Stephan Siegel

Stephan Siegel is a Professor of Finance and Business Economics at the Michael G. Foster School of Business, University of Washington, and holds the Michael G. Foster Endowed Professorship. With a PhD from Columbia University (2006), he has been at the University of Washington since 2005. His research bridges behavioral finance, household finance, international finance, and genetics in financial decision-making.

• Education: PhD and MPhil from Columbia University, BSc from University of Bayreuth
• Professional Roles: Managing Editor of the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis (2022-present), CESifo Research Network Fellow (2018-present), Associate Editor at Journal of Banking and Finance (2015-present)

Siegel’s research explores how cultural, biological, and political factors influence financial behavior. Key themes include:

• Behavioral finance (e.g., investor biases, prenatal environment effects)
• Political risk in asset pricing and acquisitions
• Income inequality’s impact on equity markets
• Genetic determinants of savings and investment decisions

His recent publications focus on volatility dynamics, political risk spreads, and cultural drivers of corporate risk-taking. These works span empirical finance, behavioral economics, and international market integration.

Scientific Awards

• 2025 Hybrid MBA Excellence in Teaching Award
• 2023 WFA, Wharton-WRDS Best Empirical Finance Paper Award
• 2015 Andrew V. Smith Award for Excellence in Research
• 2010 Doctoral Fellowship at Columbia University

Siegel mentors PhD and MBA students, evidenced by his 2015 PhD Program Mentoring Award. He teaches International Finance and Behavioral Finance in Foster’s MBA, Hybrid MBA, and Executive MBA programs. His professional experience includes consulting roles in financial services and private equity.