Posted on Nov. 6: McMaster business professor appointed first CIBC Chair in Financial Markets

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Clarence_Kwan_opt.jpg” caption=”Kwan, Baba”]A professor with expertise in experimental semiconductor physics and investment portfolio analysis and a passion for teaching holds the inaugural research chair in financial markets at McMaster University.

Clarence C.Y. Kwan, a professor in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business, has been appointed to a five-year term as the CIBC Chair in Financial Markets.

CIBC World Markets contributed $1 million to establish the research chair during the University's successful Changing Tomorrow Today campaign.

Kwan's appointment as the inaugural chairholder was celebrated Wednesday at a reception at the Allen H. Gould Trading Floor at the University.

“We are extremely pleased that Dr. Kwan has accepted this position and we are confident that he will continue to set the standard for excellence within his field,” said Neil Gordon, CIBC senior vice-president, Branch and Small Business Banking, Southern Ontario.

Kwan, who holds two PhDs (a doctorate in experimental semiconductor physics from the University of Ottawa in 1970 and a doctorate in finance from the University of Toronto in 1979), also obtained a master's of business administration from McMaster in 1976. He obtained his P.Eng designation from the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario in 1974.

His appointment as a research chairholder studying world financial markets will allow him to continue to integrate two passions  teaching and research.

“I believe in and have always enjoyed teamwork,” said Kwan. “and I believe that teaching and research complement each other. Research work gives us insight into many academic and business issues and enables us to perform better as teachers in the classroom.”

Kwan's research interests are in portfolio analysis, investments, financial theory and financial education. He has about 60 articles in peer-reviewed publications with many focusing on portfolio analysis. His contributions to the field of study involve using basic mathematical tools to solve portfolio selection problems that properly incorporate relevant institutional features, as well as providing economic insights and intuitive explanations of portfolio decisions.

McMaster President Peter George said professor Kwan's appointment is another example of the University's commitment to integrating innovative research and teaching.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Kwan on behalf of his colleagues from the McMaster community,” said President George. “He is renowned with students for his dedication to a combination of analytical rigor and intuitive perspective. This research chair also embodies our belief in the value of partnerships and ensures our students will continue to benefit from outstanding teaching and research.”

Vishwanath Baba, dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business, said he was delighted that one of the school's own highly regarded professors will be the first chairholder.

“Dr. Clarence C.Y. Kwan brings a wonderful blend of research acumen to his passion for teaching,” said Dean Baba. “He personifies McMaster's approach to be a research-intensive, student-oriented university.”

Photo caption: Vishwanath Baba, dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business, right, congratulates Clarence C.Y. Kwan, inaugural research chairholder in financial markets at McMaster. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay