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Synopsis
IIMA has established the Mattu Centre to advance research in finance and Indian capital markets. The centre will focus on financial innovation, market studies, policy research, and academic collaboration, aiming to strengthen understanding of India's evolving financial ecosystem and contribute to better investment and regulatory practices.
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) has taken a significant step toward strengthening India’s financial research ecosystem with the establishment of the Mattu Centre for Research in Security Pricing and Corporate Finance. The new Centre of Excellence is designed to promote advanced research in areas including asset pricing, corporate finance, corporate governance, investments, and financial economics. Through this initiative, IIMA aims to create a stronger foundation for India-focused financial research by developing high-quality databases, encouraging academic collaboration, and supporting evidence-based studies that can influence businesses, regulators, and policymakers.
The Centre has been established with philanthropic support from IIMA alumnus Ravi Mattu, a member of the institute’s Post Graduate Programme (PGP) Class of 1979. Mattu has had a distinguished career in the global investment management industry and previously served as Managing Director and Global Head of Analytics at Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), one of the world’s leading investment management firms. His contribution reflects a growing trend of alumni supporting academic institutions in building specialized research capabilities that address emerging challenges in the economy and financial markets.
The newly created centre will focus on generating deeper insights into India’s rapidly evolving capital markets. As the country’s financial ecosystem expands with increasing participation from domestic and global investors, the need for rigorous research based on Indian market conditions has become more important than ever. The Centre aims to bridge this gap by bringing together academic researchers, industry professionals, market experts, regulators, and policymakers to examine critical issues affecting financial markets and corporate decision-making.
One of the key priorities of the Mattu Centre will be the development of comprehensive financial databases and analytical resources that can support empirical research. Access to reliable and detailed financial data has long been considered a challenge for researchers studying emerging markets, including India. By creating specialized data resources, the Centre hopes to enable scholars to conduct more accurate and meaningful studies on areas such as stock market behavior, investment strategies, corporate performance, governance practices, and financial regulations.
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The initiative is expected to play an important role in promoting research that reflects the unique characteristics of Indian markets rather than relying solely on frameworks developed in advanced economies. By encouraging India-specific studies, the Centre can contribute valuable knowledge for companies, investors, government agencies, and financial institutions seeking to understand market trends and make informed decisions.
Beyond research activities, the Mattu Centre will serve as a platform for academic and professional engagement. It plans to support finance scholars working on topics related to Indian capital markets while organizing seminars, conferences, workshops, and distinguished lectures. These events will provide opportunities for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange ideas, discuss emerging financial challenges, and explore solutions through collaborative efforts.
The Centre will also encourage interdisciplinary research by connecting finance with related fields such as economics, management, data analytics, and public policy. As financial markets become increasingly influenced by technology, globalization, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic developments, such cross-disciplinary approaches are becoming essential for understanding complex market dynamics.
The governance structure of the Mattu Centre reflects IIMA’s focus on academic leadership and institutional oversight. The Centre will be guided by a Governing Council chaired by IIMA Director Professor Bharat Bhasker. Professors Joshy Jacob and Ellapulli Vasudevan will serve as Co-Chairpersons, providing academic direction and ensuring that the Centre’s research agenda aligns with global standards while addressing India’s financial priorities.
With the establishment of the Mattu Centre for Research in Security Pricing and Corporate Finance, IIMA has further expanded its role as a leading institution for management education and research. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s position in global finance research by creating a hub where academics, industry professionals, and policymakers can collaborate to generate insights that support stronger financial systems and sustainable economic growth.