Stanislava Nikolova

Stanislava (Stas) Nikolova is a Professor of Finance and the Alice M. Dittman Chair of Banking and Finance at the Nebraska College of Business, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Previously, she served as a Senior Financial Economist at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), advising on fixed-income market regulations and credit rating agency oversight.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Finance, University of Florida
  • B.S. in Management, State University of New York - Geneseo

Dr. Nikolova's research focuses on fixed-income markets, particularly corporate bonds, credit ratings, and financial regulation. Her work explores how regulatory frameworks impact bond pricing, institutional behavior, and market liquidity. Key contributions include studies on rating-based capital requirements and momentum effects in corporate bond returns.

Her publications span top journals like the Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies, and Journal of Accounting and Economics. Research trends highlight empirical analysis of market discipline, credit risk modeling, and regulatory reform implications.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Excellence in Reviewing Award, Journal of Risk and Insurance (2022)
  • Senior Research Fellowship, LTI@UniTo at Collegio Carlo Alberto (2021)
  • Best Paper Award, INQUIRE Europe/UK Joint Seminar (2018)
  • SAFE Grant, Leibniz Institute for Financial Research (2014)
  • Economic Research Award, SEC (2013)
  • FDIC Research Grant (2007)

Dr. Nikolova serves as an Associate Editor for the Quarterly Journal of Finance and holds leadership roles in the Midwest Finance Association. She has advised numerous SEC rulemakings and participated in major financial conferences.