London Business School and AQR, a global investment management firm, will launch the AQR Institute of Asset Management, a new partnership aimed at advancing research and best practices in the global asset management community.

AQR’s 10-year commitment makes the firm one of the school’s most significant corporate partners.

The aim of the AQR Institute is to fund and generate research in asset management, in order to equip individuals and organisations with the insights and tools they need to preserve and generate long-term wealth.

The AQR Institute through its research, teaching, and outreach activities, will recognise exemplary scholars in the field with annual grants and awards, will sponsor events which bring together academics, policy makers, and practitioners at the highest level and will strengthen ties with the global investment community for the benefit of industry participants, academics and students.

The leadership of the AQR Institute brings together four London Business School academic members at the core — Francisco Gomes, professor of Finance; Ralph Koijen, professor of Finance; Narayan Naik, professor of Finance; and Hélène Rey, professor of Economics.

The faculty will be supported by Robert Jenkins, adjunct professor of Finance and non-executive institute chair. In addition, the AQR Institute will be championed by an advisory council made up of leaders in academia and the asset management industry.

The AQR Institute’s research agenda will reflect the current and future issues pertinent to the sector, from the challenges faced by chief investment officers in portfolio construction to the global financial importance of new regulatory and economic policies.

Sir Andrew Likierman, dean of London Business School, said: "This is an exciting development bearing in mind London’s prominence in the field and the expertise of our own faculty. It will be the focus for research over the long term and be a source of authoritative and independent thought and advice."

David Kabiller, founding principal of AQR, said: “We were drawn to creating a premier academic venue that would foster thought leadership and promote excellence in asset management.”

“The AQR Institute will bring together scholars and industry-leading practitioners to produce original research and identify best practices from a global perspective. We are proud to partner with London Business School, which is renowned for its academic rigor, top faculty and diverse student body,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service