Association Francaise Finance
The Association Française de la Finance (AFFI), or the French Finance Association, is the leading academic organization in France dedicated to promoting and disseminating research in finance. Founded in 1978, it plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration between researchers, academics, and practitioners in the financial field, both within France and internationally.
AFFI's primary mission is to encourage and support high-quality research that advances our understanding of financial markets, institutions, and decisions. It achieves this through various activities, including:
- Annual International Conference: The cornerstone of AFFI's activities is its annual conference, which attracts hundreds of researchers from around the globe. This event provides a platform for the presentation and discussion of cutting-edge research in all areas of finance, including asset pricing, corporate finance, market microstructure, behavioral finance, and financial econometrics.
- Doctoral Workshops: Recognizing the importance of nurturing future generations of finance scholars, AFFI organizes doctoral workshops designed to provide PhD students with opportunities to present their research, receive feedback from leading academics, and network with peers. These workshops are instrumental in developing the next generation of finance researchers in France.
- Publication Support: While AFFI doesn't directly publish a journal, it actively supports the dissemination of high-quality research by facilitating access to information about top-tier academic journals and by recognizing outstanding publications through awards.
- Networking and Collaboration: AFFI fosters a vibrant community of finance professionals through its conferences, workshops, and online presence. It encourages collaboration between researchers from different institutions and countries, leading to the generation of innovative ideas and research projects.
- Industry Engagement: Recognizing the importance of bridging the gap between academia and practice, AFFI actively seeks to engage with industry professionals. It organizes sessions at its conferences that are relevant to practitioners and provides opportunities for academics to present their research to industry audiences.
The impact of AFFI extends beyond the academic sphere. By promoting rigorous research and fostering collaboration, it contributes to a better understanding of financial markets and institutions, which in turn informs policy decisions and improves the efficiency of the financial system. The organization's commitment to fostering the next generation of finance scholars ensures that France remains a leader in financial research.
AFFI is governed by a board of directors composed of leading academics and practitioners in finance. The organization is funded through membership fees, conference registration fees, and sponsorships from corporations and institutions. Its influence in the French and international finance community is substantial, playing a key role in shaping the direction of research and promoting excellence in the field. For anyone interested in finance, whether an academic researcher, a student, or a practitioner, the Association Française de la Finance is a valuable resource and a key player in the advancement of financial knowledge.