Anjan Thakor, Professor of Finance at Washington University, has been appointed Honorary Doctor at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. He has conducted groundbreaking research in banking and finance, contributing to a deeper understanding and knowledge of the efficiency of financial markets. He is also interested in how a company's higher purpose can create profit for both the company and society.
Anjan Thakor is based at the Olin School of Business, Washington University in St. Louis where he is Director of the WFA Center for Finance and Accounting Research. Over the past fifteen years, he has been involved in developing the research, teaching and international network of the School of Business, Economics and Law.
Higher purpose
Anjan Thakor's research includes the higher purpose of companies and how it can benefit business operations and socio-economic welfare. Businesses strive for the best possible outcomes, and companies have a responsibility to make a profit for their owners. A company's higher purpose is not the same as charity or social responsibility, which can reduce profits. Instead, when well integrated, higher purpose can contribute to value creation, for example by improving the working environment or treating business partners fairly. This can lead to higher productivity and more efficient use of resources, and ultimately better returns for owners.
Collaboration and exchange
Thakor is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Centre for Finance (CFF) at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. He plays an important role as advisor, quality assurer and accreditation support. Together with CFF, he has helped to organise several international banking conferences, where his expertise has been of great value.
He has also taught and participated in doctoral courses at the School of Business, Economics and Law and has hosted doctoral students at Washington University. As an honorary doctor, he will work to further strengthen cooperation and research exchanges between the two institutions.
Prolific researcher
Anjan Thakor is one of the most prolific researchers in the fields of banking, information economics and corporate finance, with over 100 published articles in leading finance and economics journals. He is also the author of numerous books. He founded the top-ranked Journal of Financial Intermediation and served as its editor-in-chief from 1996 to 2005. He is also a past president and one of the founders of the Financial Intermediation Research Society.
Anjan Thakor will be conferred at the University of Gothenburg's conferment ceremony on 25 October 2024.
