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Jianan Lu

Jianan Lu
Associate Professor in ESG and Sustainable Finance (tenure track)
University of Vaasa / School of Accounting and Finance / Finance Group

Contact

jianan.lu [at] uwasa.fi
+358294498784

Finland

Introduction

Jianan Lu is an Associate Professor in Finance (ESG & Sustainable Finance) at the School of Accounting and Finance, University of Vaasa.

Jianan obtained his PhD in Finance from the University of Edinburgh (Grade A) and served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford. Before joining the University of Vaasa, Jianan was a Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth and an Adjunct Research Fellow at Tsinghua University.

Jianan’s research is distinguished by its interdisciplinary nature, encompassing a few topics:

  • Culture, Social Capital and Corporate/Household Finance
  • ESG and Sustainable Finance
  • Financial Technology and Financial Inclusion
  • Innovation and Development Economics
  • Experimental / Environmental economics

His work has been published in prestigious academic journals, such as:

  • Lu, J., Hou, W. and Main, B.G., 2024. The Cultural Legacy of Historical Ethnic Violence: The Impact on Access to Finance and Innovation. Journal of Financial Intermediation, p.101119. ABS 4. ABDC A*.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfi.2024.101119 
  • Fu, X., Ghauri, P. and Lu, J., 2025. Digital technology and inclusive development during global crisis: Evidence from a randomised experiment in Bangladesh.. Research Policy, 54(3), p.105173. ABS 4*, FT 50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2025.105173

He has received several research grants and has led a few international research projects as the Principal Investigator (PI), such as :

  • UK–Ukraine collaborative project “Fintech as a Fence for the Shock and Fuel for the Recovery? Lessons from the War” (completed), involving eight scholars from both countries. 
  • ESG–Social Investment Quality Mark project in collaboration with the City Council of the London Borough of Walton Forest.

He has a few teaching and administrative roles at University of Vaasa:

  • AI and Data Analytics in Accounting and Finance (AYLASK3072A)
  • Financial Derivatives and Risk Management (LASK3011)
  • Corporate Finance: Case Studies (LASK3048)
  • Advanced Research Methods for Doctoral Students in Business Social Sciences, Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), (PhD summer school) 

Jianan holds a few external engagements: 

  • Visiting Scholar at the University of Oxford: Link
  • Associate Editor (Digital Finance Department) of the Journal of Digital Economy:Link
  • Guest Editor and Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies: Link
  • Board member of Chinese Economic Association (UK/EU): Link

 He is supervising PhD students and welcoming new applicants, Please contact him before making applications: Link