UditVani, Delhi : XLRI Delhi-NCR, a premier management institution renowned for academic excellence, industry engagement, and policy-focused research, successfully concluded its maiden Global Banking and Finance Conference 2026. Held from February 5 to 7 at its campus, the three-day event drew globally renowned scholars, financial leaders, regulators, and researchers to explore emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in banking and finance.
The conference garnered an exceptional international response, with over 175 research papers submitted from top institutions like Harvard University, the University of Oxford, and the London School of Economics. After rigorous peer review, 73 high-impact papers were presented in 24 themed sessions on topics including AI and machine learning in finance, microfinance and financial inclusion, climate risks, ESG, and bankruptcy. It kicked off with a pre-conference tutorial day, equipping young researchers with advanced analytical tools.
Support came from leading Indian financial organizations, while keynote highlights featured Prof. John H. Cochrane (Stanford University), Prof. Vikas Agarwal (Georgia State University), Prof. Marcin Kacperczyk (Imperial College London), and Prof. Madhu Kalimipalli (Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada). Guests of Honour included Mr. Ashwini Kumar Tiwari, Managing Director of State Bank of India, and Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Whole Time Member of SEBI, who offered practitioner and regulatory insights on resilient, inclusive finance amid AI and social media.
A vibrant cultural evening on February 6 added flair, with Padma Shri Dr. Mahabir Guddu’s troupe captivating attendees with soulful Haryanvi folk songs, blending regional culture into the global academic gathering.
Fr. Nelson A. D’Silva, S.J., Acting Director of XLRI Delhi-NCR, said: “The overwhelming response to the Global Banking and Finance Conference reaffirms XLRI’s role as a catalyst for meaningful research and industry engagement. The rigorous research presentations, keynote insights, and cross-sector dialogues have generated actionable knowledge to advance financial scholarship, inform evidence-driven policies, and promote sustainable practices in global banking and finance. The insights generated over the past three days will contribute to stronger scholarship, better policy conversations, and more responsible financial practices.”
Deliberations highlighted technology-finance intersections, risk governance, and evidence-based policymaking. Participants praised the academic depth and direct access to industry leaders. With this debut, XLRI Delhi-NCR has positioned the conference as a key annual platform for research-driven financial dialogue.
