Stephan Paul

Prof. Dr. Stephan Paul is Chair of Finance and Banking at Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Economics, where he leads an active research and teaching program focused on the transformation of the financial industry.

Education & Affiliations:

• Chair of Finance and Banking, Ruhr University Bochum
• Managing Director, ikf° Institute for Credit and Finance
• Scientific Director, “Financing” Working Group, Schmalenbach Society – German Society for Business Administration
• Member, Advisory Board, Essen District of Deutsche Bank AG
• Scientific Coordinator, NRW Financial Centre Initiative, Ministry of Finance, North Rhine-Westphalia

Research Focus: Professor Paul’s work centers on the intersection of finance, regulation, and institutional economics. His investigations include banking supervision under Basel II/III, SME financing constraints, securitization, and the strategic adaptation of banks to digitalization and sustainability imperatives.

Publications & Thought Leadership: With more than 100 scholarly articles and numerous books, his output defines key debates on banking regulation and SME finance. Recent themes highlight risk-oriented pricing, the equity gap in SMEs, and the structural consolidation of the German banking market.

Scientific Awards & Honors: While no specific awards are listed, his extensive editorships (Semester Reports of the IKF, knowledge & action journal, ff. research series) and invitations to policy forums confirm his high academic standing.

Advising & Grants: He mentors Bachelor and Master students through theses and projects, maintains strong industry links for internships and placements, and secures collaborative research funding via the ikf° Institute and public bodies such as the NRW Ministry of Finance.

Labs & Teams: The ikf° Institute for Credit and Finance serves as his primary research hub, staffed by scientific assistants and doctoral researchers who support projects on banking transformation, risk management, and financial communication.