Director's Message

The Quantitative Finance Research Center (QFRC) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University's School of Mathematical Sciences was founded with a clear purpose: to build a world-class research hub at the intersection of mathematics, data science, and modern finance — with deep roots in the Chinese and Asian markets.

Our approach bridges academic rigor with real-world impact. We connect theoretical advances in mathematics and statistics with the practical challenges facing financial institutions, with a sharp focus on the distinctive features of China's and Asia's financial ecosystems. This ensures our work is not just scientifically sound, but directly relevant and actionable.

A central pillar of our strategy is building a large-scale quantitative data platform powered by AI, purpose-built for the Chinese and Asian markets. This platform will serve as a critical resource for education and research — empowering the next generation of quantitative professionals and driving discoveries that shape the future of finance across the region.

The center acts as a hub connecting leading research groups both domestically and internationally — from Fudan University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University to Oxford, ETH Zurich, and Humboldt University of Berlin. Through conferences, exchange programs, and joint research, we share insights on the Chinese and Asian markets, absorb global best practices, and help build a more interconnected financial system.

We also foster direct industry-academy dialogue, bringing together academics, practitioners, and policymakers to co-develop solutions for the most pressing challenges in quantitative finance.

We embark on this journey with confidence. The QFRC will be a beacon of excellence — driving innovation, cultivating talent, and contributing meaningfully to quantitative finance worldwide.

Under the attentive guidance of leaders at all levels and the warm support of the renowned financial mathematician Academician Peng Shige, the Quantitative Finance Research Center of the School of Mathematical Sciences at Shanghai Jiao Tong University was established in November 2023. Since its founding, the center has set its sights on building a globally leading hub for quantitative finance research, forging ahead with vigor amid the tides of the industry and demonstrating strong momentum.

Our team brings together outstanding talent from multiple frontier disciplines, including finance, statistics, applied mathematics, and computer science. Each member is a leader in their respective field, possessing not only deep academic expertise but also extensive practical experience. With a solid theoretical foundation, keen market insight, and a fearless spirit of innovation, the team conducts interdisciplinary, comprehensive research to dissect complex challenges in modern financial markets — from pricing, hedging, and systemic risk to high-frequency trading, carbon emission certificates, and their regulation — laying a firm theoretical groundwork and providing practical guidance for the development of the digital economy, and setting a benchmark of excellence in quantitative finance research.

The integration of industry, academia, and research is the core driving force behind the center's efforts to advance technological innovation and industrial upgrading in quantitative finance. We are keenly aware of the critical importance of combining theory with practice for talent development and industry progress. To this end, the center actively builds internship and practical training platforms, enabling students to hone their abilities and accumulate experience in real-world financial settings, cultivating outstanding talent who combine innovative thinking with practical capability. At the same time, we have established extensive and deep collaborative networks with universities, enterprises, and research institutions both domestically and internationally. Through resource sharing and complementary strengths, we work together to tackle technical challenges and accelerate technological innovation and application in quantitative finance. Through this deep integration, we continuously expand the breadth and depth of our partnerships, creating greater economic and social value for society and serving as an important force driving industry development.

Looking ahead, we are filled with confidence and anticipation. The center will continue to uphold the spirit of inclusiveness and openness, attracting talented individuals and continuously enhancing our research capabilities and innovative capacity. We will always be guided by real-world needs, supported by professional expertise, and driven by innovation, delivering high-quality advisory services. We firmly believe that, with the concerted efforts of all our members, the strong support of our partners, and the care and attention of all sectors of society, the center will become a pillar of the quantitative finance field and a trustworthy partner for enterprises. Let us join hands and stride forward together toward a brighter future for quantitative finance!