GSB's Gilbert appointed chairperson of SAFA

Associate Professor Evan Gilbert of the UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) has been elected as chairperson of the Southern African Finance Association (SAFA), an academic-driven organisation geared to advancing finance-related research, teaching and learning capabilities in the region.

He takes the reins from Professor Colin Firer, also from the GSB, who was the chair for some 16 years.

Firer and his colleagues set up SAFA to allow finance academics to network and compare notes. SAFA also hosts an annual conference where both academics and finance practitioners can exchange ideas.

Gilbert said that his aims as the new chairperson include improving the link between finance academics and practitioners, as well as promoting research, with particular emphasis on assisting emerging researchers.

The association has a membership of nearly 150 finance academics, many from neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.