A New Hub for Financial Excellence
On July 13, 2026, IIM Ahmedabad announced the establishment of the Mattu Centre for Research in Security Pricing and Corporate Finance. This new Centre of Excellence is not just another academic department; it's a dedicated institution designed to advance
high-quality research into the nuts and bolts of Indian finance. Its focus areas are critical to understanding modern markets: asset pricing, corporate finance, corporate governance, and broader themes in financial economics. The centre was established through a generous philanthropic contribution from IIMA alumnus Ravi Mattu, a 1979 batch graduate and the former Global Head of Analytics at the global investment management giant PIMCO. This backing underscores a commitment to building a world-class research ecosystem from within India, for India.
Solving the India-Specific Data Problem
One of the most significant hurdles for finance researchers in India has been the lack of comprehensive, high-quality domestic data. The Mattu Centre places a primary emphasis on solving this very problem. A key objective is to build robust, India-specific financial databases and analytical resources. For years, scholars have often had to rely on international datasets that may not capture the unique nuances of India's capital markets. By creating a reliable infrastructure for empirical research, the centre aims to empower academics to ask more precise and relevant questions about the Indian financial system. This move is expected to generate research that is not only academically rigorous but also directly applicable to the challenges and opportunities within the nation's evolving economy.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Beyond pure research, the centre is designed to be a collaborative powerhouse. Its mission includes fostering meaningful dialogue among four key groups: academia, industry, regulators, and policymakers. This will be achieved through a steady stream of seminars, workshops, conferences, and distinguished lectures. The goal is to move beyond theoretical papers and create a space where evidence-based insights can directly inform public policy and corporate strategy. By bringing diverse stakeholders to the same table, the centre aims to deliberate on critical issues shaping Indian financial markets, ensuring that academic work has a tangible impact on real-world decision-making.
Nurturing Future Finance Leaders
For students and young academics, the Mattu Centre represents a significant new opportunity. It will serve as a dedicated platform to launch and support research scholars, with a particular focus on nurturing early-career researchers who are studying Indian capital markets. This support system is crucial for building a pipeline of talent that can produce world-class financial research grounded in the Indian context. Furthermore, the centre plans to facilitate collaborative projects between faculty in India and the United States, providing a global perspective. For IIMA's finance students, this translates into access to cutting-edge research, deeper analytical tools, and a direct connection to the pressing questions being asked by industry and government.
A Vision for India's Financial Future
The establishment of the Mattu Centre is a timely development. As India solidifies its position as a major global financial market, the need for sophisticated, homegrown research and analysis has never been greater. The centre is co-chaired by IIMA professors Joshy Jacob and Ellapulli Vasudevan, under a governing council led by IIMA Director Professor Bharat Bhasker, ensuring strong institutional guidance. By creating this dedicated infrastructure, IIM Ahmedabad is not just enhancing its own curriculum but is also contributing to the intellectual foundation upon which India's capital markets can grow. The initiative reflects a forward-looking vision where evidence-based policy and rigorous analysis drive the next phase of the country's economic development.
