Yuhai Xuan

Yuhai Xuan is Dean’s Professor of Finance and Senior Associate Dean at The Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine. He previously served as Associate Dean of Master’s Programs from 2020 to 2024 and has held faculty positions at Harvard Business School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Financial Economics, Management Science, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, and other leading finance journals.

Education:

• PhD in Business Economics, Harvard University
• AM in Business Economics, Harvard University

Research Interests:
Professor Xuan’s research focuses on empirical corporate finance, corporate governance, and behavioral finance. His work explores how ownership structures, board dynamics, social ties, and regulatory changes shape firm behavior and financial outcomes. He investigates topics such as capital allocation, analyst incentives, financial constraints, and the real effects of financial decisions. His research often leverages novel datasets and quasi-experimental designs to identify causal relationships in financial markets.

Publication Trends:
His recent publications, appearing in top journals like Journal of Financial Economics and Management Science, reflect a strong emphasis on governance mechanisms, behavioral biases in finance, and the impact of policy changes. A recurring theme is the role of incentives and power dynamics in financial decision-making, whether among directors, analysts, or venture capitalists. His work bridges theory and practice, with implications for regulators, investors, and corporate leaders.

Scientific Awards:

• Jensen Prize (First Place Winner) for best corporate finance paper in Journal of Financial Economics
• All-Star Paper, Journal of Financial Economics
• Distinguished Service Award, Management Science (multiple years)
• Excellence in Teaching Awards at UC Irvine, Illinois, and Harvard
• CICF Best Paper Award
• Dean’s Impact Award, University of Illinois

Advising and Grants:
Professor Xuan has chaired or co-chaired PhD dissertation committees for students placed at institutions including Babson College, Nankai University, and SUNY Buffalo. While specific grant funding is not listed, his extensive publication record in top journals and invited presentations at over 40 universities and major conferences indicate strong research support. He has served on numerous editorial and program committees, reflecting leadership in the academic finance community.

Labs and Teams:
While no formal lab is mentioned, Professor Xuan leads a collaborative research network, frequently co-authoring with scholars from institutions worldwide. His work involves interdisciplinary teams focusing on finance, governance, and policy. He has also played leadership roles in academic programs, including as Academic Director of the Online MBA at Illinois and Senior Associate Dean at UCI Merage School.