case study on finance topics

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• 23 Jan 2024

More Than Memes: NFTs Could Be the Next Gen Deed for a Digital World

Non-fungible tokens might seem like a fad approach to selling memes, but the concept could help companies open new markets and build communities. Scott Duke Kominers and Steve Kaczynski go beyond the NFT hype in their book, The Everything Token.

• 12 Sep 2023
• Research & Ideas

How Can Financial Advisors Thrive in Shifting Markets? Diversify, Diversify, Diversify

Financial planners must find new ways to market to tech-savvy millennials and gen Z investors or risk irrelevancy. Research by Marco Di Maggio probes the generational challenges that advisory firms face as baby boomers retire. What will it take to compete in a fintech and crypto world?

• 17 Aug 2023

‘Not a Bunch of Weirdos’: Why Mainstream Investors Buy Crypto

Bitcoin might seem like the preferred tender of conspiracy theorists and criminals, but everyday investors are increasingly embracing crypto. A study of 59 million consumers by Marco Di Maggio and colleagues paints a shockingly ordinary picture of today's cryptocurrency buyer. What do they stand to gain?

• 17 Jul 2023

Money Isn’t Everything: The Dos and Don’ts of Motivating Employees

Dangling bonuses to checked-out employees might only be a Band-Aid solution. Brian Hall shares four research-based incentive strategies—and three perils to avoid—for leaders trying to engage the post-pandemic workforce.

• 20 Jun 2023
• Cold Call Podcast

Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover: Lessons in Strategic Change

In late October 2022, Elon Musk officially took Twitter private and became the company’s majority shareholder, finally ending a months-long acquisition saga. He appointed himself CEO and brought in his own team to clean house. Musk needed to take decisive steps to succeed against the major opposition to his leadership from both inside and outside the company. Twitter employees circulated an open letter protesting expected layoffs, advertising agencies advised their clients to pause spending on Twitter, and EU officials considered a broader Twitter ban. What short-term actions should Musk take to stabilize the situation, and how should he approach long-term strategy to turn around Twitter? Harvard Business School assistant professor Andy Wu and co-author Goran Calic, associate professor at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, discuss Twitter as a microcosm for the future of media and information in their case, “Twitter Turnaround and Elon Musk.”

• 06 Jun 2023

The Opioid Crisis, CEO Pay, and Shareholder Activism

In 2020, AmerisourceBergen Corporation, a Fortune 50 company in the drug distribution industry, agreed to settle thousands of lawsuits filed nationwide against the company for its opioid distribution practices, which critics alleged had contributed to the opioid crisis in the US. The $6.6 billion global settlement caused a net loss larger than the cumulative net income earned during the tenure of the company’s CEO, which began in 2011. In addition, AmerisourceBergen’s legal and financial troubles were accompanied by shareholder demands aimed at driving corporate governance changes in companies in the opioid supply chain. Determined to hold the company’s leadership accountable, the shareholders launched a campaign in early 2021 to reject the pay packages of executives. Should the board reduce the executives’ pay, as of means of improving accountability? Or does punishing the AmerisourceBergen executives for paying the settlement ignore the larger issue of a business’s responsibility to society? Harvard Business School professor Suraj Srinivasan discusses executive compensation and shareholder activism in the context of the US opioid crisis in his case, “The Opioid Settlement and Controversy Over CEO Pay at AmerisourceBergen.”

• 16 May 2023
• In Practice

After Silicon Valley Bank's Flameout, What's Next for Entrepreneurs?

Silicon Valley Bank's failure in the face of rising interest rates shook founders and funders across the country. Julia Austin, Jeffrey Bussgang, and Rembrand Koning share key insights for rattled entrepreneurs trying to make sense of the financing landscape.

• 27 Apr 2023

Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi: Transforming Lives with Access to Credit

James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Bank, has transformed lives and livelihoods throughout East and Central Africa by giving impoverished people access to banking accounts and micro loans. He’s been so successful that in 2020 Forbes coined the term “the Mwangi Model.” But can we really have both purpose and profit in a firm? Harvard Business School professor Caroline Elkins, who has spent decades studying Africa, explores how this model has become one that business leaders are seeking to replicate throughout the world in her case, “A Marshall Plan for Africa': James Mwangi and Equity Group Holdings.” As part of a new first-year MBA course at Harvard Business School, this case examines the central question: what is the social purpose of the firm?

• 25 Apr 2023

Using Design Thinking to Invent a Low-Cost Prosthesis for Land Mine Victims

Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) is an Indian nonprofit famous for creating low-cost prosthetics, like the Jaipur Foot and the Stanford-Jaipur Knee. Known for its patient-centric culture and its focus on innovation, BMVSS has assisted more than one million people, including many land mine survivors. How can founder D.R. Mehta devise a strategy that will ensure the financial sustainability of BMVSS while sustaining its human impact well into the future? Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar discusses the importance of design thinking in ensuring a culture of innovation in his case, “BMVSS: Changing Lives, One Jaipur Limb at a Time.”

• 18 Apr 2023

What Happens When Banks Ditch Coal: The Impact Is 'More Than Anyone Thought'

Bank divestment policies that target coal reduced carbon dioxide emissions, says research by Boris Vallée and Daniel Green. Could the finance industry do even more to confront climate change?

The Best Person to Lead Your Company Doesn't Work There—Yet

Recruiting new executive talent to revive portfolio companies has helped private equity funds outperform major stock indexes, says research by Paul Gompers. Why don't more public companies go beyond their senior executives when looking for top leaders?

• 11 Apr 2023

A Rose by Any Other Name: Supply Chains and Carbon Emissions in the Flower Industry

Headquartered in Kitengela, Kenya, Sian Flowers exports roses to Europe. Because cut flowers have a limited shelf life and consumers want them to retain their appearance for as long as possible, Sian and its distributors used international air cargo to transport them to Amsterdam, where they were sold at auction and trucked to markets across Europe. But when the Covid-19 pandemic caused huge increases in shipping costs, Sian launched experiments to ship roses by ocean using refrigerated containers. The company reduced its costs and cut its carbon emissions, but is a flower that travels halfway around the world truly a “low-carbon rose”? Harvard Business School professors Willy Shih and Mike Toffel debate these questions and more in their case, “Sian Flowers: Fresher by Sea?”

Is Amazon a Retailer, a Tech Firm, or a Media Company? How AI Can Help Investors Decide

More companies are bringing seemingly unrelated businesses together in new ways, challenging traditional stock categories. MarcAntonio Awada and Suraj Srinivasan discuss how applying machine learning to regulatory data could reveal new opportunities for investors.

• 07 Apr 2023

When Celebrity ‘Crypto-Influencers’ Rake in Cash, Investors Lose Big

Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, and other entertainers have been accused of promoting crypto products on social media without disclosing conflicts. Research by Joseph Pacelli shows what can happen to eager investors who follow them.

• 31 Mar 2023

Can a ‘Basic Bundle’ of Health Insurance Cure Coverage Gaps and Spur Innovation?

One in 10 people in America lack health insurance, resulting in $40 billion of care that goes unpaid each year. Amitabh Chandra and colleagues say ensuring basic coverage for all residents, as other wealthy nations do, could address the most acute needs and unlock efficiency.

• 23 Mar 2023

As Climate Fears Mount, More Investors Turn to 'ESG' Funds Despite Few Rules

Regulations and ratings remain murky, but that's not deterring climate-conscious investors from paying more for funds with an ESG label. Research by Mark Egan and Malcolm Baker sizes up the premium these funds command. Is it time for more standards in impact investing?

• 14 Mar 2023

What Does the Failure of Silicon Valley Bank Say About the State of Finance?

Silicon Valley Bank wasn't ready for the Fed's interest rate hikes, but that's only part of the story. Victoria Ivashina and Erik Stafford probe the complex factors that led to the second-biggest bank failure ever.

• 13 Mar 2023

What Would It Take to Unlock Microfinance's Full Potential?

Microfinance has been seen as a vehicle for economic mobility in developing countries, but the results have been mixed. Research by Natalia Rigol and Ben Roth probes how different lending approaches might serve entrepreneurs better.

• 16 Feb 2023

ESG Activists Met the Moment at ExxonMobil, But Did They Succeed?

Engine No. 1, a small hedge fund on a mission to confront climate change, managed to do the impossible: Get dissident members on ExxonMobil's board. But lasting social impact has proved more elusive. Case studies by Mark Kramer, Shawn Cole, and Vikram Gandhi look at the complexities of shareholder activism.

• 07 Feb 2023

Supervisor of Sandwiches? More Companies Inflate Titles to Avoid Extra Pay

What does an assistant manager of bingo actually manage? Increasingly, companies are falsely classifying hourly workers as managers to avoid paying an estimated $4 billion a year in overtime, says research by Lauren Cohen.

Research Topics & Ideas: Finance

120+ Finance Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring potential research topics for your finance-related dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of finance-centric research topics and ideas.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Finance Research Topics

• Corporate finance topics
• Investment banking topics
• Private equity & VC
• Asset management
• Hedge funds
• Financial planning & advisory
• Quantitative finance
• Treasury management
• Financial technology (FinTech)
• Commercial banking
• International finance

Corporate Finance

These research topic ideas explore a breadth of issues ranging from the examination of capital structure to the exploration of financial strategies in mergers and acquisitions.

• Evaluating the impact of capital structure on firm performance across different industries
• Assessing the effectiveness of financial management practices in emerging markets
• A comparative analysis of the cost of capital and financial structure in multinational corporations across different regulatory environments
• Examining how integrating sustainability and CSR initiatives affect a corporation’s financial performance and brand reputation
• Analysing how rigorous financial analysis informs strategic decisions and contributes to corporate growth
• Examining the relationship between corporate governance structures and financial performance
• A comparative analysis of financing strategies among mergers and acquisitions
• Evaluating the importance of financial transparency and its impact on investor relations and trust
• Investigating the role of financial flexibility in strategic investment decisions during economic downturns
• Investigating how different dividend policies affect shareholder value and the firm’s financial performance

Investment Banking

The list below presents a series of research topics exploring the multifaceted dimensions of investment banking, with a particular focus on its evolution following the 2008 financial crisis.

• Analysing the evolution and impact of regulatory frameworks in investment banking post-2008 financial crisis
• Investigating the challenges and opportunities associated with cross-border M&As facilitated by investment banks.
• Evaluating the role of investment banks in facilitating mergers and acquisitions in emerging markets
• Analysing the transformation brought about by digital technologies in the delivery of investment banking services and its effects on efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Evaluating the role of investment banks in promoting sustainable finance and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions.
• Assessing the impact of technology on the efficiency and effectiveness of investment banking services
• Examining the effectiveness of investment banks in pricing and marketing IPOs, and the subsequent performance of these IPOs in the stock market.
• A comparative analysis of different risk management strategies employed by investment banks
• Examining the relationship between investment banking fees and corporate performance
• A comparative analysis of competitive strategies employed by leading investment banks and their impact on market share and profitability

Private Equity & Venture Capital (VC)

These research topic ideas are centred on venture capital and private equity investments, with a focus on their impact on technological startups, emerging technologies, and broader economic ecosystems.

• Investigating the determinants of successful venture capital investments in tech startups
• Analysing the trends and outcomes of venture capital funding in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, or clean energy
• Assessing the performance and return on investment of different exit strategies employed by venture capital firms
• Assessing the impact of private equity investments on the financial performance of SMEs
• Analysing the role of venture capital in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
• Evaluating the exit strategies of private equity firms: A comparative analysis
• Exploring the ethical considerations in private equity and venture capital financing
• Investigating how private equity ownership influences operational efficiency and overall business performance
• Evaluating the effectiveness of corporate governance structures in companies backed by private equity investments
• Examining how the regulatory environment in different regions affects the operations, investments and performance of private equity and venture capital firms

Asset Management

This list includes a range of research topic ideas focused on asset management, probing into the effectiveness of various strategies, the integration of technology, and the alignment with ethical principles among other key dimensions.

• Analysing the effectiveness of different asset allocation strategies in diverse economic environments
• Analysing the methodologies and effectiveness of performance attribution in asset management firms
• Assessing the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria on fund performance
• Examining the role of robo-advisors in modern asset management
• Evaluating how advancements in technology are reshaping portfolio management strategies within asset management firms
• Evaluating the performance persistence of mutual funds and hedge funds
• Investigating the long-term performance of portfolios managed with ethical or socially responsible investing principles
• Investigating the behavioural biases in individual and institutional investment decisions
• Examining the asset allocation strategies employed by pension funds and their impact on long-term fund performance
• Assessing the operational efficiency of asset management firms and its correlation with fund performance

Hedge Funds

Here we explore research topics related to hedge fund operations and strategies, including their implications on corporate governance, financial market stability, and regulatory compliance among other critical facets.

• Assessing the impact of hedge fund activism on corporate governance and financial performance
• Analysing the effectiveness and implications of market-neutral strategies employed by hedge funds
• Investigating how different fee structures impact the performance and investor attraction to hedge funds
• Evaluating the contribution of hedge funds to financial market liquidity and the implications for market stability
• Analysing the risk-return profile of hedge fund strategies during financial crises
• Evaluating the influence of regulatory changes on hedge fund operations and performance
• Examining the level of transparency and disclosure practices in the hedge fund industry and its impact on investor trust and regulatory compliance
• Assessing the contribution of hedge funds to systemic risk in financial markets, and the effectiveness of regulatory measures in mitigating such risks
• Examining the role of hedge funds in financial market stability
• Investigating the determinants of hedge fund success: A comparative analysis

Financial Planning and Advisory

This list explores various research topic ideas related to financial planning, focusing on the effects of financial literacy, the adoption of digital tools, taxation policies, and the role of financial advisors.

• Evaluating the impact of financial literacy on individual financial planning effectiveness
• Analysing how different taxation policies influence financial planning strategies among individuals and businesses
• Evaluating the effectiveness and user adoption of digital tools in modern financial planning practices
• Investigating the adequacy of long-term financial planning strategies in ensuring retirement security
• Assessing the role of financial education in shaping financial planning behaviour among different demographic groups
• Examining the impact of psychological biases on financial planning and decision-making, and strategies to mitigate these biases
• Assessing the behavioural factors influencing financial planning decisions
• Examining the role of financial advisors in managing retirement savings
• A comparative analysis of traditional versus robo-advisory in financial planning
• Investigating the ethics of financial advisory practices

The following list delves into research topics within the insurance sector, touching on the technological transformations, regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer behaviours among other pivotal aspects.

• Analysing the impact of technology adoption on insurance pricing and risk management
• Analysing the influence of Insurtech innovations on the competitive dynamics and consumer choices in insurance markets
• Investigating the factors affecting consumer behaviour in insurance product selection and the role of digital channels in influencing decisions
• Assessing the effect of regulatory changes on insurance product offerings
• Examining the determinants of insurance penetration in emerging markets
• Evaluating the operational efficiency of claims management processes in insurance companies and its impact on customer satisfaction
• Examining the evolution and effectiveness of risk assessment models used in insurance underwriting and their impact on pricing and coverage
• Evaluating the role of insurance in financial stability and economic development
• Investigating the impact of climate change on insurance models and products
• Exploring the challenges and opportunities in underwriting cyber insurance in the face of evolving cyber threats and regulations

Quantitative Finance

These topic ideas span the development of asset pricing models, evaluation of machine learning algorithms, and the exploration of ethical implications among other pivotal areas.

• Developing and testing new quantitative models for asset pricing
• Analysing the effectiveness and limitations of machine learning algorithms in predicting financial market movements
• Assessing the effectiveness of various risk management techniques in quantitative finance
• Evaluating the advancements in portfolio optimisation techniques and their impact on risk-adjusted returns
• Evaluating the impact of high-frequency trading on market efficiency and stability
• Investigating the influence of algorithmic trading strategies on market efficiency and liquidity
• Examining the risk parity approach in asset allocation and its effectiveness in different market conditions
• Examining the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in quantitative financial analysis
• Investigating the ethical implications of quantitative financial innovations
• Assessing the profitability and market impact of statistical arbitrage strategies considering different market microstructures

Treasury Management

The following topic ideas explore treasury management, focusing on modernisation through technological advancements, the impact on firm liquidity, and the intertwined relationship with corporate governance among other crucial areas.

• Analysing the impact of treasury management practices on firm liquidity and profitability
• Analysing the role of automation in enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making in treasury management
• Evaluating the effectiveness of various cash management strategies in multinational corporations
• Investigating the potential of blockchain technology in streamlining treasury operations and enhancing transparency
• Examining the role of treasury management in mitigating financial risks
• Evaluating the accuracy and effectiveness of various cash flow forecasting techniques employed in treasury management
• Assessing the impact of technological advancements on treasury management operations
• Examining the effectiveness of different foreign exchange risk management strategies employed by treasury managers in multinational corporations
• Assessing the impact of regulatory compliance requirements on the operational and strategic aspects of treasury management
• Investigating the relationship between treasury management and corporate governance

Financial Technology (FinTech)

The following research topic ideas explore the transformative potential of blockchain, the rise of open banking, and the burgeoning landscape of peer-to-peer lending among other focal areas.

• Evaluating the impact of blockchain technology on financial services
• Investigating the implications of open banking on consumer data privacy and financial services competition
• Assessing the role of FinTech in financial inclusion in emerging markets
• Analysing the role of peer-to-peer lending platforms in promoting financial inclusion and their impact on traditional banking systems
• Examining the cybersecurity challenges faced by FinTech firms and the regulatory measures to ensure data protection and financial stability
• Examining the regulatory challenges and opportunities in the FinTech ecosystem
• Assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on the delivery of financial services, customer experience, and operational efficiency within FinTech firms
• Analysing the adoption and impact of cryptocurrencies on traditional financial systems
• Investigating the determinants of success for FinTech startups

Commercial Banking

These topic ideas span commercial banking, encompassing digital transformation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the evolving regulatory and competitive landscape among other key themes.

• Assessing the impact of digital transformation on commercial banking services and competitiveness
• Analysing the impact of digital transformation on customer experience and operational efficiency in commercial banking
• Evaluating the role of commercial banks in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Investigating the effectiveness of credit risk management practices and their impact on bank profitability and financial stability
• Examining the relationship between commercial banking practices and financial stability
• Evaluating the implications of open banking frameworks on the competitive landscape and service innovation in commercial banking
• Assessing how regulatory changes affect lending practices and risk appetite of commercial banks
• Examining how commercial banks are adapting their strategies in response to competition from FinTech firms and changing consumer preferences
• Analysing the impact of regulatory compliance on commercial banking operations
• Investigating the determinants of customer satisfaction and loyalty in commercial banking

International Finance

The folowing research topic ideas are centred around international finance and global economic dynamics, delving into aspects like exchange rate fluctuations, international financial regulations, and the role of international financial institutions among other pivotal areas.

• Analysing the determinants of exchange rate fluctuations and their impact on international trade
• Analysing the influence of global trade agreements on international financial flows and foreign direct investments
• Evaluating the effectiveness of international portfolio diversification strategies in mitigating risks and enhancing returns
• Evaluating the role of international financial institutions in global financial stability
• Investigating the role and implications of offshore financial centres on international financial stability and regulatory harmonisation
• Examining the impact of global financial crises on emerging market economies
• Examining the challenges and regulatory frameworks associated with cross-border banking operations
• Assessing the effectiveness of international financial regulations
• Investigating the challenges and opportunities of cross-border mergers and acquisitions

Choosing A Research Topic

These finance-related research topic ideas are starting points to guide your thinking. They are intentionally very broad and open-ended. By engaging with the currently literature in your field of interest, you’ll be able to narrow down your focus to a specific research gap .

When choosing a topic , you’ll need to take into account its originality, relevance, feasibility, and the resources you have at your disposal. Make sure to align your interest and expertise in the subject with your university program’s specific requirements. Always consult your academic advisor to ensure that your chosen topic not only meets the academic criteria but also provides a valuable contribution to the field. 

If you need a helping hand, feel free to check out our private coaching service here.

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Top 40 Most Popular Case Studies of 2021

Two cases about Hertz claimed top spots in 2021's Top 40 Most Popular Case Studies

Two cases on the uses of debt and equity at Hertz claimed top spots in the CRDT’s (Case Research and Development Team) 2021 top 40 review of cases.

Hertz (A) took the top spot. The case details the financial structure of the rental car company through the end of 2019. Hertz (B), which ranked third in CRDT’s list, describes the company’s struggles during the early part of the COVID pandemic and its eventual need to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

The success of the Hertz cases was unprecedented for the top 40 list. Usually, cases take a number of years to gain popularity, but the Hertz cases claimed top spots in their first year of release. Hertz (A) also became the first ‘cooked’ case to top the annual review, as all of the other winners had been web-based ‘raw’ cases.

Besides introducing students to the complicated financing required to maintain an enormous fleet of cars, the Hertz cases also expanded the diversity of case protagonists. Kathyrn Marinello was the CEO of Hertz during this period and the CFO, Jamere Jackson is black.

Sandwiched between the two Hertz cases, Coffee 2016, a perennial best seller, finished second. “Glory, Glory, Man United!” a case about an English football team’s IPO made a surprise move to number four.  Cases on search fund boards, the future of malls,  Norway’s Sovereign Wealth fund, Prodigy Finance, the Mayo Clinic, and Cadbury rounded out the top ten.

Other year-end data for 2021 showed:

• Online “raw” case usage remained steady as compared to 2020 with over 35K users from 170 countries and all 50 U.S. states interacting with 196 cases.
• Fifty four percent of raw case users came from outside the U.S..
• The Yale School of Management (SOM) case study directory pages received over 160K page views from 177 countries with approximately a third originating in India followed by the U.S. and the Philippines.
• Twenty-six of the cases in the list are raw cases.
• A third of the cases feature a woman protagonist.
• Orders for Yale SOM case studies increased by almost 50% compared to 2020.
• The top 40 cases were supervised by 19 different Yale SOM faculty members, several supervising multiple cases.

CRDT compiled the Top 40 list by combining data from its case store, Google Analytics, and other measures of interest and adoption.

All of this year’s Top 40 cases are available for purchase from the Yale Management Media store .

And the Top 40 cases studies of 2021 are:

1.   Hertz Global Holdings (A): Uses of Debt and Equity

2.   Coffee 2016

3.   Hertz Global Holdings (B): Uses of Debt and Equity 2020

4.   Glory, Glory Man United!

5.   Search Fund Company Boards: How CEOs Can Build Boards to Help Them Thrive

6.   The Future of Malls: Was Decline Inevitable?

7.   Strategy for Norway's Pension Fund Global

8.   Prodigy Finance

9.   Design at Mayo

10. Cadbury

11. City Hospital Emergency Room

13. Volkswagen

14. Marina Bay Sands

15. Shake Shack IPO

16. Mastercard

17. Netflix

18. Ant Financial

19. AXA: Creating the New CR Metrics

20. IBM Corporate Service Corps

21. Business Leadership in South Africa's 1994 Reforms

22. Alternative Meat Industry

23. Children's Premier

24. Khalil Tawil and Umi (A)

25. Palm Oil 2016

26. Teach For All: Designing a Global Network

27. What's Next? Search Fund Entrepreneurs Reflect on Life After Exit

28. Searching for a Search Fund Structure: A Student Takes a Tour of Various Options

30. Project Sammaan

31. Commonfund ESG

32. Polaroid

33. Connecticut Green Bank 2018: After the Raid

34. FieldFresh Foods

35. The Alibaba Group

36. 360 State Street: Real Options

37. Herman Miller

38. AgBiome

39. Nathan Cummings Foundation

40. Toyota 2010

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Top 10 MBA Finance Project Topics: Choose Path to Financial Success

Embarking on the journey of completing an MBA in Finance is an exciting adventure. It’s like opening a treasure chest filled with countless opportunities in the dynamic world of finance. However, there’s a crucial decision you need to make along the way that can significantly impact your academic journey and future career path. That decision revolves around selecting the right finance project topic. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 MBA Finance project topics in easy language, helping you make an informed choice and steering you towards a successful future.

How to Choose the Right MBA Finance Project Topic

Table of Contents

Before we dive into the list of top 10 MBA Finance project topics, let’s understand how to pick the perfect one. Here are some simple factors to consider:

• Follow Your Interests and Dreams 

Your project topic should be something that excites you and aligns with your career goals. It’s like picking your favorite ice cream flavor – it’s more enjoyable when it’s what you love.

• Stay in the Know with Finance Trends

Finance is like a river, always flowing and changing. So, choose a topic that’s relevant and in demand in today’s finance world. This way, you’re learning things that will still matter when you step into the job market.

• Ask Your Wise Professors or Advisors

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your professors or academic advisors. They’re like the GPS for your project journey. They can give you valuable insights and help you fine-tune your project idea.

• Check if You Have the Tools You Need

Imagine you’re a chef preparing a delicious dish. You need the right ingredients, right? Similarly, make sure you have access to the data and resources you need for your chosen topic. It’s like having the right tools in your kitchen.

Top 10 MBA Finance Project Topics

Now, let’s take a fun and easy-to-understand journey through the top 10 MBA Finance project topics:

Topic 1: Financial Risk Management

Financial risk management is like being a financial superhero. You learn how to spot and deal with different types of financial risks like market risk (picture it as a roller coaster), credit risk (like lending money to a friend), and operational risk (managing everyday business risks). 

Explore risk assessment techniques, risk models, and real-life cases to understand how to be a risk-busting hero.

Topic 2: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Think of this topic as creating your dream team of investments. It’s like picking players for a sports team, but here you’re choosing different investments to make money. 

You’ll learn various investment strategies (like game tactics), portfolio optimization (making sure you have the best players), and analyze real-world investment situations (just like reviewing past games).

Topic 3: Financial Modeling and Forecasting

Financial modeling and forecasting are like predicting the weather. Instead of predicting rain or sunshine, you’re predicting financial outcomes. Dive into the world of numbers, mathematical models, and using data to predict the future of businesses. It’s like being a financial weatherperson!

Topic 4: Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

Mergers and acquisitions are like puzzle pieces coming together in the business world. You’ll learn how big companies join forces, like superheroes teaming up to fight a common enemy. 

Explore the M&A process, how to value companies, and study successful mergers through exciting case studies.

Topic 5: Corporate Finance Strategies

Corporate finance strategies are like secret recipes for making companies successful. You’ll dive into things like capital budgeting (deciding where to invest money), dividend policies (how to share profits with investors), and financial strategies that help companies grow. Think of it as creating a winning formula for businesses.

Topic 6: Financial Regulation and Compliance

The finance industry is like a big playground with lots of rules. Explore the world of financial regulations – it’s like understanding the rules of the game. 

Learn about the challenges banks and financial institutions face in following these rules and how changes in regulations affect the finance world. It’s like learning the rules of a new sport.

Topic 7: Behavioral Finance

Imagine being a detective in the world of finance. Behavioral finance is all about understanding why people make certain financial decisions, even when it might not make sense. 

Explore investor behavior, the quirks of our minds, and how these affect investment choices. It’s like solving the mystery of why people sometimes act strangely with money.

Topic 8: Cryptocurrency and Blockchain in Finance

Have you heard about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin? It’s like digital money! Dive into the basics of cryptocurrencies, analyze the cryptocurrency market (it’s like studying a new type of currency), and discover how blockchain technology is changing the financial world. It’s like exploring the future of money.

Topic 9: Sustainable Finance and ESG Investing

Sustainable finance is like being a superhero for the planet. Learn about ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and how they guide sustainable investments. 

Explore strategies that help companies do good for the world while making money. It’s like using your financial superpowers for a better Earth.

Topic 10: Financial Technology (FinTech) Innovations

Imagine the world of finance getting a futuristic makeover. That’s FinTech for you! Dive into FinTech innovations, explore new technologies shaking up finance, and see how they’re shaping the financial world of tomorrow. 

It’s like stepping into a sci-fi movie, but it’s real!

Other 42+ MBA Finance Project Topics

• Financial Risk Assessment in [Specific Industry]
• Analysis of Investment Strategies in [Industry/Company]
• Predictive Modeling for Stock Price Forecasting
• Impact of Economic Indicators on Stock Market
• Mergers and Acquisitions: Case Studies and Valuation
• Corporate Financial Health Analysis
• Credit Risk Assessment for Banks
• Financial Performance Analysis of [Specific Company]
• Impact of Interest Rate Changes on Financial Markets
• Real Estate Investment Analysis
• Cryptocurrency Market Analysis and Investment Strategies
• Impact of Taxation Policies on Corporate Finance
• Sustainable Finance Practices in [Specific Industry]
• Analysis of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
• Behavioral Finance and Investment Decision-Making
• Portfolio Management Strategies for High Net Worth Individuals
• Role of Derivatives in Risk Management
• Financial Inclusion and Banking for the Unbanked
• Analysis of Venture Capital Investments
• Comparative Analysis of International Financial Markets
• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Financial Regulation
• Measuring and Managing Liquidity Risk
• Financial Fraud Detection and Prevention
• Analysis of Dividend Policies in [Industry/Company]
• FinTech Innovations and Their Impact on Traditional Banking
• Financial Performance of Microfinance Institutions
• Economic Impact of ESG Investing
• Analyzing the Impact of Exchange Rates on International Trade
• Credit Rating Agencies and Their Role in Financial Markets
• Analysis of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in Banking
• Private Equity Investment Analysis
• Financial Strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Analyzing the Risk-Return Profile of Hedge Funds
• Evaluating the Efficiency of Capital Markets
• Analysis of Migrant Remittances and Their Impact on Developing Economies
• Asset Liability Management in Banks
• Sustainability Reporting in Corporate Finance
• Impact of Behavioral Biases on Investment Decisions
• Liquidity Analysis in the Banking Sector
• Financial Inclusion Initiatives in Emerging Markets
• Analysis of Credit Default Swaps (CDS) Market
• Corporate Governance and Financial Performance
• Comparative Analysis of Banking Regulations in Different Countries
• Economic Capital Estimation for Financial Institutions
• Analysis of Risk-Adjusted Performance Measures

Challenges Faced By Student: MBA Finance Project Topics

Here are some common challenges that students may face when working on their MBA Finance projects:

• Topic Selection: Choosing the right project topic that aligns with your interests, is relevant to the finance industry, and has accessible data can be a significant challenge.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering and managing data can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if the data is not readily available or requires complex analysis.
• Literature Review: Conducting a thorough literature review to understand the existing research and frameworks related to your topic can be a daunting task.
• Time Management: Balancing project work with coursework, internships, and other commitments can be challenging, especially when project deadlines approach.
• Access to Resources: Access to financial databases, research journals, and software tools for data analysis may be limited, depending on your institution.
• Complex Financial Models: If your project involves complex financial modeling and forecasting, mastering the necessary skills can be demanding.
• Ethical Considerations: Dealing with sensitive financial data or conducting research in areas like insider trading or financial fraud requires careful ethical considerations.
• Adviser Availability: Depending on your program and institution, finding an available and knowledgeable project advisor or mentor can sometimes be challenging.
• Changing Regulations: If your project involves regulatory aspects of finance, keeping up with evolving financial regulations can be difficult.
• Communication: Effectively conveying complex financial concepts and analysis results in a clear and understandable manner, especially to non-experts, can be a challenge.
• Scope Management: Ensuring that your project is appropriately scoped and manageable within the available time and resources can be tricky.
• Stress and Pressure: The pressure of completing a high-stakes project can lead to stress and burnout, which can affect your overall well-being.
• Revisions and Feedback: Incorporating feedback from your advisor and making revisions to your project can be time-consuming and frustrating.
• Originality: Ensuring that your project adds something new or innovative to the field can be challenging in a well-researched area.
• Presentation and Defense: Presenting your findings and defending your project during a viva or presentation can be nerve-wracking.

Choosing the right topic from top 10 MBA finance project topics is like picking the perfect adventure for your academic journey. Make sure it’s something you love, relevant in today’s finance world, and that you have the tools you need. 

Whether you decide to be a risk-busting hero, a financial weatherperson, or a sustainability superhero, your project topic will pave the way for a successful career in finance. 

Embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the ever-evolving world of finance – it’s your ticket to an exciting and rewarding future!

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27 Fun Finance Project Ideas & Topics [For Freshers & Experienced]

One of the best ways to increase your knowledge on a subject is to put it to a practical test. This is why working on real-world finance topics for presentation is an excellent means to hone your skills. If you’re a finance student looking for finance projects to work on , then look no further because we’ve listed 27 finance projects to inspire you to take a hands-on approach! Check out our free courses  to get an edge over the competition.

We have added remarks on certain projects to explain their premises and benefits. You can pick a top 10 finance topics depending on your interests and expertise.

What is Finance?

Finance is a diverse field that includes the management of money, assets, along with investments. However, it revolves around allocating and utilizing resources to achieve specific financial goals. Finance can be broadly categorized into three main areas: personal, corporate, and public finance.

1. Personal Finance

This branch deals with individual financial management. It contains budgeting, saving, investing, planning for retirement, and many more things. On top of that, it also aims to help individuals make informed decisions to secure their financial well-being.

2. Corporate Finance

Corporate finance focuses on financial decisions within organizations. It includes assessing various investment opportunities, raising capital, managing financial risks, and optimizing the allocation of resources to maximize shareholder value. Moreover, corporate finance is important for businesses of all sizes.

3. Public Finance

Public finance pertains to the financial mol ding, and debt management. Public finance is critical in supporting essential public services and economic stability.

What is The Importance of Finance?

Here are several key reasons why finance is critically important:

1. Resource Allocation

Finance is instrumental in allocating resources efficiently. It helps individuals, businesses, and governments decide where to invest money and how to distribute limited resources. This allocation drives economic growth by channeling funds toward productive activities and innovations.

2. Investment and Economic Growth

Finance fuels investment in new businesses, technologies, and infrastructure. However, this type of investments produces jobs, boost productivity, along with overall economic growth. On top of that, it also allows entrepreneurs and businesses to turn their ideas into reality, contributing to innovation and progress.

3. Risk Management

Finance provides tools and mechanisms for managing various types of financial risk. This includes insurance, hedging, and diversification of investments. Effective risk management stabilizes financial markets and allows businesses to operate in uncertain environments confidently.

4. Wealth Creation

Investments in stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets, finance enables individuals to build wealth with the passing of time. Moreover, it helps people plan for retirement, fund education, and achieve financial goals. Wealth creation, in turn, reduces income inequality and fosters economic stability.

5. Liquidity and Capital Flows

Finance facilitates the efficient circulation of capital within the economy. It ensures that funds are available when it is required, whether for daily transactions, short-term needs, or long-term investments. Liquid financial markets provide stability and confidence in economic systems.

6. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Finance plays an important role in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. It offers startups with the capital needed to develop new products and services. Venture capital, angel investors, and crowdfunding platforms are all financial mechanisms that support innovation.

7. Government Functioning

Public finance is essential for governments to carry out their functions. Taxes, public spending, and debt management are critical components of government finance. Effective public finance ensures the provision of essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

8. Global Trade and Investment

Finance facilitates international trade and investment. It allows companies to expand their operations globally, promoting economic interdependence and international cooperation. Foreign exchange markets and international finance instruments are crucial in this regard.

9. Financial Inclusion

Access to finance is vital for social and economic inclusion. It empowers individuals and businesses to participate in the formal economy, access credit, and build financial stability. Financial inclusion reduces poverty and enhances overall well-being.

10. Transparency and Accountability

Finance boost transparency and accountability in public and private sectors. Financial reporting and auditing standards ensure that stakeholders can assess organizations’ financial health and integrity, fostering trust and confidence.

Interesting Finance Project Ideas

Here are some of the most interesting and helpful finance related project ideas you can use:

1. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance – The Importance of a Strong Brand Image

Remarks – Branding can have a huge impact on a company’s success. Understanding how you create a brand and promote it is vital for the growth and marketing of a business. This finance topics for presentation will help you study the same.

The sub-topics could include-

• ICICI’s current brand image
• What makes ICICI different from other brands.
• How ICICI changed the banking culture for good.
• Strategies to create a brand image.
• Employee and Customer Satisfaction
• Case Study between the ICICI and its competitor showing the above parameters.

All of this should make the project stronger backed by facts and statistics.

You can also consider doing our Job-ready Program in Financial Modelling & Analysis if you are interested.

2. What are Non-Performing Assets and How to Deal With Them

Remarks – Non-performing assets put banks at serious financial risk. It is a loan or advance for which the interest or principal payment is overdue. And there aren’t many solutions to this problem. You’ll get to explore all the aspects of this issue.

This is among the best finance project topics for you if you’re interested in the banking sector .

The sub-topics could include- 

• How does NPA impact the lending culture of banks?
• Impact of NPAs on the banks.
• Comparative study between banks having less and high NPAs.

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3. Evaluating Portfolio and Making Investment Decisions

This finance topics for presentation will help you understand what a portfolio is and how you should work with it. You’ll study the different strategies for growing a portfolio, making it a great project for those who want to get into portfolio management. It is a great finance research topic for those who want to get into portfolio management. 

The sub-topics could include:

• What is a portfolio?
• How to approach the study of portfolios?
• How to assess the difference between a good and bad portfolio?
• What makes a good portfolio?
• What makes a bad portfolio?
• Possible investment options basis the portfolio evaluation.

4. Studying the Home Loans Indian Banks Offer

Remarks – Indian Banking Sector is very unique and dynamic. This project will help you study its effect on the Indian housing sector through its offered loans and how these loans differ from other lending instruments.

This project will study the effect of the Indian Banking Sector on the Indian housing sector. A house is an appreciating asset and it is one of the highest sectors where lending happens in the country.

• What is a home loan?
• What are other different kinds of loans?
• How is a home loan different from other types of loans.
• What are the interest rates for different banks?
• How to choose the right to procure a loan.

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5. Mutual Funds – What are They and Their Future

Remarks- Mutual funds are becoming more and more popular every day and if you’re interested in them, this is among the best finance topics for you. Mutual funds are getting attention with each passing day. If they interest you then this is going to be a relatable finance research topic for you. A mutual fund refers to an open-end investment fund managed by a dedicated fund manager.

It pools money from many clients including individuals and companies. This is one of the best finance project topics.

• What are mutual funds?
• What are different types of mutual funds?
• Who are the different providers of mutual funds?
• How to choose among different types of mutual funds?

Explore our Popular MBA Courses

6. a study on mergers and acquisitions in the indian banking sector.

Remarks – Indian banking sector has seen plenty of mergers and acquisitions. You’ll discover the different M&As that have taken place in this field while doing this project. This project is suitable for students who want to pursue a career in banking .

• What are mergers and acquisitions
• Why M&As happen?
• Case studies showing the impact of mergers and acquisitions in the past 10 years for at least six companies both globally and nationally.
• How mergers and acquisitions dictate the purchasing style of consumers.

7. The Effect of Different Leadership Styles

Remarks – Leadership is among the most valuable aspects of management. In this project, you’ll study how different leadership styles impact the operations of a company and its revenue. While working on this finance project you will learn about different styles of leadership such as; autocratic, coaching, authoritative, etc.

• What is leadership and why it is important?
• What are different styles of leadership?
• Which leadership style is useful for which type of situation?
• How does leadership create an impact on an organizational level?

8. Evaluating the Capital at South Central Railway

Remarks – Indian railways are an integral component of the Indian economy. This project on    finance topics will make you familiar with capital management in Indian railways. It’s an excellent way to understand how the public sector manages its funds and resources. This makes for one of the best finance related project topics.

• Why are railways important?
• A brief history of Indian railways and their significance in history?
• Why are they still relevant?
• How much do railways help the economy?
• How railways create an impact on the economy, people’s lives, etc.

9. Evaluating the Performance of Private and Public Mutual Funds

Remarks – Analysing the performance of private and public mutual funds can help you test your analysis skills. Having strong analytical skills is necessary for many finance roles such as investment bankers, financial analysts, advisors, etc. So this project would be suitable for you if you want a career in one of those fields.

Analysis is one of those skills which is applicable in any field. It not only does make one technically sound but it has a bigger role in effective decision-making. It creates an impact in effective business decision-making as well as helps one in progressing towards their career goals.

• What are types of mutual funds?
• Why buy mutual funds?
• Merit or demerit of longer tenure and shorter tenured mutual funds?

10. BSE and NASDAQ – A Comparison of the Two Stock Exchanges

Remarks – If you want to pursue a career in wealth management then this is the most relatable finance project topics for you. This project will make you familiar with both of these stock exchanges. You can use their websites to gather most of the required data.

The stock market is volatile and demands one to be mindful yet take risks. It is an art to invest in stocks which need to be learned and practised to get better at it. Also, to read and understanding the two stock exchanges is another skill to have.

• What is a stock market?
• Different terminologies are associated with the stock market.
• What is a stock exchange?
• Different types of stock exchanges.
• Difference between BSE and NASDAQ
• A comparative study between BSE and NASDAQ.

11. The Impact of Demonetization on Tourism in Goa

Remarks – Goa is a tourism-focused state and demonetization had a huge impact on every industry, including tourism. With this finance topics project, you’d get to study the relation between demonetization and Goa’s tourism sector. You’d understand whether the tourism sector grew or crumbled under the pressures of demonetization.

Demonetisation had a good intention behind it but every citizen perceived it in their own way depending on their situation at that time.

On 8th November 2016, the GOI announce that all the 500 and 1000 banknotes would be demonetised. It basically took away the legal status of these bank notes. They became nothing but a piece of paper, the people were asked to exchange those with the new legal tender issued by GOI.

• What is demonetisation?
• Impact of demonetisation.
• History of demonetisation nationally or globally.
• Demotisation’s effect on Goa’s tourism.
• How long it take Goa to recover from the effect of demonetisation.

12. Bharti Teletech Limited Profitability Analysis and Documentation (Financial Reporting Project)

Remarks – This is among the best finance project topics for beginners. It will make you acquainted with financial reporting, a necessary aspect of financial management. You’ll also get to know how to read financial reports and documentation.

• What is financial reporting?
• What are the benefits of financial reporting?
• What are the tools used for financial reporting?
• Bharti Teletech Limited Profitability Analysis and Documentation

13. What is Portfolio Management and How to Perform Portfolio Management

Remarks – Portfolio Management refers to handling investments. It involves the selection, prioritization, and management of a client, individual, or company. In this project, you’d explore what portfolio management is and what you do in this field. You’d learn about financial analysis, decision-making, and financial management through this project.

• What makes a good or bad portfolio?
• How to evaluate a portfolio?
• How to manage a portfolio?
• Resources to use to manage a portfolio.

14. Financial Performance Analysis of Indian Private Banks – A Detailed Study

Remarks – Indian private banking sector has evolved a lot since 1947. This finance project will help you study their growth. This finance research topic is the best for you if you’re interested in pursuing a career in the banking sector. 

• History of Indian banks.
• What are the different types of Indian banks?
• Impact of banks on the Indian economy.
• Modernisation of the Indian banks.

Also check Job-ready Program in Financial Modelling & Analysis from upGrad.

15. Comparative Analysis of Regional Rural Banks in India

Remarks – In a comparative analysis, you get to analyse the different aspects of the given subject and find out the differences and similarities. In this project, you’d be performing a comparative analysis on different regional rural banks in India. You can choose several banks according to the amount of information you find on them.

• What are RRBs?
• What is the impact of RRBs?
• Different RRBs in India?
• How these RRBs are different from each other?

Also Read:  Future Scope of MBA in Finance

16. The Importance of Micro Insurance and The Low Income Group

Remarks – Microinsurance has become popular with the expansion of consumerism in the nation. This project will make you familiar with this concept and its advantages. You’ll study how the low-income group is capitalizing on this opportunity.

• What is insurance?
• Why is insurance important?
• What are diffrent types of insurances?
• What is microinsurance?
• How is microinsurance important?

17. Financial Project on Management and it’s Importance in an Organisation

Remarks – This project covers the fundamentals and importance of management for an organization. It is a good finance project for beginners familiar with management and who want to enhance their knowledge.

• What is finance management?
• Why it is important?
• What is management?
• Why is management relevant.

18. The Reverse Mortgage System in India

Remarks – A reverse mortgage is a form of a loan that allows the property owners to borrow money using their property as a security for the loan. This is a project for those who have worked on finance projects in the past. It is suitable for experienced students. 

• What is a mortgage?
• What are the different types of mortgages?
• What is a reverse mortgage?
• Merits of Demerits of a reverse mortgage.

19. Wealth Management and the Public – A Study On the Awareness and Knowledge about Wealth Management in the Common Man

Remarks – This is a Study On the Awareness and Knowledge of Wealth Management in the Common Man. Wealth management can do wonders for a person’s financial well-being . However, how much does the common man know about wealth management? This project will help you understand the financial literacy level in India.

• What is wealth?
• What is wealth management?
• How to manage wealth?
• Different tools or resources to use for wealth management.

20. Investment Management at Uber

Remarks – Uber is among the most successful startups in the world. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in startups and using your financial expertise there, this is one of the best finance project ideas for you. It will help you understand how successful startups manage their investments and how it helps them succeed more.

If you want to use your financial expertise in startups, then this is one of the best finance topics for you. It will help you to understand how investment management helps startups to succeed and stay in the market. This makes for one of the good MBA finance project topics .

• What is investment management?
• Why is investment management important?
• How manage investment?
• Why do startups manage their investments?

21. The Decision Making Process of Indian Consumers for Life Insurance and The Impact of Technology On It

Remarks – This project will help you test your research skills. You will understand the Indian consumer’s decision-making process for buying insurance. Online insurance comparison sites (such as policy bazaar) have affected this industry considerably. You’ll get to study their impact as well.  This makes for one of a good finance research topics.

• What are different vendors providing life insurance?
• How has technology changed the life insurance culture?

22. What are Dividends and Dividend Policies?

Remarks – This is one of the best finance project ideas for beginners. You’ll get to study dividends, how they work, and what are their policies. It is a small project that will help you get started. This makes for one of the best MBA finance project topics .

• What are dividends?
• What are the benefits of dividends?
• Different policies for dividends?
• What impact do they create in the long or short term?

23. What is Capital Budgeting? – A Finance Project

Remarks – Capital budgeting is an essential aspect of a business’s financial management. It allows the business to plan future endeavours, restrict expenditures, and generate more revenue. Working on this project will certainly help you in understanding capital budgeting. This makes for one of the best finance related topics.

• What is capital budgeting?
• Why is it important?
• Different tools and resources for capital budgeting.

24. Studying the Capital Budgeting of Maruti Suzuki

Remarks – Maruti Suzuki is among the most successful automobile companies in India. With this project, you’ll get to study the capital budgeting strategies of this major corporation and if you’re interested in the automobile field, This is one of the good finance related project topics .

• Impact of capital budgeting in different sectors.
• Capital budgeting of Maruti Suzuki.

25. Risk and Return Analysis of Aviva Life Insurance Company

Remarks – This is an excellent project for students who want to pursue a career in the insurance sector. You’ll get to test your analysis skills and understand the inner workings of insurance companies in India.

• What is risk analysis?
• What is risk and return analysis?
• Important tools and resources to carry risk and return analysis.
• Case Study- Risk and Return Analysis of Aviva Life Insurance Company

26. The Level of Financial Literacy in India According to Different Economic Classes

Remarks – Financial literacy refers to the knowledge of investment and personal finance. You would get to test out your data analysis skills in this detailed project. You’ll learn how different economic classes of India perceive financial literacy.

• What is financial literacy?
• How conscious are different classes of financial literacy?
• What impact does it create on one’s lifestyle?

27. Perception of People on Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

Remarks – Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana the government plan for increasing financial inclusion. You will get to study how this implementation has affected financial inclusion, and what is the perception of the people toward it . It will help you understand how the public sector can impact the personal finances of an individual.

• What is PMJDY?
• How do people perceive these policies?
• What impact did PMJDY create in people’s lives?
• Did PMJDY achieve its goal?
• How do people perceive PMJDY?

Create a Trading Algorithm

Take your financial analysis example to the next level with this opportunity to develop a dynamic trading algorithm. Dive into market data analysis, technical indicators, and proven trading strategies as you design and backtest your algorithm. Then, put its performance to the test using historical data to determine its effectiveness. 

Invoice Management System

One of the most exceptional financial projects for students or finance project topics is working on developing an invoice management system. This tool will be particularly beneficial for large firms struggling to manage their payments and invoices. An invoice management system can leverage the power of automation to make essential payments and generate invoices on time. 

Portfolio Analysis Tools

These tools are pivotal in finance and banking, enabling financial institutions to proficiently manage investment portfolios, mitigate risk, evaluate performance, and allocate assets. If you’re seeking an innovative finance project, consider creating a tool that empowers users to input their investment portfolio and analyze its performance, risk, and diversification. With historical market data and statistical models, your tool can generate valuable insights and recommendations for users.

Mobile Budgeting Application

You can design and develop a mobile application that can be used to track expenses and manage budgets for users. The app may ask users to integrate their bank accounts and credit cards to enable automatic categorizations of transactions and to generate insights into the user’s spending habits.

Credit Score Predictor

Developing a credit score predictor can be one of the best finance projects for students. A powerful machine learning model can accurately predict a user’s credit score based on their financial history, demographics, and relevant data. This valuable tool can assist lenders in making well-informed decisions related to loan approvals and interest rates.

Financial Education Platform

This cutting-edge finance project topics or financial statement analysis project of designing an innovative banking and finance platform is great. In light of the recent increase in virtual learning, developing an online hub filled with valuable financial education resources and tools has become crucial.

This platform has the potential to elevate people’s financial knowledge and literacy. By incorporating courses, webinars, and various resources, users can better understand financial concepts and strategies.

Bank Fraud Detection System

To combat the alarming increase in bank fraud, we should focus on creating effective tools for fraud detection. This exciting finance project involves leveraging machine learning to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions within the banking system. By continuously monitoring transaction data, our innovative model can promptly flag any suspicious activity, providing valuable insights for thorough investigation and prevention of fraud.

Stock Market Prediction Model

Revolutionize the world of finance with a cutting-edge machine learning model designed to accurately forecast stock prices using past market trends to real-time news articles. This innovative finance topics or MBA finance project topics promises to equip investors with insightful information for smarter trading choices.

Personal Finance Chatbot

One of the interesting financial projects for students can be the creation of a personal finance chatbot. The chatbot should be able to provide personalized guidance and advice. It should be capable of answering common financial queries like saving, investing, and budgeting.

Tax Preparation Software

The process of arranging and filing taxes can be very vexing. What better idea than to bring about a finance research topics that can even remotely simplify the process? You can initiate an idea of developing a software application that can offer step-by-step guidance, automate calculations, and import data from financial accounts and tax forms.

Financial Planning Calculator

Introducing an innovative tool that harnesses its capabilities to calculate and evaluate retirement savings objectives, investment yields, and other crucial factors to pave the way for wise future planning. Our model also offers strategic suggestions for optimizing savings and investments, making it a valuable asset for users.

Loan Comparison Website

Have you considered creating a finance project concept? One idea could be to design a platform that allows users to easily compare loan options from a variety of lenders. By building a user-friendly website, individuals can easily compare interest rates, fees, terms, and premiums of different loan facilities. 

Expense Tracking Tool

Another fantastic finance topics in the banking and finance field is developing a tool that helps users track their expenses and discover areas to save money. With a creative interface that utilizes visualizations of spending habits, the tool can offer suggestions for cost-cutting measures.

Analytical Tool for Real Estate Investment

The real estate industry is witnessing a surge in development, making it a highly lucrative field. One way you can contribute to this growth is by creating a tool that assists investors in analyzing potential investments. This tool could incorporate various factors such as market trends, rental income, and property taxes to accurately estimate potential returns on investment .

Financial News Aggregator

One exciting finance topics for project for finance could involve creating a website or app that compiles financial news from various sources and presents it to users. Users would also have the option to tailor their news feeds to their liking. Incorporating NLP technology could further enhance the model by categorizing news articles into different segments, such as finance related project topics and sentiment.

Stock Market Simulator

Students can venture into the stock market by working on a stock market simulator tool. Creating a stock market simulator will offer a realistic experience for users to practice and hone their investing skills. This tool will incorporate real-time market data to help stock market investors. By working on such a finance topics for project, you will be able to help users succeed in monitoring their progress and growth over time.

Investment Recommendation Engine

One of the most interesting finance projects for students is to create a cutting-edge tool that harnesses the powerful potential of machine learning algorithms to provide insightful recommendations for investment opportunities. Tailored to individual preferences and needs, the tool expertly analyzes market trends, past performance, personal risk tolerance, and investment objectives. It’s the perfect tool for those seeking a smart and reliable way to make informed investment decisions.

Investment Portfolio Simulator

This simulator tool is a brilliant idea. Devise a tool that allows users to simulate and track the performance of various investment portfolios. Users can adjust their portfolio allocation over time by factoring in historical market data.

Consumer Credit Management Tool

This ingenious concept has the potential to enhance consumers’ understanding. This type of tool aims to provide a holistic education to customers on different methods for successfully managing collection processes in the consumer industry. Furthermore, it can also incorporate valuable advice for banks on their collection strategies and provide customized solutions.

Forex Management System

Another terrific banking finance related project topics you can invest your resources and time on is the Forex Management system. This offers banks automated foreign exchange operations and managing complexities in the business. Working on this type of project can boost your career prospects significantly.

Customer Relationship Management System

One exciting project idea for the banking and finance industry could involve the creation of a cutting-edge CRM system. Such a system would grant banks the ability to better handle customer interactions and maintain strong relationships. Furthermore, this system could offer essential features such as customer segmentation, lead management, and advanced communication tracking.

Financial Risk Management for MNCs

Craft a comprehensive finance topics for research centered on examining and addressing the plethora of financial hazards encountered by multinational companies. Delve into the complexities of foreign exchange, interest rates, and political threats. Construct innovative risk management tactics and evaluate their efficacy.

Cryptocurrency Trading 

The buzz around cryptocurrency makes a crypto trading bot one of the most interesting finance projects for students. Students can be made to work on a cutting-edge bot that harnesses the power of machine learning to analyze the ever-changing landscape of the cryptocurrency market. With the ability to make automated trades based on custom strategies set by the user, this innovative creation could revolutionize your investment approach by optimizing gains and minimizing potential risks.

Valuation of Complex Financial Instruments

Work on finance related topics for project that entails assessing intricate financial instruments like derivatives and structured products. Employ advanced models and approaches to ascertain the equitable value of these instruments.

Read: MBA Finance Salary in India

Read our popular articles related to mba.

We hope that you found this article on finance project topics useful. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this topic, please let us know through the comment section. We’d love to hear from you.

With upGrad, aspirants can choose to pursue Certification Program in Financial Modelling & Analysis in association with PwC India.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

NPA is the credit (loan or advance) on which the interest or the principal is overdue. The banks are supposed to classify the NPAs as Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss assets.

A mutual fund is a company that pools money from different people and invests in stocks, bonds, or other assets.

Although both of them are used interchangeably mergers signify two or more companies coming together to form one legal entity. Acquisition denotes taking over/ purchasing another company.

It helps one to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for a situation. Having the ability to balance communication and lead is critical for good leadership.

BSE stands for Bombay Stock Exchange, it is one of the oldest stock exchanges situated in Bombay. It was established in the year 1875 as the Native Share & Stock Brokers' Association.BSE share market uses Sensex to monitor the performance of the companies to determine whether the capital market of India would rise or fall, depending upon the movement of share prices of these companies.

It stands for National Association of Securities Dealers Automated QuotationsThe NASDAQ is the second-largest stock exchange in the world. It became the first electronic stock exchange in 1971. NASDAQ is an online global marketplace for buying and trading securities—the world's first electronic exchange. Big tech companies are listed on NASDAQ.

It is the act of taking away the legal status of a currency. The current currency is pulled from circulation and retired, to be replaced with new notes or coins.

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Study list of these must-know financial literacy topics to become more money wise.

Financial literacy is a crucial skill to make informed decisions about your money. Understanding concepts like budgeting, investing and debt management is more important than ever for your financial well-being. Here are important financial topics you must know plus resources to put you on a path to thrive.

Budgeting is one of the most foundational financial topics of personal finance. Budgeting is deciding how you’ll allocate your money. It involves figuring out exactly how much you earn and where it’s going to go. Budgeting is not about perfection. It’s about the review, your progress and implementation.

There’s not necessarily one right way to budget. Instead, it’s about finding the strategy that works best for you. People have success with several budgeting methods, including the 50/30/20 budget method ; zero-based budget, in which you find a spot for every dollar, even if that spot is savings or debt payoff; and pay-yourself-first, in which you figure out how much you want to pay yourself each month, meaning how much you want to put toward your savings and debt.

When it comes to financial literacy, it’s important to understand the types of debt and how to manage them.

Every debt is either revolving or non-revolving. Revolving debt is one where you can continuously spend and pay off the debt. The most common revolving debt is a credit card, though a line of credit is also a type of revolving debt.

Non-revolving debt is one where you borrow a lump sum and then pay it off over a specific term. Non-revolving debts include mortgages, student loans, personal loans and car loans.

Debts are also secured vs. unsecured. A secured debt is one that is secured by collateral or an asset the lender can seize if you don’t make your payments. Mortgages and auto loans are secured debts since your lender can seize your home or car if you don’t pay them back.

Unsecured debts don’t have any collateral behind them. The lender can still take legal action to get their money, but there’s no asset they can seize from you. Student loans and credit cards are examples of unsecured debts.

It’s important to know about and fully understand each debt you have. For each debt, you should know your total balance, interest rate, minimum monthly payment and estimated payoff date.

Your net worth is one of the most important aspects of your financial picture. Your net worth is the difference between what you own and what you owe. To calculate your net worth, start by adding up your assets, which includes money in your bank accounts, investment accounts and physical assets like your home. Next, add your debts. Subtract your debts from your assets, and you get your net worth.

It’s OK if your net worth isn’t where you want it to be right now. The goal is simply to watch your net worth increase over time as you save money and pay off debt.

Credit refers to the ability to borrow money. But when people talk about credit, they’re usually talking about either their credit report or their credit score.

Credit report: Your credit report is a full list of all your current debt accounts, including how much you owe, who you owe it to and the monthly payments you’ve made. It also includes possibly negative information, such as any accounts in collections, and whether you’ve filed for bankruptcy.

When lenders are deciding whether to give you money, they look to your credit report to see how responsibly you’ve handled debt in the past. You can download a free copy of your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com .

Credit score: Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850 which is essentially a numerical rating of your credit report. It’s a snapshot of how responsible you are with debt. They range from very poor (300-579) to exceptional (800-850).

The importance of credit: Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial toolbox. Someone may run your credit anytime you apply for a loan or credit card, rent an apartment or even apply for a job.

A poor credit score can result in being denied loans or stuck with high interest rates. It can also result in you being turned down for apartments and jobs. A very good or exceptional score can potentially save you thousands with better interest rates.

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that saving is one of the most important components of personal finance, but most people simply aren’t doing it. In fact, 2024 data shows that 44% of Americans could afford to pay for a $1,000 emergency without taking on more debt, according to Bankrate .

The saving priority most people should have – an emergency fund. Your emergency fund can help you cover any unforeseen expenses. It can also serve as an income replacement if you lose your job. Most experts recommend having between three- and six-months’ worth of expenses saved in your emergency fund.

When it comes to saving for a big goal, the best way to reach it is to divide the total number you need to save by the number of months you’d like to have it saved. That will tell you how much to save each month to reach your goal.

Homeownership

This is one of the most common goals and financial topics, offering the potential for long-term wealth accumulation through equity growth. Additionally, homeowners can enjoy tax deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes in many jurisdictions.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to buying a home:

▪ Only buy what you can afford – check out our Mortgage Affordability Calculator to determine how much of mortgage you may be able to obtain.

▪ A general rule of thumb is that your housing costs shouldn’t exceed 30% of your monthly income. Unfortunately, lenders often approve borrowers for far more than that.

▪ No one knows your financial situation like you do — not even a lender. Be sure that the monthly payment for your home fits comfortably within your budget.

If there’s ever an emergency — and chances are that there will be — you’ll be glad you have insurance . Buying insurance involves paying a company a monthly premium to cover your liabilities in an emergency. Types of insurance that most people should have include homeowners or renters’ insurance, auto insurance, life insurance and health insurance.

As you educate yourself on financial literacy, this list is a great starting point. Check out our Financial Well-Being Blog where you will find more information on each of these important topics.

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Rural Finance Innovations: Topics and Case Studies

This study of innovations in agricultural finance seeks to educate policy makers, task managers, and practitioners by highlighting four key areas where innovation could lead to greater access to agricultural finance:

• warehouse receipts and collateral securitization measures;
• risk management products;
• supply chain finance; and
• technology.

The paper explores these themes by giving examples from around the world where these strategies are being applied. Because many of these case studies are in the nascent stages, a full analysis of their “success” cannot be made at this point in time. The paper attempts to address the outcomes to date, and where the case studies are sufficiently advanced, give an indication of their results.

The paper describes the issues surrounding the themes and how innovative techniques can be used to overcome traditional barriers to providing financial services to agriculture by reducing either the risks associated with lending, the costs, or both. The diverse group of case studies and thematic discussions also underscore some key lessons regarding the role of government in its quest to lower costs and risk in the rural finance space.

The case studies include the following:

• Drumnet – supply chain financing and technical assistance in Kenya
• Clark Cotton – supply chain financing in Zambia
• BASIX – weather insurance and mobile computers for portfolio management in India
• SudAgroServ – supply chain financing with farmer ownership in Tajikistan
• Indian Tobacco Company – Mobile marketing in India
• Fondos – Risk pooling and reinsurance in Mexico
• CRDB Ltd. – Price risk and collateral management in Tanzania
• Cedula de Produto Rural – farm bonds to provide liquid collateral in Brazil
• Nacional Financiera – reverse factoring to create linkages between small suppliers and big buyers

This paper makes considerable use of tables to summarise and make the information easy to assimilate. The appendices, for example, have a useful overview of physical and financial price risk management instruments and enabling technologies. The blend of theory and practical examples is also extremely useful to those who are less familiar with any of the four key themes that the paper addresses.

• Resource type Paper
• Author World Bank
• Organisation World Bank Group
• Year of Publication 2005
• Region Global
• Language English
• Number of pages 83 pp.

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OpenAI has published a case study on Klarna’s AI integration as the fintech company continues to lead the retail landscape into a new era.

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Artificial intelligence has been a major player in transforming the retail landscape. A 2023 report by McKinsey found that in the retail and consumer package goods sectors, the prospective economic impact amounts to $400 billion to $600 billion a year. Additional analysis and estimates from McKinsey put generative AI contributing to $310 billion in additional value for the retail industry by bolstering performance in marketing and customer interactions. 

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A new case study published by OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research company that has transformed the space with ChatGPT, reflects on its relationship with Klarna .  

OpenAI reports that the integration into Klarna’s platform for AI-assisted shopping experience can allow consumers to have a more seamless shopping experience. Customers using the ChatGPT plugin can have a conversation about an item they’re looking for and get suggestions from the software, with product links directing consumers to Klarna’s search and compare tool for price comparisons. 

“We’re proud to partner with OpenAI on a number of initiatives that truly elevate the shopping experience for millions of people worldwide, while creating greater efficiencies for employees internally,” said Martin Elwin, senior director of engineering at Klarna. 

Furthermore, Klarna’s AI shopping assistant , powered by OpenAI, enhances the shopping payment experience for the company’s 150 million consumers worldwide. The assistant, available in 35 markets 24/7, can manage tasks ranging from multilingual customer service in more than 35 languages to refunds and returns.  

OpenAI’s case study found that within the first month of the technology going live, the AI has had 2.3 million conversations — which amounts to two-thirds of Klarna’s customer service chats. Customers can now resolve their errands in less than two minutes, compared to 11 minutes before; Klarna has seen a 25 percent drop in repeat inquiries. The report estimates that Klarna will see a boost of an estimated $40 million in profits for 2024. 

Notably, the AI integration for Klarna is not just limited to customer experiences; the company has also adopted ChatGPT Enterprise for its employee’s usage worldwide. Klarna is now seeing a wide variety of usage cases such as building software and streamlining customer service. OpenAI reports that 75 percent of Klarna’s employees are using generative AI tools. 

“We push everyone to test, test, test and explore,” said Sebastian Siemiatkowski, cofounder and chief executive officer of Klarna. “As Klarna continues to discover applications for OpenAI’s tech, there’s the potential to take the business to new heights. We’re aimed at achieving a new level of employee empowerment, enhancing both our team’s performance and the customer experience.” 

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Case Study: How Aggressively Should a Bank Pursue AI?

• Thomas H. Davenport
• George Westerman

A Malaysia-based CEO weighs the risks and potential benefits of turning a traditional bank into an AI-first institution.

Siti Rahman, the CEO of Malaysia-based NVF Bank, faces a pivotal decision. Her head of AI innovation, a recent recruit from Google, has a bold plan. It requires a substantial investment but aims to transform the traditional bank into an AI-first institution, substantially reducing head count and the number of branches. The bank’s CFO worries they are chasing the next hype cycle and cautions against valuing efficiency above all else. Siti must weigh the bank’s mixed history with AI, the resistance to losing the human touch in banking services, and the risks of falling behind in technology against the need for a prudent, incremental approach to innovation.

Two experts offer advice: Noemie Ellezam-Danielo, the chief digital and AI strategy at Société Générale, and Sastry Durvasula, the chief information and client services officer at TIAA.

Siti Rahman, the CEO of Malaysia-headquartered NVF Bank, hurried through the corridors of the university’s computer engineering department. She had directed her driver to the wrong building—thinking of her usual talent-recruitment appearances in the finance department—and now she was running late. As she approached the room, she could hear her head of AI innovation, Michael Lim, who had joined NVF from Google 18 months earlier, breaking the ice with the students. “You know, NVF used to stand for Never Very Fast,” he said to a few giggles. “But the bank is crawling into the 21st century.”

• Thomas H. Davenport is the President’s Distinguished Professor of Information Technology and Management at Babson College, a visiting scholar at the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, and a senior adviser to Deloitte’s AI practice. He is a coauthor of All-in on AI: How Smart Companies Win Big with Artificial Intelligence (Harvard Business Review Press, 2023).
• George Westerman is a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management and a coauthor of Leading Digital (HBR Press, 2014).

Partner Center

EY CAFTA Case Championship 2024

CAFTA has launched 7th edition of its pan-India case study competition to engage undergraduate and postgraduate students and provide them with an outlet to explore this differentiated method of learning. It is a national level finance and treasury case study competition organized for college students across India.

EY India, Partner Consulting Services

We are dedicated to delivering an outstanding learning experience to all students and young professionals. In addition to the case championship learning material, our team will provide exclusive access to the self-paced learning course 'Decoding Global Financial Markets,' an immersive course designed to demystify the intricate workings of global markets.

It must be noted that the case championship has different subjects and case questions for students. Refer to the respective sections below for details on the registration process, topics, dates, and submission process.

                                           Download Brochure      Register now

Step 1:  Choose between individual entry or team registration for two

Step 2 : Select a stream from the below list

Stream 1 - Sustainable Finance Innovators: GenAI Treasury Challenge

Stream 2 - Risk Masters Challenge

Stream 3 - Liquid Edge: Mastering Investments

Step 3 : Upon registration for one or more streams, gain access to relevant reading materials and recorded webinar sessions within 24 hours

Step 4 : You will receive the case study question via email on 20 May 2024

Step 5:  Participate in Knowledge checkpoint quiz on 1 June 2024

Step 6: Submit your response to the case study question by 9 June 2024, including a PowerPoint presentation with the solution and a short video outlining your idea.

Step 7: The top five teams per stream will be revealed on 21 June 2024

Step 8:  Top five team will appear for 48 hours challenge and present their solution to the panel of judges.

Step 9 : Final results will be announced by 1 July 2024

Stream selection

Please refer to below details for a clearer understanding of the case championship streams.

Risk Masters Challenge

The Risk Masters Challenge stream focuses on the complex landscape of financial risk management and skills required to navigate through it. Participants in this stream will delve into the intricacies of identifying, assessing, and mitigating the various types of financial risks faced by organizations in today's dynamic business environment. Through case studies and interactive workshops, students will explore topics such as market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and liquidity risk, etc. They will learn to leverage quantitative models, risk analytics tools, and risk management frameworks to make informed decisions and safeguard the financial health and stability of businesses.

If you're intrigued by the complexities of risk management and eager to apply a blend of risk management and business strategies to solve real-life business cases, the Risk masters challenge is the perfect platform for you to showcase your skills and expertise.

Liquid Edge: Mastering Investments

Welcome to Liquid Edge, where financial prowess meets strategic thinking . Liquidity investments and cash management are fundamental aspects of financial income to Liquid Edge, where financial prowess strategy is crucial for both individuals and organizations. Liquidity investments involve allocating funds into assets, which can readily be converted to cash, ensuring financial flexibility and stability. Meanwhile, cash management encompasses the strategic handling of cash flows to optimize liquidity, minimize risks and maximize returns.

In this stream, participants dive deep into the intricate world of liquidity and investments management, where teams navigate through real-world scenarios, assessing liquidity positions, optimizing investment strategies and mitigating risk.

Join us as tomorrow’s financial leaders compete head-to-head, striving for excellence in the dynamic realm of investments and liquidity management.

Sustainable Finance Innovators: GenAI Treasury Challenge

This stream emphasizes the focus on sustainable finance innovation, the role of GenAI technologies, and the specific challenge related to treasury management. It captures the essence of the competition and invites participants to explore cutting-edge solutions at the intersection of finance, technology, and sustainability.

Join us in the Sustainable Finance Innovation Stream as we embark on a journey to reimagine the future of finance through the lens of sustainability and technological innovation.

Duration: 60 minutes

Number of questions: 30

Format: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Note: Non-participation in the quiz will lead to disqualification. If you are participating in a team of two, it is mandatory for both the participants to appear for quiz.

Submissions

Please submit your case study response via the provided Google Form by 9 June 2024, accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation detailing your solution and a brief video presenting your idea.

Finale Round

The ultimate 48 hours challenge

In this exhilarating 48-hour challenge, the top five teams from the college-level finance and treasury case championship will push their limits, showcase their skills, and vie for the crown of champions.

Winner (one team from each stream)

• “The ultimate Champion” trophy
• Win attractive EY gift hampers
• Two months internship with EY India*
• Get 100% scholarship on EY CAFTA Hybrid eLearning Program

1st Runner up (one team from each stream)

• One month internship with EY India*
• Attractive EY gift hampers
• 75% scholarship on EY CAFTA Hybrid eLearning Program

2nd Runner up (one team from each stream)

* The winners will secure pro-bono internships and Live projects with EY

Note - Teams holding the fourth and   fifth position from their respective streams will be eligible for 50% scholarship on EY CAFTA Scholars Hybrid eLearning Program.

All those who participate will be eligible for 20% scholarship for EY CAFTA Hybrid elearning Program.

Registration Details and Important Dates

Eligibility.

Open to college students from all academic disciplines and backgrounds.

Team Formation: You can participate as a team of one or a team of two, including undergraduates and postgraduates.

Note : No individual who graduated (either UG or PG) in or before 2023, irrespective of their current working status, is eligible to participate

Evaluation criteria

Evaluation is based on overall performance in all steps

For case solution, marks will be allocated to each team on the following:

• Clarity of thought
• Content and writing style
• Depth of research
• Practical applicability and relevance of solution
• PowerPoint presentation
• Video submitted 

I have queries. Where can I have them addressed?

Hope all your queries are addressed on this webpage. Additionally,  click here  to write to the EY CAFTA team and they will address your query. 

Click here to register

Registration opening on 22 April

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Gov. Newsom and California show why liberals can't be trusted with the economy

The minimum wage increase is just the latest example of why california's economy is starting to struggle – and america shouldn't count on gov. gavin newsom to fix it..

California was once the wonderland where dreams come true. From Disney and Hollywood to its lush landscape and powerful politics, it seemed like a utopia of diversity, forward-thinking ideas and the picture of economic health.

California’s per-capita income and gross domestic product were soaring thanks to a thriving agricultural industry, a booming tech sector and what was then lower unemployment rates. In 2022, the state had the fifth largest economy in the world , boasting a higher GDP than most developed countries.

More millionaires lived in California than ever before with data showing their number grew 66% from 2019 to 2021.

As California slowly adopted more progressive policies, even right-wing America had to nod to its thriving economy.

What went wrong with California's economy?

But California's booming economy has taken a hit lately, thanks to liberal policies that have taken root. Things like tax hikes, hefty regulations and policies were progressive but failed to produce positive outcomes. According to The Economist , “The state faces three overlapping challenges: rising unemployment, growing fiscal strains and population outflows.”

The  California Center for Jobs and the Economy found that California’s economy may actually drop from fifth best in the world. The state’s GDP growth was 32nd in the nation last year thanks to revenue drops from rising unemployment, among other factors.

There are a few indicators of where the state's economy is heading. The cost of high gas and housing prices are ushering in an affordability crisis. California now has the highest unemployment rate in the country . That’s more than a million unemployed workers.  

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How do California economic policies compare with Texas?

As a comparison, we can look at how Texas, a Republican-run state, matches up with California. The Texas economy is second to California among U.S. states and eighth in the world .

Even when California's economy was humming along, a 2021 Stanford University study comparing Texas and California's economies points out stark differences between red and blue governing styles that foreshadowed California's slow descent.

In California, state and local government revenues and spending were 60% higher than Texas on a per-resident basis. California has the country’s highest top marginal individual income tax rate, while Texas has no individual income tax (property taxes are higher in Texas though).

“State and local governments in California and Texas spent $638 billion and $291 billion, respectively, in the 2019 fiscal year, which represented $16,105 and $10,024 per resident,” the report reads.

California thinks a larger taxpayer-subsidized government is the answer to their residents’ problems; Texas wouldn’t presume that.

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California's decision to boost minimum wage only made things worse

The California legislature added to the problems by passing a law that boosts minimum wage.  

Starting April 1, fast-food restaurant employees must be paid at least $20 an hour. Sounds nice right? Kinda makes slingin’ burgers at McDonald’s look a bit more appealing, doesn’t it? Not so fast.  

If an employer is required to boost wage earners’ take-home pay per hour by several dollars, that cash must come from somewhere. Businesses either need to cut other salaries, raise prices for customers to compete with the costs or – worst-case scenario – shut down. 

Restaurants are already starting to feel the repercussions. 

Industry experts have suggested that to offset the increased cost to their bottom line, some business owners may choose to replace workers with kiosks or other technological advances.

The new minimum wage law isn’t a boon for customers, either. Several fast-food chains in California have already indicated they’ll be forced to raise prices on menu items. 

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The new minimum wage law in California will hurt small businesses, too.

Celebrity chef and host of “Restaurant: Impossible” Robert Irvine told Fox News Digital , “We're going to lose about 20-plus percent of our small, mom-and-pop business because what California has actually done is going to enable other states to do the same thing. (It) has opened the gateways to other states to raise that minimum wage.” 

Irvine is right: California is sometimes a precursor when it comes to social, political and economic policies. The rest of the country should reject this, full stop.

In fact, there’s evidence residents think life in their beloved Golden State is no longer sustainable. California residents are fleeing in droves , often to states with no income tax like Florida and Texas.  

Voters have a chance to reject some of Newsom's liberal policies

One November ballot initiative could stem the tide a little and begin to balance California’s economy. The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act would require  voter approval for any new California taxes or tax increases and could therefore limit upcoming tax increases at state and local levels. The provision is designed to curb tax increases that often occur without oversight.

Of course, Newsom doesn’t favor the initiative, which is why Californians should. 

Progressivism aside for a moment, Newsom shows promise as a Democratic presidential candidate. He’s charming and adept at steering the helm of a behemoth economy, and voters like him.

However, behind the charisma is a leader who has helped derail California – even its once untouchable economy – by implementing progressive policies that hurt residents.

Newsom is a case study in just how important ideology and policy are – socialist ideas in practice can, or should, hurt even the most promising politicians. If he’s serious, he’ll need to position himself toward the center more and start listening to voters when they tell him they want oversight when it comes to state and local taxes.

Decades of progressive policies helped California become a socialist utopia. It was only a matter of time before the economy reacted to tax hikes, hefty regulations and policies that sound progressive but fail to produce positive outcomes.

The minimum wage increase is just the latest example of why California’s economy is starting to struggle and America shouldn’t count on Newsom to fix it. Because even California liberals can spend their way out of a good economy and into one that's highly taxed and heavily regulated, that boasts the highest unemployment rate in the country and is increasingly unaffordable.

Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist for USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids.

American Council on Aging helping older Americans fight inflation

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The rising cost of living is impacting all of us, but inflation is hitting older Americans especially hard. In particular, it's taking a bite out of the budgets people with fixed incomes live on.

There is help available. However, many people have no idea what they qualify for, leaving an estimated $30 billion on the table each year in unused benefits, according to The National Council on Aging .

The organization works to help connect people with programs that help pay for necessities like food, electricity, rent, and medicine.

There are two ways to find out what kind of help may be available for you or someone you love. You can go to the Benefits CheckUp website to find federal, state, and local resources or call 1-800-794-6559 to interact with a representative who can walk you through the process.

The American Council on Aging's chief customer officer, Josh Hodges, said shame is a key hurdle some older Americans have to overcome.

"There's also a perspective that you've done something wrong to qualify for these benefits. That is absolutely not true. Many people age into older adulthood and all of a sudden have an illness or a fall, and they have to spin through some of their hard-earned savings. So, we want to make sure people understand that these benefits of programs are out there, even if you don't qualify for them this year," Hodges said.

Hodges also said it's a good idea to check the website or call that number periodically because you may qualify for more benefits over time.

For updates on this story, follow Briana Conner on Facebook , X and Instagram .

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Should People Be Fined for Sleeping Outside?

As the us supreme court hears a historic case, grants pass v. johnson, on criminalizing people sleeping outside, bu social scientists say there are better ways to prevent and end homelessness.

As the US Supreme Court hears a historic case, Grants Pass v. Johnson , on criminalizing people sleeping outside, BU social scientists say there are better ways to prevent and end homelessness

A Grants Pass, Ore., police officer performs a welfare check on a person experiencing homelessness. The US Supreme Court is set to decide if the city’s ordinances clamping down on sleeping outside are unconstitutional. Photo via AP Photo/Jenny Kane

Molly Richard

Thomas byrne.

Should cities be allowed to ticket or jail people for sleeping outside, even if they have nowhere else to go? That is the question the US Supreme Court will consider April 22 in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Gloria Johnson , when it will decide if local ordinances that punish people for sleeping outside (and for using items like a blanket, pillow, or box to protect themselves from the elements) are considered a “cruel and unusual punishment” under the Eighth Amendment.

As researchers who have focused much of our work on the causes, consequences, and policy solutions to homelessness, we believe they are—and legal experts, including the ACLU and National Homelessness Law Center , make strong cases for this. Moreover, as social scientists who study the most effective responses to preventing and ending homelessness, we also see the case as a time to highlight what works (solutions that focus on housing) and what doesn’t (punitive approaches) to address the nation’s homelessness crisis.

The Grants Pass case comes at a time when the number of people experiencing homelessness in the United States is at an all-time high. After a decade-long period of consistent declines in homelessness between 2007 and 2016, the number of people experiencing homelessness has grown each year since. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, the number of people experiencing homelessness at a given point in time increased by 12 percent —the largest single-year jump on record.

Policymakers at all levels of government are facing increasing pressure to find solutions. In this context, some local officials—including leaders in Grants Pass, Ore.—have attempted to pursue policies that impose fines or jail time for people who bed down on city streets, even when no other alternatives are available. Their goal: deter people experiencing homelessness from staying in the city. Such approaches to homelessness have long been controversial, and the Grants Pass case will decide their fate.

Local leaders argue that they need flexibility to implement laws like the one in question, so they can make progress reducing homelessness in their communities. But policies that criminalize people who are unhoused fail to address homelessness and exacerbate the harm it causes. In a recently submitted amicus brief that we endorse, social scientists gathered evidence showing how the enforcement of anti-homeless laws harms individuals’ health and exacerbates poverty through exposure to environmental hazards, sleep deprivation, fines, incarceration, and lost and destroyed personal belongings. Criminalization measures like the ones enforced by Grants Pass fail to reduce homelessness in public spaces, make no significant impact on public safety, and fail to bridge people to shelters or other service programs that help them exit homelessness.

What works instead? Research we have conducted shows that cities can tackle homelessness through policies that address its root causes. For example, our work shows that as the cost of rent increases in a community, so does the size of its homeless population , and rates of homelessness in a community begin to skyrocket once the median rent in a community exceeds about 32 percent of the median household income. We’ve shown that the impact of rental levels on homelessness persists when looking at different measures of homelessness and rates of homelessness within specific racial groups.

Likewise, we have also documented how rising income inequality is contributing to growth in homelessness via its impact on low-income renters. We’ve also shown that increases across measures of local structural racism —namely inequities across housing, poverty, and criminal justice—contribute to higher rates of homelessness among Black people.

Cities need real solutions. Our colleagues at Boston University have shown that mayors feel accountable to address the issue of homelessness, yet lack the tools to do so. But it’s hard to see how allowing cities to criminalize homelessness will do anything to improve the structural conditions that are the real drivers of homelessness. Instead, communities should pursue solutions that prioritize the one thing that has consistently proven to be effective at addressing homelessness: housing.

More concretely, we know that policies and programs that provide permanent, subsidized housing or shorter-term financial assistance can help people exit homelessness and keep them housed. And we know that, at scale, such strategies can lead to real progress in ending homelessness. Indeed, the US Department of Veterans Affairs has invested heavily in housing-led solutions to homelessness, resulting in a 52 percent decrease in veteran homelessness between 2009 and 2023.

Pursuing policies that have a broader effect on access to quality, affordable housing is also key. For example, our colleagues have demonstrated the critical importance of housing policies—like land use and zoning —to help prevent and end homelessness in the long term. April is National Fair Housing Month, which reminds us that we have tools to prevent race-based housing discrimination, redress histories of uneven urban development, and develop more equitable cities—if we fully enforce our laws and implement our values.

What can you do? First, you can learn more about the Grants Pass case and how to participate in a national week of action . If you have family, friends, or colleagues in Washington, D.C., you could encourage them to attend the Housing Not Handcuffs: Johnson v. Grants Pass Supreme Court Rally at the courthouse on the day of the oral arguments. Finally, regardless of the outcome, you can carry forward knowledge on what works to end homelessness—and what doesn’t—into your own communities.

Molly Richard is a postdoctoral associate at the Boston University Center for Innovation in Social Science. They are a signatory on the Grants Pass v. Johnson amicus brief that 57 social scientists submitted to the Supreme Court. Thomas Byrne is a BU School of Social Work associate professor and an investigator at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans and with the Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation Research at the VA Bedford Healthcare System.

“Expert Take”  is a research-led opinion page that provides commentaries from BU researchers on a variety of issues—local, national, or international—related to their work. Anyone interested in submitting a piece should contact  [email protected] .  The Brink  reserves the right to reject or edit submissions. The views expressed are solely those of the author and are not intended to represent the views of Boston University.

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Molly Richard Profile

Molly Richard is a postdoctoral associate at the Boston University Center for Innovation in Social Science. They are a signatory on the Grants Pass v. Johnson amicus brief that 57 social scientists submitted to the Supreme Court.

Thomas Byrne Profile

Thomas Byrne is a BU School of Social Work associate professor and an investigator at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans and with the Center for Healthcare Organization & Implementation Research at the VA Bedford Healthcare System.

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