HKU Business School’s Assistant Professor of Finance Haonan Zhou brings a wealth of expertise in international finance and macroeconomics. Prof. Zhou’s academic journey has taken him across the globe, as his academic foundation was laid during his undergraduate years at the University of Chicago, where he studied Mathematics and Economics. This exposure and study helped develop his deep interest in economics research, which also set the stage for his future professional and academic development.

His studies brought him to Princeton University, where he completed his Ph.D. in Economics. During his time at Princeton, Prof. Zhou collaborated with leading researchers and organisations, including work involved with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), gaining hands-on experience in addressing international financial challenges.

Prof. Zhou’s research focuses on critical issues such as global capital allocation, emerging markets, and exchange rate dynamics. By integrating quantitative economic models with more granular data, he seeks to uncover insights that bridge theoretical frameworks with real-world applications. His work emphasises the importance of grounding academic research in practical global issues to maximise its impact. Collaboration is a cornerstone of his approach, reflecting his belief in the value of complementarity and economies of scale in research.

One of Prof. Zhou’s notable contributions was his collaboration with Maurice “Maury” Obstfeld, former Chief Economist at the IMF, on a paper examining the impact of US dollar appreciation on emerging market economies like China and Brazil. This research highlighted the role of the US dollar in the global economy and underscored the importance of understanding its fluctuations to effectively navigate the international financial landscape. The paper garnered significant attention from policymakers, helping to build Prof. Zhou’s reputation as a rising young scholar in his field.

In addition to his research, Prof. Zhou is deeply committed to education. At the HKU Business School, he is committed to creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment. He is a firm believer in encouraging students from diverse disciplines to connect classroom concepts with real-world financial impacts. In his classes and for all his students he values open communication and curiosity, emphasising the importance of clarity and simplicity in conveying complex ideas.

Prof. Zhou’s philosophy extends to his work as a mentor, where he actively inspires students and researchers to keep building on their own academic pursuits and careers. He makes it a point to emphasise that the path to success in research is nonlinear. Academic, professional, and personal progress often emerges after periods of difficulty and challenge. As an educator, Prof. Zhou makes it a point to support his students on their own journeys through the complex landscape of cutting-edge academic inquiry.

Through his research, teaching, and mentorship, Prof. Zhou exemplifies his commitment to the field of international financial institutions and markets.