Uniqueness and Specialness of Banks

Join us for the next event in: Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University Excellence Series. This series highlights leadership across diverse disciplines while providing a platform to showcase the University's distinctive and influential applied research. It celebrates research excellence and fosters public engagement, extending Lincoln University's specialist land-based expertise to a wider audience, driving New Zealand's prosperity and intergenerational well-being.

Banks play a central role in modern economies, serving as financial intermediaries that support growth, stability, and liquidity. This seminar, led by Prof. Christopher Gan, explores the unique functions and systemic importance of banks—such as money creation, maturity transformation, access to central bank facilities, and their role in the payment system—that distinguish them from other financial institutions. It also examines the rationale for strict regulatory oversight and how emerging technologies and non-bank entities are challenging traditional banking roles. Drawing on his extensive expertise, Prof. Gan will connect these themes to current financial developments in New Zealand and highlight how Lincoln University’s research contributes to a deeper understanding of financial resilience and economic well-being.

Tuesday 10 June

4.00pm-5.30pm

R1, Ross Building, Lincoln University

4.00 pm - Networking

4.15 pm  - Welcome & introduction from LU Vice-Chancellor

4.20 pm - Presentation from Speaker

4.50 pm - Summary

5.00 pm - Networking and questions over drinks and nibbles

5.30pm - Event Ends

Professor Christopher Gan

I am recognised internationally for research leadership in banking, microfinance, stock markets and Asian financial economics. My approach is quantitative in nature with an applied focus. I aim to expand existing knowledge and develop recommendations for relevant agencies, government and businesses. This includes studies of the Asian financial markets, the banking system in China, and rural credit and microfinance in Asia. I actively collaborate with academics from other universities (particularly from Asia) and inspire the next young generation of scholars through postgraduate supervision. I have an extensive publication record in well-ranked peer reviewed journals and am regularly cited by other researchers. I serve on editorial boards of several distinguished international journals and am chief editor of the Review of Applied Economics. I have won several awards for excellence in teaching including the National Teaching Excellence Award in 2003.

Research profile Christopher Gan