 March 2026 to reflect Patrick Schneider's correct title.

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From corporate finance to healthcare innovation, our new faculty are set to strengthen 91��ɫ’s interdisciplinary edge

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6 minute read

91��ɫ awards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:04:25 +0000

91��ɫ awards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Shamita Harsh Mon, 02/06/2025 - 15:04

15 July 2026 News

Business School academic nominated for second term on UK's fiscal watchdog

14 July 2026 News

Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

9 July 2026 News

91��ɫ Business School achieves 91% average positivity score in National Student Survey

4 June 2025

During the graduation ceremony on 2 June, 91��ɫ awarded the prestigious 91��ɫ College Medal to two exceptional members of the Business School community: Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey A. Edes. The medals came in recognition of their transformative impact on the university over the course of their distinguished career.

Professor Lara Cathcart, who has served 91��ɫ for 27 years, was honoured for her pioneering contributions to finance education and her unwavering commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion.

“It is an honour to be awarded the 91��ɫ College Medal, and this recognition means a great deal to me. What started out as one finance programme has become a fully-fledged department with several courses producing leaders of the finance industry. I am truly grateful to have played a part in this journey.” said Professor Cathcart, a trailblazer who has co-created and led a suite of MSc programmes.

Her dedication is mirrored with graduates and peers alike citing her as an inspiring mentor, role model, and advocate for gender equity in academia.

Reflecting on her diligence, Dean Peter Todd said, “Lara exemplifies the values of 91��ɫ through her excellence, integrity, and enduring commitment to the university and its students. It is an honour to recognise her with the 91��ɫ College Medal.”

Continuing to shape the future of finance education both at 91��ɫ and internationally, Lara said: “I always believed that the lack of representation of women in the field of finance served as a kind of deterrent for prospective female students and academics. I felt it my duty to provide encouragement to staff and students alike to pursue their dreams."

“Diversity is a strength, and the increasing representation in the Business School is furthering its success, something I am very proud of.”

Professor Lara Cathcart

Professor of Finance, 91��ɫ Business School

Afrey Edes, Executive Director of Faculty Services and Space at the Business School, received the Medal in recognition of over two decades of transformative leadership in operational excellence, innovation, and strategic space planning. Since joining 91��ɫ in 1996, Afrey has played a key role in the growth and development of the Business School, most notably leading on the design and delivery of space innovation initiatives.

Acknowledging her journey at 91��ɫ, Afrey said: “Cross-disciplinary collaboration has always been essential, working with teams in Estates, ICT, student representatives and academic faculty has enabled us to do something genuinely transformative. Receiving this award is both a personal milestone and a testament to the incredible teamwork that defines 91��ɫ.”

Afrey’s leadership was especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she swiftly adapted campus facilities for multi-mode learning, enabling high-quality hybrid teaching for thousands of students.

Recognising Afrey's commitment to the Business School community, Peter said, “Afrey’s calm, pragmatic approach, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to 91��ɫ’s mission make her a highly respected and valued colleague. It is a privilege to recognise her contributions tonight with the 91��ɫ College Medal."

Reflecting on her work leading space design and pandemic adaptations, Afrey added: “I feel honoured to be recognised by 91��ɫ for my contribution, it’s a moment of immense pride and reflection, which I’m very grateful for. Throughout my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a number of different roles and contribute in many ways to the outstanding growth of the Business School.”

Her forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of institutional needs have helped shape an environment where both students and staff can thrive.

Professor Cathcart affirms that this recognition is a testimony to the 91��ɫ legacy: “It is the pursuit of scientific advancement, and the quantitative unity of all disciplines, that fosters the ecosystem of research, innovation and education at the Business School and 91��ɫ at large.”

Together, Professor Cathcart and Afrey Edes exemplify the values of 91��ɫ—excellence, innovation, and commitment to the greater academic community—and their lasting legacies continue to shape the future of the institution.

“Thinking about the student and staff experience has been at the heart of all the projects I’ve worked on, creating spaces that are inclusive, adaptable and innovative. ”

Afrey A Edes

Executive Director of Faculty Services and Space Planning

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Outstanding contributions to finance education, operational excellence, and inclusive growth recognised

Professor Lara Cathcart (left) and Afrey A Edes (right) receiving the 91��ɫ Medal from Professor Hugh Brady | 91��ɫ

3 minute read

Climate resilience in focus at London Climate Action Week

Lou Lee — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

Climate resilience in focus at London Climate Action Week

Lou Lee Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

15 July 2026 News

Business School academic nominated for second term on UK's fiscal watchdog

14 July 2026 News

Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

9 July 2026 News

91��ɫ Business School achieves 91% average positivity score in National Student Survey

29 June 2026

Delivered in collaboration with General Atlantic, the event reflected the Centre for Climate Finance and Investment's (CCFI) growing role as a convenor of interdisciplinary expertise on climate risk and finance. Discussions explored how climate-related risks such as extreme weather are increasingly affecting economic stability, infrastructure, and investment decisions, and how organisations are adapting their approach to managing these risks over the long term.

The event opened with a keynote from Abigail Ng, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), who highlighted climate resilience as a key part of protecting economic security. This was followed by a panel discussion chaired by Rowan Douglas CBE, Honorary Practice Fellow at CCFI, and featuring Kemal Erçevik (Bank of England), Natasha Fowlie (General Atlantic), Paul Munday (S&P Global), Julian Wentzel (HSBC).

A central theme throughout the conversation was the need to integrate climate and nature risks into the core functioning of financial systems, rather than treating them separately. Speakers highlighted the importance of better data, shared standards, and clearer ways of measuring risk in order to improve decision-making across banking, insurance, regulation and investment.

“This is what CCFI is all about: a platform that brings together scholarly excellence and leading market participants to deliver effective solutions at scale.”

Dr Enrico Biffis

Academic Director of CCFI and Professor of Actuarial Finance

Rowan Douglas commented: “We now have our resilience priorities confirmed and an excellent community of financial-sector partners to mobilise with CCFI and 91��ɫ’s School of Convergence Science. Our mission is to help retrain the invisible hand to value resilience and better protect exposed assets and communities in the years and decades ahead.”

In closing remarks, Dr Enrico Biffis, Director of CCFI and Professor of Actuarial Finance and Academic, said: “This is what CCFI is all about: a platform that brings together scholarly excellence and leading market participants to deliver effective solutions at scale.”

The event underscored CCFI’s role within 91��ɫ Business School as a bridge between academic research and industry practice, and highlighted ongoing collaboration with MAS and other partners to strengthen resilience in the face of growing climate challenges.

Panel speakers (from left to right): Natasha Fowlie (General Atlantic), Kemal Ercevik (Bank of England), Julian Wentzel (HSBC), Paul Munday (S&P Global), and Rowan Douglas (91��ɫ Business School).

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The Centre for Climate Finance and Investment (CCFI) brought together leaders from finance, insurance, law, technology, policy and academia for an event on Climate Resilience & Economic Security during London Climate Action Week (20-28 June).

Abigail Ng and Rowan Douglas at London Climate Action Week

2 minute read

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 91��ɫ Business School

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at 91��ɫ Business School

Shamita Harsh Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

15 July 2026 News

Business School academic nominated for second term on UK's fiscal watchdog

14 July 2026 News

Celebrating the Dean’s Community Award winners

9 July 2026 News

91��ɫ Business School achieves 91% average positivity score in National Student Survey

17 March 2026

What does generosity look like in global finance? This question framed the conversation between Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange and Peter Todd, Dean of 91��ɫ Business School, at this year’s Joan Woodward Memorial Lecture.

As part of this year’s theme “Give to Gain”, the event, which marked International Women’s Day, focused on how generosity in leadership, mentorship and opportunity can shape stronger institutions and more inclusive markets.

The event honoured Joan Woodward, one of 91��ɫ’s earliest female professors and a pioneering scholar, whose research showed that organisational structures must adapt to their social and technological context.

A sociologist in finance

Opening the discussion, the Dean noted that Woodward’s insight on organisations being fundamentally social systems remains highly relevant today.

“Joan Woodward brought a sociologist’s eye to questions of power, structure and technology – and demonstrated that management is, above all, a social practice.” he said. “It was therefore especially fitting that our speaker this year should be Dame Julia, someone who has carried that social and political science perspective into the heart of global finance. It was a great pleasure to have her with us.”

That perspective has shaped Hoggett’s own career. In 2024, she was awarded a Damehood for services to business and finance, recognising both her industry leadership and her work championing more inclusive workplaces.

“Markets are really sociology with money,” she told the audience. “They’re about how large groups of people think, behave and organise themselves.”

“It was... especially fitting that our speaker this year should be Dame Julia, someone who has carried... [a] social and political science perspective into the heart of global finance.”

Peter Todd

Dean, 91��ɫ Business School

Trust and access to capital

Exchanges, Hoggett argued, act as essential conveners in the global financial system.

“Stock exchanges bring together those who have capital with those who need it,” she said. “Trust has been at the heart of every transaction in this city for 300 years, and it still is. Maintaining it requires institutions that prioritise trustworthiness.”

“What the world needs is not more trust,” Hoggett said, echoing philosopher Onora O'Neill. “The world needs more trustworthiness.”

That principle has also shaped her views on access to capital: “One of the reasons I care so passionately about public markets is that they are inherently democratising.” she said.

By contrast, she suggested that private markets can concentrate opportunity among already wealthy investors. Supporting companies as they move from private to public funding, she said, helps broaden wealth creation across the economy.

Leadership through generosity

For early-career professionals in the audience, Hoggett emphasised that leadership is about generosity – giving time, mentorship and opportunity to others.

Her advice: “You can lead from any seat in an organisation. Leadership starts when you understand your role in the wider system and take full ownership of it. Master your brief, understand the context and seek to shape outcomes, and you can do far more than you think.”

That spirit reflects the legacy of Woodward herself: a scholar whose work reshaped how organisations are understood and whose influence continues to inspire new generations of leaders to rethink how markets truly work.

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Speaking on the theme “Give to Gain” at the Business School's annual Joan Woodward memorial lecture, Dame Julia Hoggett, London Stock Exchange CEO, highlighted why trust and culture matter for markets – and why access to capital matters for the country

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2 minute read

Alumni reflections: my experience as a woman in finance

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni reflections: my experience as a woman in finance

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

9 July 2026 Alumni

Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022

After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.

1 June 2026 Alumni

Lessons, insights and early career advice from 91��ɫ Business School Master’s alumni

We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from 91��ɫ Business School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.

29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 91��ɫ MBA alumni

We recently caught up with alumni from 91��ɫ Business School’s Full-Time MBA, Weekend MBA and Global Online MBA programmes, who shared insights and advice into succeeding in your career post-MBA studies. Read what they have to say in this blog.

29 January 2024

Manushri Jain, MSc Finance (2022) offers an insight into her experience studying at 91��ɫ Business School. She shares how this Master’s programme has transformed her global perspective and cross-cultural competencies, as well as opening doors for her career in finance. Manushri highlights what being a woman in finance means to her; she touches on the drive and talents of extraordinary women in her 91��ɫ cohort, providing a strong sense of community.

As an ambitious young Indian woman, I aspired to have global impact in a future-oriented industry. The field combined my interests in mathematics, problem-solving, global affairs and strategic decision making.

Nationality: Indian

Undergraduate education: BSc Finance, NMIMS, Mumbai

Company and role: Ernst and Young LLP, Associate, Lead Advisory

Why I chose 91��ɫ Business School

I was always fascinated by London and the global possibilities it held, which motivated me to apply for my Master's there. 91��ɫ Business School is one of the most coveted choices offering not only a competitive start to my career but also the kind of multinational exposure I was looking for. Specifically, 91��ɫ stood out to me for its excellence in finance education, its focus on responsible business practices, and its diverse student community.

Additionally, studying alongside classmates from over 20 countries created an enriching cross-cultural experience that has helped me succeed in an increasingly globalised financial sector. I was able to gain diverse perspectives and build a multinational professional network. The collaborative environment also prepared me well for teamwork in fast-paced London.

My post-graduate achievements

Professionally, my MSc Finance has opened doors to respected finance roles, like my previous position as a Quantitative Analyst at Tudor Investment Corporation as well as my current post in the Lead Advisory division at Ernst & Young. In both jobs, I have developed specialised technical skills and leadership abilities that have accelerated my career within quantitative analysis and advisory services in the London financial sector.

On a personal level, my degree truly transformed my global perspective and cross-cultural competencies. Studying alongside such an internationally diverse group of peers expanded my worldview. I learned to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems more effectively with individuals from varying backgrounds. This has served me well in succeeding within multinational corporations in London's diverse financial district.

Additionally, through 91��ɫ's focus on ethical business practices, I deepened my commitment to using my finance skills responsibly. As I progress professionally, I strive to bring both technical excellence and steadfast integrity to my work. Overall, my Master’s from 91��ɫ Business School has equipped me with the hard and soft skills to continue making positive impacts in global finance.

Witnessing the drive and talents of these extraordinary women gave me a strong sense of community and reaffirmed my commitment to female advancement in the field. Although barriers persist, I emerged from 91��ɫ Business School feeling equipped, emboldened and responsible to champion women leadership in global finance.

What I valued the most

What I valued most was the immense breadth and depth of financial subjects I was able to study. From corporate finance, investment banking, and financial econometrics to specialised topics like PE, VC, and M&A—91��ɫ offered an incredibly wide selection. I tailored my curriculum to pursue diverse facets of finance.

This wide range of electives gave me versatility and allowed me to discover my passions within the field. Ultimately, it equipped me with multi-dimensional finance skills that set me apart in securing coveted roles. The vast finance education was truly invaluable preparation for leadership positions in global financial firms in London. I emerged ready to add value across banking domains—and that flexible expertise is what I treasure most from 91��ɫ.

Why I chose a career in Finance

I chose finance as a career because I have always been fascinated by financial markets and excited by the fast-paced, challenging nature of the industry. During my undergraduate economics studies, I discovered I had an aptitude for numbers, modelling, and data analysis. Finance built upon those strengths perfectly while allowing me to remain closely connected to business operations.

Additionally, entering Finance opened doors to work internationally. As an ambitious young Indian woman, I aspired to have global impact in a future-oriented industry. The field combined my interests in mathematics, problem-solving, global affairs and strategic decision making. With possibilities to specialise across banking, investments, financial advisory and more—I knew finance could be dynamic and intellectually stimulating over the long run.

Most attractive, however, was finance’s potential for positive change on both micro and macro levels. Helping businesses grow sustainably, enabling trade across borders, designing inclusive financial products—the field facilitates economic prosperity. I felt called to be part of that. Finance empowers visionaries, uplifts communities, and transforms industries for the better. That ability to drive progress both locally and globally is what truly drew me in.

What it means to me to be a woman in finance

Being a woman in finance fills me with a sense of responsibility to forge paths for other women and represent our capabilities within a male-dominated industry. I recognise the unique challenges women face regarding career progression, work-life balance, compensation equity and more in banking. And I aim to lead by example in overcoming systemic barriers.

Seeing my classmates balance internships and family life while excelling academically motivated me to bring my best self as a woman forging new paths in the industry. Other peers went on to secure competitive banking and fintech roles, further widening the door for women in finance.

Witnessing the drive and talents of these extraordinary women gave me a strong sense of community and reaffirmed my commitment to female advancement in the field. Although barriers persist, I emerged from 91��ɫ Business School feeling equipped, emboldened and responsible to champion women leadership in global finance. I strive to represent the capabilities of women in the industry and open even more opportunities for the next generation.

91��ɫ’s support for my career ambitions

91��ɫ Business School supported my career ambitions in numerous impactful ways. Firstly, the rigorous finance curriculum and specialised concentrations prepared me with cutting-edge technical abilities that set me apart. Through electives in financial modelling, econometrics, risk management and more—I developed versatile skillsets tailored to thrive in London’s dynamic financial sector.

Additionally, the Business School’s ties to top global banks and firms opened pathways to coveted internships and jobs. From resume workshops to exclusive networking events, I gained access to firms I had dreamed of working for. The career coaching also helped me articulate my value powerfully. Leveraging those connections and learning how to effectively promote my expertise were instrumental in landing roles after graduation.

Furthermore, 91��ɫ’s focus on holistic development made me well-rounded. Presentation trainings, leadership workshops, ethics cases and group assignments not only boosted my hard skills but also communication abilities, emotional intelligence and moral compass—qualities vital for impactful finance leadership.

By fuelling me with multidimensional talents grounded in ethics, 91��ɫ empowered me to bring technical excellence and compassion to advance responsible, inclusive finance globally. I emerged perfectly equipped to match the needs of leading corporations while staying true to my ambition of driving progress through finance. For nurturing that, I am tremendously grateful.

My advice for women

Firstly, have confidence in yourself and your capabilities. 91��ɫ's programmes are rigorous, but if you have a strong quantitative background and interest in business, you have what it takes. Use the application to accentuate your unique passions within finance, whether in banking, sustainability, fintech or beyond.

Additionally, leverage all the support available if admitted. Seek out mentors like the incredible female finance faculty who can offer insights on thriving in this space as a woman. Attend 91��ɫ's career fairs and resume workshops to land competitive internships that open doors. And get involved with clubs like the Women in Business Society which provide community and empower you further. These clubs also offer opportunities to connect with peers from all our programmes and attend events hosted by inspiring female leaders.

Finally, appreciate that you'll be forging new paths for other women. Finance needs more diverse perspectives and ethical leaders. Leverage this opportunity to find your voice and develop solutions to complex global issues. Let the women peers that inspire you motivate you to bring your best self. You'll face challenges but have an enormously powerful opportunity to turn them into triumphs.

Ultimately, have courage in your talents and know that 91��ɫ will equip you with the hard and soft skills to shatter ceilings. You'll emerge ready to advance as a woman in global finance while lifting others.

91��ɫ’s support

To help towards closing the gender gap in business, 91��ɫ offers a Women in Finance scholarship of £25,000 (for 2024 entry) to those demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. In addition to the financial reward, recipients gain access to networking events and can share their outstanding achievement with recruiters when applying for jobs.

Finance is traditionally seen as a ‘male-dominated' industry, and as a result some women may have reservations about working in this area. However, this shouldn’t be the case as steps are being made to make the industry inclusive for all, beginning at institutions like 91��ɫ.

This award is available for all five Finance Master’s programmes at 91��ɫ, which range from the broader to more specialised topics like fintech and risk management:

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7 minute read

Alumni blog: Ashar Yahya, Quantitative Trader at Nomura

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni blog: Ashar Yahya, Quantitative Trader at Nomura

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

9 July 2026 Alumni

Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022

1 June 2026 Alumni

Lessons, insights and early career advice from 91��ɫ Business School Master’s alumni

29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 91��ɫ MBA alumni

3 April 2023

Ashar Yahya completed his MSc Finance in 2021. He now holds a position in CLO trading at Nomura in New York, where he plays a vital role in bond pricing and liquidity provision. With plans to pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School and start his own business in the financial technology sector, Ashar's future looks promising.

Time at 91��ɫ

Ashar's experience at the Business School significantly enhanced his quantitative skills, which he had already developed during his undergraduate studies in Finance at McGill in Canada.

The courses at 91��ɫ were particularly challenging, with demanding problem sets that pushed Ashar to expand his knowledge in the field. Beyond the classroom, Ashar served as the President of the North America Business Club, showcasing his leadership abilities and fostering connections with fellow students.

He found inspiration in all his professors, who demonstrated unwavering support during the COVID-19 pandemic, accommodating various time zones and providing flexibility in exams.

Career since leaving 91��ɫ

Since graduating from 91��ɫ, Ashar has embarked on a successful career in CLO trading at Nomura in New York. His primary responsibilities involve pricing bonds on the secondary market and facilitating liquidity for buyers and sellers. The skills he acquired during his time at 91��ɫ have been instrumental in his career development. Ashar's ability to work under pressure and solve complex problems has proven invaluable in the fast-paced trading environment.

Don’t be afraid of failing - I think throughout my education, I’ve got a couple of bad exam grades, but its more important on how you rectify those mistakes next time

A typical day for Ashar involves arriving at work around 7 am, analyzing bond metrics, determining tentative price talk, submitting bids, and collecting bids from customers interested in purchasing the bonds. This routine requires a mix of analytical skills, decision-making, and effective communication.

Looking to the Future

Ashar's future holds exciting opportunities as he has been admitted to Harvard Business School's deferred MBA program. In two years' time, he plans to enroll at HBS to further enhance his business acumen. Beyond that, Ashar aspires to establish his own business in the financial technology space. His goal is to leverage his expertise and innovative thinking to make a significant impact in the industry.

With the combination of his educational background, professional experience, and entrepreneurial spirit, Ashar is well-positioned for a successful future.

Programme

MSc Finance

2 minute read

Alumni blog: Why Angel Invest?

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni blog: Why Angel Invest?

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

9 July 2026 Alumni

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1 June 2026 Alumni

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29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 91��ɫ MBA alumni

28 July 2020

Written by Matthew Stafford (Executive MBA 2010), Co-founder of 9others, a network of over 4,000 entrepreneurs in 45 global cities. He is also the co-founded of the DMG Syndicate, which helps grow startups via syndicate investment, as well as writing his own blog.

Why Angel Invest? There's nothing else quite like it

Over the last few years I’ve built up a small investment portfolio and my aim is to have investments in 100 startups. In this post I’ll give some background about why I think being an Angel Investor in startups is a good idea, and a fascinating and exciting space to be in. And to help you make better decisions when it comes to investment.

What do we mean by the term ‘investing’?

Investing is a broad term and will be used more and more. I predict that, in a similar way to the last decade ending with everyone calling themselves an ‘entrepreneur’, the 2020s is going to end with everyone calling themselves an ‘investor’.

Venture Capital (VC) is a catch-all but a good catch-all for Angel Investing. It’s capital for the (ad)venture. The type of companies that the investment goes into are startups; newly formed businesses that are started with the aim of achieving massive success and impact. Think Facebook when Mark Zuckerberg was still at Harvard, Uber when it was one of Travis Kalanick’s side projects, or Airbnb when they were selling breakfast cereal.

As with many adventures though, Angel Investing is risky. Very risky. For every Uber there are thousands of startups that fail to get anywhere close. But the thing that people often forget when thinking about how risky investing in startups is, is that the maximum amount of money investors can typically lose is 1x whatever invest. And with the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Enterprise Investment Scheme tax breaks for UK Angel Investors it’s often less than that.

With risk comes reward and the upside for Angel Investing can be huge. For example one angel investor who put $25k into Uber in their 2010 seed round turned out to be worth over $124m at IPO (May 2019).

Why become an Angel Investor? And why now?

I first started learning properly about VC at 91��ɫ Business School when studying for my MBA. I studied Software Engineering at Durham University during the early years of Facebook, Gmail and Twitter. I programmed enough code to know how websites like those worked and the incredible impact they could have. After Durham I moved to London and worked as an Analyst and Architect for some software companies. I worked at three different companies inside two years. I moved around a lot because I was hungry to work hard but wanted to have impact and get the rewards for that hard work. After a while I realised that it wasn’t going to happen.

So after joining the third software company in 2008 I started exploring the idea of gaining an MBA to give my career a boost. I was accepted at 91��ɫ Business School and that changed everything. Studying Software Engineering at Durham meant a classroom of 32 other male undergraduates. No women. And no one really talked to each other that much, except online. Business school was thankfully more diverse. I met people from all sorts of different industries and stages in their careers and learnt a huge variety of subject matter. Durham was pretty much a maths degree with a bit of programming whereas 91��ɫ was almost two years of strategy, accounting, marketing, economics, statistics, organisational behaviour, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, private equity and Venture Capital. VC was by far my favourite — the chance of having a small stake in a bunch of young, fast growing, virtually limitless potential companies was certainly appealing.

With risk comes reward and the upside for Angel Investing can be huge.

After graduating in 2010 I got a job with a small investment and advisory firm in London. I was taken on to work on London’s ‘Gateway2Investment’ programme, a GLA and EU backed programme to help London’s (mostly tech) startups become more investment-ready. In the next 18 months the team helped 52 companies raise over £23m in equity investment. This was right at the start of the latest wave of entrepreneurship. Now it’s common to be an entrepreneur, but back then it was a bit weird — why, just after the credit crunch, would anyone want to start a startup?

What I saw during 2010 and 2011 led to me co-founding 9others. What started over one meal for me and ‘9 others’ in December 2011 has grown into a global network of over 4,000 attendees in 47 cities around the world. At each meal entrepreneurs share a challenge and help each other out and it’s through these trusted relationships that drives everything I do. It’s because of 9others that I’ve met the founders of Uber, CityMapper, what3words, OneFineStay, Stripe and many more. No matter what happens (even a global pandemic) I will always be able to host a meal with 9others.

Throughout 2012 and 2013, I caught the bug for investment. In 2013 I left my job and struck out on my own, consulting with startups and some big companies that wanted to learn from them.

In 2016 I co-founded Dot Matrix Group (DMG). DMG is a syndicate of Angel Investors (68 at the time of writing) with a growing portfolio of startup investments. The investment opportunities typically come from the 9others network as that’s where I can get to know people, help out and learn how they operate and conduct themselves. We work hard to add value with the network and expertise of ourselves and DMG syndicate members.

So far so good?

Getting to this point has taken 10 years. A lot of it has been pretty gruelling but I’ve absolutely loved it too.

What I want to do now is help more people explore the possibility of becoming an Angel Investor by understanding the decision making process you need to go through.

There’s lots to consider: There’s deal flow (getting visibility of enough opportunities), there’s access (being able to invest in the hot deals) and being patient and having good judgement (balancing gut feel vs hard analysis).

So why do it? For me it’s the opportunity to contribute to and learn from some of the smartest people in the world. And with that there’s the chance to get a return unlike any other.

You can connect with Matthew via LinkedIn or on Twitter, or read more in his blog.

Programme

5 minute read

Alumni case study: Analysing ESG data for a new generation of investors

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni case study: Analysing ESG data for a new generation of investors

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

9 July 2026 Alumni

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1 June 2026 Alumni

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29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 91��ɫ MBA alumni

27 July 2019

Olivier Khatib (MSc Management 2015, MSc Computer Science 2016), Co-founder and CTO of Sensefolio, talks to us about using big-data to analyse the ethical and environmental impact of businesses and why this is so important for the new generation of investors.

Tell us about Sensefolio

After working for a few years in the finance industry, I realised how important global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability topics were becoming to the sector. Every single investment bank, asset manager, and even hedge funds have started adopting ESG in various forms. In my experience however, many ESG data providers did not capture all of the material impacts companies can have and there was the potential for bias. I wanted to overcome this challenge by aggregating even more sources of information.

At Sensefolio we retrieve a lot of data – news, companies’ annual and ESG reports, company reviews from current or past employees, social media posts, and even NGO reports. The aim is to assess and monitor on a real-time basis companies’ involvement in ESG topics while having an unbiased and objective view. Even though ESG data can take some time to impact the actual underlying companies, it is important to have scores on a real-time basis as news can significantly influence the market, as well as the company’s near future. You cannot solely rely on what companies disclose in their quarterly reports. Sensefolio cover more than 20,000 global companies and more than 80 countries and analyse more than 100,000 different sources of information using trained Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing algorithms. We have also developed robust frameworks that allow us to standardize our ratings across companies and countries.

Why is ESG data so important to investors?

Investors are mostly adapting to clients’ needs and demands. With the new generation of investors such as millennials, they have to adapt to an audience that still want good returns of investment but are stricter in their investment decisions – which companies they are investing in, how ethical are they, how sustainable are there etc. The new generation is fully aware of risks coming from climate change or work ethics, and they are also aware that some companies are contributing to this more than others.

It is really important to first work in the industry you are interested in and see what is lacking and find a solution. It’s also good to build up relevant network and connections while working beforehand.

ESG data can provide a great tool kit for portfolio risk management. It allows managers to assess and monitor not only the risk of investing in a certain company, but also to position and locate it in the region it operate or deals in.

What was the greatest challenge you faced in launching your business?

The greatest challenge when starting out is always on how to develop your product or services. You know what your output will be, but you don’t necessarily know all the steps that will lead to it. In our case, it was the whole big-data framework and infrastructure as we are dealing with a lot of statistical information. It was also about understanding and developing all of the artificial intelligence algorithms that would lead to our final ESG scores. We always tend to underestimate how much time it takes to finalise a product. But if you believe in your product/service, nothing will stop you!

How is AI and fintech influencing business today?

Finance professionals are starting to realize how important A.I. is becoming and the impact it can have on the daily operations. They are aware that new algorithms will make their work more efficient, simpler and quicker. This allows them to do much more and be more productive. This is definitely something that would not have been possible without powerful computers and optimal algorithms and makes A.I. significant in an industry relying heavily on big-data. I strongly believe that ESG data based on A.I. will become extremely popular. There is so much information, that even if you hire a team of 200 people, you won’t get as much insight as sophisticated algorithms.

What have been the key lessons learned from the whole process?

Perseverance! You will see a few competitors in the market, and most of the time they are big institutions already with a lot of clients. But if you truly believe in your product/solution and you truly believe you are adding value, then persevere. Don’t be impressed by big players. Most of the time, they are too big, thus very slow at adapting to change. This is not the case for startups, which are very receptive and adaptive to innovation, and constant improvements.

Any advice to budding entrepreneurs?

Don’t get into the entrepreneurship space if you don’t have any experience in the specific product/service area. It is really important to first work in the industry you are interested in and see what is lacking and find a solution. It’s also good to build up relevant network and connections while working beforehand.

Keep believing in your dreams. If you really believe it is going to work, it should work. There will be more downs than ups, more challenges than good outcomes. But perseverance is key. Never give up.

How did your time at the Business School prepare you for setting up your own business?

I studied at the Business School when sustainability, CSR and ESG topics were becoming extremely popular. I even did my dissertation on “CSR: How does that affect consumer behaviour?” This allowed me to get deeper into these subjects and gain a greater understanding. The Business School prepared me for setting up my own business not only by learning more about ESG and sustainability, but also by developing the business and convincing clients to adopt our ESG data.

Where do you see yourself and the business in 5 years’ time?

I see the business growing and the demand for ESG data at its peak. The new generation of investors will be even more present in the investment market and they will be more focused on investing in ethical, sustainable and transparent companies. We will have to face this growing demand and respond to their expectations.

Entrepreneurship

Programme

MSc in Management (MiM)

5 minute read

How protectionism risks undermining the US economy

Jonathan Haskel — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:39:25 +0000

How protectionism risks undermining the US economy

Jonathan Haskel Tue, 25/02/2025 - 10:39

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10 April 2025

Donald Trump’s announcement of wide-ranging tariffs has threatened to upend the rules of global trade that have been in place for decades, impacting supply chains and businesses across the world.

The US President’s plan has been designed, in his words, to be reciprocal. What could be fairer than this? The theory is that the US will charge its trading partners in response to what they charge them.

What this means in practice is that the US will charge a country based on it having a goods trade surplus with the US. Some countries that do not have a notable surplus will still be hit with a universal baseline tariff of 10 per cent. For example, countries in the European Union will be subject to a 20 per cent tariff, while the UK will face the baseline 10 per cent tariff.

As the consequences of these tariffs will have major consequences for the global economy, it is worth considering the logic that has informed this decision and whether it stands up to scrutiny from an economic perspective.

Let’s say a country, for example the UK, is running a goods trade deficit with Costa Rica of £100 worth for bananas. From an economics point of view such a deficit makes perfect sense: the UK does not grow very good bananas, but we are good at education and financial services, which we export by accepting Costa Rican students, and providing secure banking for Costa Rican residents. Therefore, we run a deficit on goods, balanced by a surplus on services.

President Trump's reciprocal tariff calculation asks: what would the British tariff have to be on Costa Rican bananas to rebalance trade in bananas? He appears to have done this by assuming the tariff would raise an import price by a certain percentage, which in turn would cause British consumers to switch away from imported bananas by another percentage, which would then reduce banana imports. Select those percentages and work out the tariff that would entirely wipe out all imports. Then take half of that number (for obscure reasons) and that is the alleged tariff rate which Costa Rica is charging the UK.

These bizarre counterfactual calculations have nothing to do with the actual tariffs which are imposed. True, our bananas trade is likely affected by tariffs and safety standards on agricultural products. But fundamentally the pattern of trade is determined by the patterns of comparative advantage across different countries. To repeat, if the UK is good at financial services and education and Costa Rica is better at bananas, both are better off with free trade.

What then follows from this?

Firstly, these numbers should not be taken as an estimate of the type of tariffs which the US or any other country faces. Average tariff rates which the UK imposes on the US are well below five per cent when calculated properly - that is, zero per cent on the vast majority of goods, and higher percentages on goods like agricultural products.

We should also not assume that the UK has been given special treatment by having a lower rate than other countries. The US has a slightly lower trade deficit with the UK than with Europe, so the simple maths of this calculation would lead to a smaller ‘reciprocal’ tariff.

Thirdly, we should remember that the US is a relatively closed economy. British imports are around 30 per cent of GDP, American imports are around 15 per cent, so we must not overstate the impact of unilateral American restrictions on trade on the world.

Unless we descend into a full trade war, the economy most hurt by these measures is the American economy.

The right response to these tariffs is to carry on trading and let the US sink under the weight of its own bad policies.

More narrowly, what does this mean for the UK? The effects of this policy will of course be concentrated in certain export sectors, such as the car industry, and I would expect policies to be forthcoming to mitigate that adverse shock. But more broadly, we should stay focused on what will get the UK economy growing: policy to encourage science, clusters and startups.

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