About ACFS

The Australian Centre for Financial Studies (ACFS) - previously known as Melbourne Centre for Financial Studies (MCFS) up until 7th July 2010 (ACFS) is a not-for-profit consortium of Monash University, the University of Melbourne, RMIT University and Finsia (Financial Services Institute of Australasia) having commenced in 2005 with seed funding from the Victorian Government.

Across the consortium partners, ACFS has links with over 100 finance academics and over 200 postgraduate students engaged in finance research.

As outlined in the Victorian Government’s Financial Services Strategy, released in October 2009, the Centre specialises in leading edge finance and investment research, aiming to boost the global credentials of Australia’s finance industry, bridge the gap between research and industry, and support Melbourne as an international centre for finance practice, research and education.

ACFS provides access to and links between academics, finance practitioners and government and draws on expertise and experience from across these groups, to facilitate and disseminate knowledge creation and transfer throughout the greater finance community via its various activities.

ACFS has developed a strong reputation as an independent voice on finance industry relevant matters. It contributes to public debate on financial services issues; conducts detailed expert analysis; delivers unbiased industry relevant research through its business consulting services activities; conducts key knowledge sharing activities through industry conferences, symposiums, forums, seminars, luncheons, industry briefings and workshops and facilitates Research Reference Groups, linking senior industry and academic leaders in the banking, insurance and funds management fields.

Key Activities since inception:

• conducted over 133 events, with 22 held in the last year;
• dispensed over $1.3m in research funds to academics of our consortium universities which have generated the publication of 44 refereed journal articles;
• generated a further estimated 150 publications from ACFS events and staff, including research reports and presentations, conference and policy papers, inquiry submissions, customised thought leadership reports and independent opinion pieces ;
• developed a network of highly influential individuals as part of its Industry Advisory Committee and Research Reference groups;
• attracted a growing number of industry sponsors and supporters. In the last year, 8 new sponsorships were secured and ACFS currently has 12 corporate sponsors;
• established a strong presence in the media and wider financial services community with 777 media mentions and over 36,000 web visits from 2009 to 2011; and
• built a small but high quality and committed team of 6 professionals and is well served by a committed Board representing its university constituents and FINSIA.

ACFS is building on Australia’s reputation for financial services research in the Asia Pacific region. As well as attracting international experts to collaborate on research and teaching, ACFS assists universities and industry to work together on new ideas and research.

For more information please contact the Centre on (+61 3) 9666 1050.