New Research Program aims to "Widen Discussion on Finance" in the Middle East

A number of financial institutions in the region have expressed strong interest in the research that will be conducted by the institute, including studies of the extension of Shariah-compliant finance, the impact of new stock exchanges and the role of special economic zones within Middle East markets.

Dr. Giannopoulos has published widely in international journals and presented his work in academic and professional conferences in Europe and the US. His empirical work on the volatility analysis and the modelling of financial risk has attracted major interest from both practitioners and regulators.

Perhaps his most remarkable work has been the creation of the pioneering market risk model (Filtered Historical Simulation) that he developed in association with The London Clearing House.

"Many international financial observers have noted that the Middle East's finance and banking sectors are undergoing perhaps the most interesting period of change and volatility yet recorded," said Dr. Giannopoulos. "The British University in Dubai's Institute of Finance and Banking hopes to serve as a prime focus for research into this rapidly-developing sector."

The Institute of Finance and Banking at BUiD aims to help prepare students for positions in banking, trading, treasuries, and risk management, as well as enabling them to work in international finance in both public and private institutions.

In the future, it also has plans to place to prepare students for professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or the Professional Risk Manager (PRM).

The MSc in Finance & Banking fully integrates theory and practice. The top-rated academic faculty provides a broad theoretical knowledge, while all modules taught in the course contain a strong practical orientation.

Some of them, including market risk management and credit risk management, are designed to educate the professional community in the UAE on the BASEL II accord, which has been created to ensure greater consistency in the way banks and banking regulators approach risk management across national borders.

"At BUiD, we are working hard to ensure that our Institute of Finance and Banking provides the strongest possible insight into international economies and particularly the changing economic environment of the Middle East," said David Lock, BUiD's registrar and acting chief executive.

"Dr. Giannopoulos' appointment adds significantly to the strength of the institute and we look forward to excellent research being conducted under his guidance," he added.

Over the past ten years, Dr. Giannopoulos has consulted to various private and commercial banks, investment managers and regulatory organizations in market risk, volatility, correlation modelling and security pricing. He has been a frequent speaker at academic conferences and professional seminars.

Dr. Giannopoulos is the UAE chapter director of the Professional Risk Manager's International Association (www.prmia.org). Before moving to the UAE, Dr. Giannopoulos has developed and taught at the Masters in Finance program at the University of Westminster, London. In addition to English Dr. Giannopoulos is fluent in Greek and Italian.