Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) visit marks launch of Global Centre for Banking and Financial Innovation (GCBFI)
Meryem Duygun and Simon Wells unveiling the GCBFI plaque
The University of Nottingham Business School welcomed the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) last week for a landmark event, the official launch of the Global Centre for Banking and Financial Innovation (GCBFI).
The day was a collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. The school was honoured to host Simon Walls, Executive Director for Markets at the FCA, and a Nottingham alumnus, alongside his delegation.
The launch highlighted GCBFI’s three core pillars- Sustainable Finance, AI & Fintech, and Inclusive Finance - alongside their growing international partnerships, tri-campus research collaborations, and their ambitious future agenda.
The Centre will focus on:
- advancing innovation, risk management, and market regulation
- promoting data-driven AI research and responsible finance
- fostering growth, inclusion, and sustainability
GCBFI will continue to be a key player in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary collaborations that tackle pressing challenges such as access to finance, the green transition, financial regulation, and real-economy resilience, while helping their early-career researchers become globally recognised experts.
Professor Meryem Duygun, Aviva Chair in Risk and Insurance and Co-Director of GCBFI, said:
The launch of GCBFI marks a bold step toward shaping the future of financial services. By combining cutting-edge research with real-world application, we aim to drive innovation that is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive and sustainable. We will work hand-in-hand with industry and policymakers to create solutions that strengthen resilience, foster trust, and unlock growth for communities and businesses alike.
Meryem gave thanks to everyone who made the launch possible, including the INFINITY team led by Professor John Gathergood and Dr Rose Saikayasit, Professor Xiaoxia Ye, Dr Simon Bishop, the GCBFI organising team, our researchers, and all colleagues and professional services staff behind the scenes. Thanks were also given to Research England for their continued support.
Further information
For collaboration opportunities within the new GCBFI research agenda, please contact: Professor Sanjay Banerji, Professor Xiaoxia Ye, Professor Meryem Duygun, or the cluster leads:
Posted on Thursday 27th November 2025