William N. Goetzmann

William N. Goetzmann is the Edwin J. Beinecke Professor of Finance and Management Studies at the Yale School of Management, where he also serves as Faculty Director of the International Center for Finance and Director of the SOM Executive MBA in Asset Management. A Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research, he has held leadership positions as President of the Western Finance Association (2010) and Past President of the European Finance Association (2006).

His research spans multiple domains of finance, with particular expertise in alternative investing, factor investing, behavioral finance, and the art market. Goetzmann's work uniquely bridges financial theory with historical context and cultural analysis, as evidenced by his publications on financial history dating back to ancient Mesopotamia. His interdisciplinary approach connects finance with art history, cultural studies, and economic anthropology.

Goetzmann's publications reveal a consistent focus on understanding financial markets through historical lenses while addressing contemporary investment challenges. His recent work (2020-2025) demonstrates continued scholarly productivity across traditional finance journals and interdisciplinary publications, with particular emphasis on market behavior, alternative investments, and historical financial systems. This pattern reflects his dual commitment to advancing academic finance while making connections to broader cultural and historical contexts.

Scientific Awards:

• Michael J. Seiler Behavioral Research Commendation Award, ARES, 2025
• Best Paper Award, Journal of the European Financial Management Association, 2018
• James R. Vertin Award, CFA Institute Research Foundation, 2018
• Jack Treynor Prize, Q-Group, 2018

Goetzmann teaches portfolio management, alternative investments, real estate, and financial history courses at Yale SOM. His editorial role as Executive Editor of the Financial Analysts Journal positions him at the intersection of academic research and professional investment practice. Through the International Center for Finance, he has spearheaded historical database projects covering global stock markets from the 19th and 20th centuries, including the Old New York Stock Exchange Project, London Stock Exchange Project, and others spanning multiple international markets.