The Rio Grande College of Business established the Center for Economic and Financial Research (CEFR) in 2025. The Center will serve as a hub for applied research, training, consulting, and innovation, bridging academia, industry, and policymakers.
SUL ROSS STATE UNIVERSITY
RIO GRANDE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Executive Summary
The financial services industry today operates in an environment of uncertainty shaped by global market volatility, policy shifts, technological disruption, and regulatory challenges. Financial institutions increasingly demand robust economic insights, quantitative models, and risk management frameworks to ensure stability and growth.
Background & Rationale
- Economic volatility, trade policy shifts, and financial uncertainty are reshaping global markets.
- Financial institutions require advanced risk models and forecasting tools.
- Shortage of skilled professionals in applied economics and financial analytics.
- CEFR will fill the gap by integrating academic rigor with practical, industry-driven applications.
Vision
To be a globally recognized center of excellence in economic and financial modeling, advancing research, education, and industry practices that foster innovation, stability, and sustainable growth.
Focus Areas
- Economic Modeling & Forecasting: GDP, inflation, interest rates, exchange rates.
- Financial Risk Management: Credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, insurance risk.
- Valuation & Corporate Finance: Business valuation, project appraisal.
- FinTech & Innovation: Blockchain, AI/ML in finance, digital banking.
- Sustainability & ESG Risks: Climate risk modeling, sustainable finance.
Mission
- Conduct cutting-edge research in applied economics and financial research and modeling
- Provide training and certification programs for students and professionals.
- Collaborate with financial institutions, regulators, and policymakers.
- Enhance student employability through hands-on skills and research exposure.
- Contribute to regional and global financial stability.
Activities of the Center
- Research: Applied projects, faculty-student collaborations, funded projects.
- Training: Programs on Excel/Python/R for financial modeling, Basel frameworks.
- Business Advising: Credit risk assessments, stress testing, economic forecasting/outlook
- Publications: Articles published in highly ranked journals
- Student Engagement: Live projects, case competitions, and internships.
Organizational Structure
- Founding Co-Directors
- Research Fellows: Visiting scholars, Ph.D. candidates.
- Industry Advisory Board: Executives from banking, insurance, and policy institutions.
- Student Associates: MBA/BBA and MS Finance students assisting with research and training.
Contact Us
For further information, please contact Dr. Jose Mora @ mora@sulross.edu or Dr. Prabakaran Sellamuthu @ prabakaran.sellamuthu@sulross.edu