Syed Shams

Assoc Prof Syed Shams is an Associate Professor in Accounting and Finance at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), affiliated with the School of Business. He holds a PhD in Finance from Monash University, complemented by a BBusAdm and MBA from Dhaka University. His research focuses on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, banking, and climate change impact. He has secured significant grants, including over $10K for projects on digital financial services and pandemic-related corporate behavior. Shams has also received multiple teaching and research awards, emphasizing student learning and L&T innovation. He currently supervises doctoral and master’s students in finance-related topics such as net-zero pathways and ESG controversies. His work is published in top journals like Journal of Business Finance and Accounting and Journal of Corporate Finance. Shams contributes to the Institute for Resilient Regions (IRR) at USQ, aligning with his research on sustainability and regional development.

Education:

• PhD in Finance, Monash University (2013)
• MBA, Dhaka University (2007)
• BBusAdm, Dhaka University (2006)

Research Interests: Shams explores the intersection of corporate strategy and environmental sustainability, particularly how ESG metrics influence financial decisions, M&A outcomes, and corporate governance. His recent work highlights the role of gender diversity in boards, carbon risk management, and the impact of economic policy uncertainty on acquisitions. He also examines FinTech innovations and their macroeconomic implications, such as pandemic-driven loan default risks in peer-to-peer lending markets.

Awards:

• 2021 USQ Research Capacity Building Grant ($10,510.50)
• 2018 USQ Excellence Award for Advancing Student Learning ($5,000)
• 2016 Best Teaching Award (4.67/5.00)
• 2015 JCAE Travel Award

Teaching & Supervision: Shams teaches courses like FIN1101 Corporate Finance and FIN1103 Financial Markets. He mentors students in doctoral research on topics such as net-zero emissions, ESG controversies, and climate change disclosure. His supervisory work spans 15+ completed and ongoing projects, emphasizing empirical analysis in finance and sustainability.

Labs & Teams: Collaborates with the Institute for Resilient Regions (IRR) to address regional economic challenges through sustainable finance solutions.