Mihail Velikov

Mihail Velikov is an Assistant Professor of Finance at Penn State University's Smeal College of Business. His research focuses on empirical asset pricing, stock market anomalies, and the application of AI/machine learning in finance. He holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Rochester.

Education:

• PhD in Finance, University of Rochester, 2015
• MSBA in Applied Economics, University of Rochester, 2013
• Bachelor's in Mathematics and Finance (double major), Ramapo College of New Jersey, 2010 (Summa Cum Laude)

Research Interests: His work explores transaction costs, investment strategies, and the use of AI to enhance asset/wealth management. Key themes include anomaly evaluation protocols, cost-mitigation techniques, and the integration of machine learning into financial models.

Awards:

• William F. Sharpe Award (2023)
• Graham and Dodd Scroll Award (2019)
• INQUIRE Europe Research Grant (2025)
• Geneva Institute for Wealth Management Research Grant (2022)

Advising & Grants: Advised doctoral students including Han Xiao (CUHK-Shenzhen) and Lu Yang (Analysis Group). Secured grants such as the INQUIRE Europe grant and multiple Smeal Small Research Grants. Co-led the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond's DFAST supervisory modeling team for bank stress testing.

Labs/Teams: Active in AI-driven finance research, collaborating on projects like the Assaying Anomalies protocol and the AI-Powered (Finance) Scholarship initiative.