A New Hub for Financial Innovation
IIM Ahmedabad has established the Mattu Centre for Research in Security Pricing and Corporate Finance, a new Centre of Excellence announced on July 13, 2026. This initiative is designed to be a pivotal force in advancing research in critical areas such
as asset pricing, corporate finance, and corporate governance. Rather than existing in an academic silo, the centre's primary mission is to connect rigorous scholarship with the practical challenges and opportunities within India's evolving financial landscape. It has been established with philanthropic support from IIM-A alumnus Ravi Mattu, a former Managing Director and Global Head of Analytics at PIMCO, one of the world's premier investment management firms. This backing from a seasoned industry leader underscores the centre's commitment to real-world relevance.
Building a Foundation on Indian Data
One of the most significant challenges for finance researchers in India has been the lack of comprehensive, country-specific data. The Mattu Centre aims to solve this problem directly. A key objective is to build robust financial databases and analytical resources tailored to the Indian context. This is a game-changer, as it will allow academics and students to conduct high-quality empirical research on Indian capital markets without having to rely solely on global datasets that may not capture local nuances. By developing this crucial infrastructure, the centre will empower evidence-based studies in areas like market microstructure, investment behaviour, and corporate financial health, making the research outputs fundamentally more accurate and applicable to India.
Bridging Academia with Policy and Industry
The centre is not just about producing papers; it's about starting conversations that matter. A core part of its mission is to foster collaboration among academia, industry, regulators, and policymakers. It will serve as a neutral ground where these key stakeholders can come together to discuss and debate pressing issues facing the financial ecosystem. This will be achieved through a series of seminars, workshops, conferences, and distinguished lectures. By creating this collaborative platform, the centre aims to ensure that its research directly informs policy-making and helps industry leaders navigate complex challenges. This approach transforms academic insights into actionable strategies that can strengthen India's financial markets and regulatory frameworks.
Empowering Future Finance Leaders
For students and early-career researchers, the Mattu Centre represents a powerful new resource. It is designed to be a launchpad for the next generation of finance scholars who are focused on Indian capital markets. The initiative will provide dedicated support to these researchers, helping them develop their skills and connect with a broader professional network. This direct engagement with practitioners and policymakers ensures that students' and young academics' work remains grounded in practical realities, not just abstract models. By participating in the centre's activities, they gain invaluable exposure to the real-world application of their research, preparing them for impactful careers in finance, whether in academia, industry, or governance.
