In a financial world shaped by volatility, AI breakthroughs, and rapidly evolving risks, applied research is no longer optional—it is essential. Investors, institutions, and policymakers are shifting away from abstract theories to demand insights rooted in real-time data, behavioural trends, and technological tools.
At the heart of this shift is Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance program, where applied research is practiced. In this blog, Dr Efstathios Polyzos, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Finance, discuss how research—and the master’s degree program—are redefining what it means to be future-ready in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) fast-moving financial landscape.
This is the second in a series of blog articles exploring emerging trends shaping the finance sector in the UAE.
Why Applied Research Matters Today
“Today’s financial environment is too dynamic for static models,” says Dr Polyzos. “We are dealing with unpredictable markets, sudden shifts, and complex interdependencies. The only way to keep pace is through applied research that reflects real-world data, behaviour, and conditions.” Dr Polyzos emphasizes that applied research starts with urgent, real-life questions. What would tighter crypto regulations do to market stability? How should investors respond to interest rate hikes? These are the kinds of questions that analysts, investors, and banks are grappling with—and the kinds that applied research aims to answer. From pandemics and geopolitical tensions to financial crises, the need for data-driven, real-time insights has never been more critical.
Applied vs. Theoretical Research: What is the Difference?
In traditional research, the goal is to validate models in idealized settings. In applied research, the focus is on solving practical problems in messy, unpredictable environments. “We’re not trying to build the perfect model,” says Dr Polyzos. “We are trying to build the most useful one.” By simulating individual agent behaviours through tools like agent-based modelling, or by using sentiment analysis to track crypto market reactions, Zayed University’s research goes beyond academic theory to deliver insights with direct market impact.
Integrating Research into the Classroom
At Zayed University, research is embedded into every part of the Master of Science in Finance program. Faculty bring cutting-edge projects into the classroom. Dr Polyzos shares several examples from his own work, including:
These are the same tools used by policymakers, regulators, and portfolio managers.
The Power of Modern Tools: Machine Learning & Econometrics
“Machine learning does not replace economic reasoning—it expands it,” Dr Polyzos explains. At Zayed University, students gain exposure to both classical econometrics and emerging technologies. From autoregressive random forest models to natural language processing in crypto markets, students learn how to tackle volatility, high-dimensional data, and real-time analysis. From fraud detection to credit scoring, the role of AI in financial services is expanding rapidly, offering both new capabilities and regulatory challenges. This combination of theoretical foundation and technical fluency prepares graduates to lead in roles that demand both strategic thinking and quantitative rigor.
Industry Collaboration: More Than a Buzzword
Although many programs claim to be industry-aligned, only a few delivers on that promise. Zayed University takes a dual approach—developing research that answers real-world problems and building a curriculum shaped by market demand. From crypto pricing analysis and ESG frameworks to digital asset regulation and policy-driven investment behaviour, faculty projects are designed with industry use in mind. The Master of Science in Finance program also actively invites financial institutions into UAE and beyond. As Dr Polyzos puts it, “We do not want to only study the world. We want to shape it.”
Preparing Students for a Data-Driven Future
Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance students gain more than technical know-how—they develop what Dr Polyzos calls a “research mindset.” “They learn how to structure a problem, source the right data, apply appropriate methods, and communicate their findings clearly,” he says. With access to tools like Bloomberg terminals and coding environments, students graduate with both hard and soft skills: analytical thinking, financial storytelling, data interpretation, and problem-solving. This blend is exactly what employers are seeking in roles like strategy, risk management, ESG, and financial analysis.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next in Finance Research?
Dr Polyzos highlights several emerging areas for finance professionals to watch:
As regulators strive to keep up with crypto market volatility, international institutions are stepping in with structured crypto asset policy frameworks to help guide market development and investor protection. These emerging themes not only reflect global trends but also align with the UAE’s strategic priorities under the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which positions financial innovation at the heart of national development.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Co-Creation
As the UAE accelerates its push toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy under Vision 2031, the need for industry-academic partnerships is rising. “There is a lot of potential,” Dr Polyzos concludes. “But we as academic need to make our research visible, accessible, and actionable. That is the responsibility we hold.” With its deep-rooted commitment to applied research, faculty expertise, and practical learning, Zayed University’s Master of Science in Finance program stands at the forefront of that mission.
Want to lead the future of finance? Explore the Master of Science in Finance program at Zayed University and see how you can turn data into decisions. Contact the College of Business at +971-2-599-3605 / dgs.recruitment@zu.ac.ae