Salil K Sarkar

Salil K. Sarkar is a Professor in the Department of Finance and Real Estate at the College of Business, University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from Louisiana State University in 1991 and joined UTA in 1996. His academic and professional affiliations include the Financial Management Association, Southwestern Finance Association, and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute.

• PhD, Finance, Louisiana State University, 1991
• MBA, Finance, Northeast Louisiana University, 1987
• BS, Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, 1977
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), CFA Institute, 2000–Present

His research centers on Corporate Finance, Investments, Options, and Presidential Politics. He investigates how political cycles affect financial markets, the role of executive compensation and stock repurchases, and behavioral aspects of investor decisions. His work often employs empirical methods and event studies to analyze market efficiency and information dissemination.

Sarkar’s recent publications span topics such as presidential cycles in foreign exchange markets, readability of financial reports by ex-military CEOs, option market signals, and political party effects on sin stock returns. His research frequently appears in top-tier journals like Financial Management, Journal of Banking and Finance, and Journal of Behavioral Finance.

• You've been recognized for your exceptional dedication and positive impact!, UTA (2025)
• Cyber Hero, UTA Information Security Office (2022)
• Outstanding PhD Mentor Award, College of Business, UTA (2018)
• Financial Management Top Publication Award (2017)
• College of Business Distinguished Professional Publication Award (2004)

Sarkar has advised over 20 doctoral students, serving as Dissertation Committee Chair and Supervisory Committee Chair. He has also received multiple teaching recognitions and has contributed to curriculum development and faculty governance, including chairing promotion and tenure committees. His professional service includes editorial board memberships and extensive CFA review course instruction.

He is actively involved in research labs and academic teams through the Southwestern Finance Association and Financial Management Association. He also mentors students in the CFA Research Challenge and contributes to doctoral training and academic leadership at UTA.