Don't throw good money after bad! A recent study by Wharton finance professor Marius Guenzel, titled "In Too Deep: The Effect of Sunk Costs on Corporate Investment," reveals that sunk costs can lead to significant distortions in investment decisions made by firms. Find out why CEOs ignore the principle of sunk costs and how it can impact a company's performance. The article also discusses strategies that firms can use to overcome the sunk cost fallacy and make more effective investment decisions.

Cryptocurrency ventures are filing for bankruptcy, raising concerns about regulatory protection for retail consumers. Thomas Kalafatis and Richard Nesbitt argue that while cryptographically enhanced commerce is here to stay, regulators must become more aggressive with both coins and programming code to keep externalities under control. The lack of protection for disadvantaged consumers imposes a disproportionate cost of failure. Despite clear regulations, fraud still occurs, and more uniform and less arbitrageable regulation is needed to meet the public's demand for the benefit of cryptographically enhanced commerce.

Learning about Ponzi schemes can help you become a more informed investor and a smarter consumer. Ponzi schemes are scams that offer high returns on investments but actually use new investors’ money to pay earlier investors. Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme, the largest in history, conned tens of billions of dollars from investors over multiple decades. Understanding how Ponzi schemes work can help you avoid falling victim to them and make better choices with your money. Learning about Ponzi schemes can also help you develop critical thinking skills as you evaluate investment opportunities and assess their legitimacy. By delving into this topic, you can become more financially savvy and protect yourself from fraudulent schemes.

The global financial crisis of 2008 led to economic turmoil and widespread job loss, but the role of OTC (over-the-counter) derivatives in the crash is not well understood. These complex financial instruments were designed to reduce risk, but they amplified it, resulting in massive losses and a bailout that cost taxpayers trillions of dollars. OTC derivatives are contracts that allow parties to speculate on the future value of assets such as stocks, bonds, or commodities. They are privately negotiated and not traded on public exchanges, which makes them less transparent and harder to regulate. Banks and other financial institutions created increasingly complex and risky derivatives, such as credit default swaps (CDS) that allowed investors to bet on the likelihood of default on mortgages and other debt in the years leading up to the crisis. When the housing bubble burst and homeowners began defaulting on their mortgages, the value of CDS contracts plummeted, causing massive losses for those who held them. This triggered a chain reaction of failures and bailouts as banks tried to shore up their balance sheets and avoid bankruptcy. The government bailouts of banks and other financial institutions during the crisis are estimated to have cost $12.8 trillion globally, including direct and indirect costs such as lost tax revenue and economic output. Leading academics have been critical of the lack of transparency and regulation in the OTC derivatives market. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a law professor and former chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel for TARP, has argued that the complexity and opacity of these instruments makes it difficult to assess risk and protect consumers. Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz has also warned of the dangers of unregulated financial innovation, calling for stronger oversight and better risk management. Understanding the role of OTC derivatives in the global financial crisis is a lesson in the need for transparency, accountability, and responsible risk management in the world of finance. By exploring this and related topics in more depth, students can gain valuable insights into the workings of the economy and the forces that shape our world.

The topics of securitisation and the global financial crisis are not just about numbers, facts, and statistics, but also about human failure, greed, and risk. It's a tale of how a small spark in the world of finance led to a massive explosion that shook the global economy to its core. Let's start with the basics. Securitisation is the process of pooling together various financial assets and then selling securities backed by those assets to investors. The idea behind securitisation was to spread the risk of default among many different investors and make the financial system more stable. However, the reality was far from what was promised. The global financial crisis of 2008 was triggered by the collapse of the housing market, which had been the backbone of the securitisation industry. The crisis was caused by the failure of the rating agencies, who were supposed to assess the risk associated with securities, but instead, gave high ratings to securities backed by risky loans. Ever heard of the term NINJA loans? No Income, No Job, No Assets - these were the types of loans that were being securitised and sold to investors. The financial industry was full of these loans, and the ratings agencies were happy to give high ratings to these securities, leading to the financial crisis. Leading academics such as Raghuram Rajan and Joseph Stiglitz have made significant contributions to the field of securitisation and the global financial crisis. Rajan highlighted the dangers of the financial system's reliance on securitisation, while Stiglitz criticised the rating agencies for their role in the crisis. We hope this write-up has inspired you to dive deeper into the world of securitisation and the global financial crisis. It's a fascinating topic with real-life examples and lessons to be learned. So, grab a book, turn on a documentary, or start a project, and let your imagination take you on a journey to a world of risk, failure, and exploration.

Are you interested in helping people secure their financial futures? Do you have a knack for numbers and a passion for problem-solving? If so, a career in financial planning might be the perfect fit for you! As a financial planner, you will work with individuals and families to create comprehensive financial plans that help them achieve their goals and dreams. Whether it's saving for retirement, buying a house, or paying for college, financial planners play a crucial role in helping people make informed decisions about their money. One of the most appealing aspects of a career in financial planning is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. By providing expert advice and guidance, you can help your clients navigate complex financial issues and achieve their dreams. Typical duties of a financial planner include assessing clients' financial situations, developing personalized financial plans, providing investment advice, and monitoring progress towards financial goals. Many financial planners specialize in areas such as retirement planning, estate planning, or tax planning, while others work in related fields such as banking, insurance, or accounting. To become a financial planner, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as finance, accounting, or economics. Popular undergraduate programs for aspiring financial planners include the Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Economics. Many financial planners also pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Business Administration or a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification. In addition to strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of financial markets, successful financial planners possess a range of helpful personal attributes such as excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for helping others. The job outlook for financial planners is strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 4% growth rate over the next decade. Financial planners can work for a variety of employers, including banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and government agencies. Some of the most notable and attractive potential employers in the field include firms such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley, as well as government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Reserve. In conclusion, a career in financial planning offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives while also building a successful and fulfilling career. If you're interested in helping people achieve their financial goals and dreams, consider exploring this exciting and dynamic field today!

Did you know that corporate fraud may be more widespread than we think? According to Professor Alexander Dyck and his team, 3% of U.S. companies are caught committing fraud each year under typical surveillance, but the real number may be closer to 10%. Their research, which examines the impact of the Enron scandal on detecting fraud, also estimated that fraud destroys about 1.6% of a company's equity value, representing about $830 billion in current U.S. dollars. This research will inspire you to explore the topic further and think critically about the role of regulation and oversight in corporate governance.

Social media has changed the dynamics of bank runs, as seen in the case of Silicon Valley Bank where depositors fled at an extraordinary rate of $40bn in one day due to social media chatter. This raises concerns about the fragility of the banking system built on faith and trust. The speed at which runs can take place and social media can be translated into loss is a new challenge that regulators need to address. The source passage explores the impact of social media on bank runs and the need for regulatory responses.

In "The Curse of Cash," Kenneth Rogoff, a world-renowned economist, presents a radical idea: getting rid of most paper money to fight crime, tax evasion, and financial crises. With a record $1.4 trillion in US dollars alone, paper money is feeding a massive underground economy, crippling monetary policy, and making us poorer and less safe. Rogoff offers a plan to phase out most paper money, leaving small-denomination bills and coins in circulation, and addresses the issues the transition will pose. This thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone interested in economics, finance, politics, and social justice. Recommended for students of economics, finance, and political science, as well as professionals in banking, law enforcement, and policy-making, "The Curse of Cash" sheds light on the hidden costs and dangers of paper money and proposes a bold solution to some of the world's biggest problems. By exploring the links between cash, crime, corruption, terrorism, and economic inequality, Rogoff challenges us to rethink our assumptions about money and value, and to consider the implications of a cashless society for privacy, security, and social welfare. This book is also relevant to anyone interested in global affairs, technology, and the future of money.

Discover the fascinating history of money, from seashells to government debt, and explore the rise of Bitcoin as the digital age's newest solution to the problem of money. Economist Saifedean Ammous argues that Bitcoin's true importance may lie in providing a decentralized, neutral, free-market alternative to national central banks. Dive into this thought-provoking analysis of sound money, economic growth, and international peace, and learn how Bitcoin could shape the future of our monetary system. Recommended for economics students, investors, and anyone interested in the history and future of money. This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the mechanics of Bitcoin and its potential to challenge the global monetary order. The author's exploration of sound money and its benefits to economic growth, innovation, and individual freedom make this book relevant to a wide range of fields of study and professions. Additionally, the book's focus on Bitcoin as a store of value and network for settlement between large financial institutions may be of particular interest to those in the finance industry.

The Business Blockchain by William Mougayar is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the potential of blockchain technology. This book goes beyond the basics of what a blockchain is and explores the polymorphic characteristics of this revolutionary technology, which will enable frictionless value exchange and redefine relationships, power, and governance. Mougayar, a blockchain industry insider, draws on his extensive experience to describe a future influenced by blockchain technology as the catalyst for change. The Business Blockchain is an invitation to explore the many facets of blockchain technology and learn how to think about its potential. Recommended for entrepreneurs, investors, technologists, and business-minded individuals, The Business Blockchain provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential of blockchain technology. This book is relevant to a wide range of fields of studies, including computer science, economics, finance, and law. It is also useful for professionals in various industries, such as banking, insurance, healthcare, and supply chain management, who are interested in exploring the transformative potential of blockchain technology. Finally, this book is relevant to anyone interested in understanding the future of trust, value exchange, and governance in a decentralized world.

Why do companies manipulate their financial reports? A new study shows that the financial incentives of rank-and-file employees play a significant role in shaping corporate financial reporting. Researchers found that higher pay and fixed compensation for junior accountants can improve accounting quality, while cash bonuses tied to corporate earnings can lead to aggressive revenue recognition and misreporting. Learn more about the bean counters' dilemma and its impact on financial reporting in this thought-provoking study by the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the University of Washington's Foster School of Business.

Are you looking for a career that is challenging, dynamic, and rewarding? Do you want to make a positive impact on people's lives and help them save money? If so, then a career in tax planning might be just what you're looking for! Tax planning is a field that involves helping individuals and businesses navigate the complex world of taxes. As a tax planner, you will work with clients to minimize their tax liability while ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This can involve everything from preparing tax returns to developing long-term tax strategies. One of the most appealing aspects of a career in tax planning is the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients. You might work with individuals, small businesses, or large corporations, each with their unique tax needs and challenges. And because tax laws are constantly changing, you will always be learning and adapting to new situations. Another exciting aspect of tax planning is the potential to specialize in a particular area. For example, you might focus on international tax planning, estate planning, or tax law for nonprofits. There are also many related fields, such as accounting or financial planning, that can complement a career in tax planning. To become a tax planner, you typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Many universities offer specialized programs in tax planning, such as the Taxation and Accounting program at the University of Southern California or the Taxation program at Georgetown University. You may also need to obtain additional certifications, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA) designation. In addition to education and training, there are certain personal attributes that can be helpful in a career in tax planning. These include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills. You will need to be able to explain complex tax concepts to clients in a way that is easy to understand. Job prospects for tax planners are generally good, as taxes are a fact of life for individuals and businesses alike. Some of the top employers in the field include accounting firms like Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and PwC, as well as financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. And because tax laws are constantly changing, there will always be a need for skilled tax planners. So if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career that can make a real difference in people's lives, consider a career in tax planning. With the right education, training, and personal attributes, you can help clients navigate the complex world of taxes and achieve their financial goals.

In "The End of Alchemy," former Bank of England governor Mervyn King offers a unique perspective on the history and future of money and banking. King reveals how the creation of paper money and banks issuing credit were revolutionary and almost magical ideas that have fueled economic growth for two centuries. However, they have also produced an unending string of economic disasters. King offers bold solutions to provide a clear path to durable prosperity and the end of overreliance on the alchemy of our financial ancestors. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the mechanisms of our capitalist society. Recommended for economics students, financial professionals, and anyone interested in the history and future of money and banking. This book offers a unique perspective on how the creation of paper money and banks issuing credit have fueled economic growth for two centuries, but also produced economic disasters. King's bold solutions provide a clear path to durable prosperity and the end of overreliance on the alchemy of our financial ancestors. This book is also relevant to those interested in the broader implications of capitalism and its mechanisms on society.

Are you interested in a field that combines finance, law, and strategy? Look no further than tax planning! Tax planning is a fascinating field that involves helping individuals and businesses navigate the complex world of taxation. Did you know that tax planning can save individuals and businesses thousands, even millions of dollars? For example, a tax planner might help a small business owner structure their company in a way that minimizes their tax liability, or advise a wealthy individual on how to make charitable donations in a tax-efficient way. In the world of academia, tax planning is a hot topic. Researchers are constantly exploring new ways to minimize tax liability while staying within the bounds of the law. Some of the most well-known figures in the field include Edward Kleinbard, who has written extensively on the taxation of multinational corporations, and Lily Batchelder, who has proposed a wealth tax to address income inequality. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to take courses in tax law, accounting, and financial planning. Some universities also offer specialized courses in areas like estate planning or international taxation. Students who want to pursue further specialization can go on to study tax law or become certified public accountants. So what kind of careers can you expect to find in tax planning? The possibilities are endless! Tax planners can work for accounting firms, law firms, or consulting firms. They can also work for government agencies or non-profit organizations. Some notable employers in the field include PwC, Deloitte, and the Internal Revenue Service. To succeed in tax planning, you'll need to have a strong foundation in finance and accounting, as well as a keen eye for detail. You should also be comfortable working with numbers and have excellent communication skills. If you're interested in helping individuals and businesses save money while staying on the right side of the law, tax planning might be the perfect field for you!

Are you a natural problem solver with a keen eye for detail? Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where every day is different? If so, a career in Risk Management might be the perfect fit for you! Risk Management is a field that involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks that could impact an organization's operations, finances, or reputation. This can include everything from natural disasters and cyber attacks to financial fraud and legal liabilities. One of the most appealing aspects of a career in Risk Management is the diversity of the role. Depending on the industry you work in, you could be responsible for anything from developing emergency response plans to conducting security audits and investigating incidents. For example, a Risk Manager in the healthcare industry might focus on ensuring patient safety and compliance with regulatory requirements, while a Risk Manager in the financial sector might be responsible for managing market and credit risk. To succeed in this field, you'll need a combination of analytical skills, communication skills, and business acumen. A degree in business, finance, or a related field is typically required, with many employers preferring candidates with a Master's degree or professional certification. There are many potential areas of specialization within Risk Management, including Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk Management, and Cybersecurity Risk Management. In addition, there are many related fields that can lead to a career in Risk Management, such as Insurance, Accounting, and Law. Some popular undergraduate programs and majors for those interested in Risk Management include Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, and Economics. Many universities also offer specialized Risk Management programs that provide in-depth training in the field. When it comes to job prospects, the outlook for Risk Management professionals is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade. There are many potential employers in both the public and private sectors, including government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Some notable and attractive potential employers in the field of Risk Management include JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, Aon, and Marsh. These companies offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits packages, and opportunities for career advancement. In conclusion, if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in the world, consider a career in Risk Management. With its diverse range of responsibilities, attractive job prospects, and potential for growth and advancement, this field is sure to offer something for everyone.

Do you struggle to save money, resist impulse purchases, or stick to a budget? You're not alone. Many people find it challenging to make good financial decisions, but what if there was a way to nudge ourselves in the right direction? Enter behavioral design, a field that uses insights from psychology and behavioral economics to create products, services, and experiences that influence our behavior in positive ways. In financial management, behavioral design can be used to help people make better decisions about spending, saving, and investing. One key concept in behavioral design is choice architecture, which refers to the way options are presented to us. For example, research shows that people are more likely to save money when they are automatically enrolled in a savings plan than when they have to opt-in. Similarly, offering multiple payment options (e.g., credit card, debit card, cash) can encourage people to spend more than if only one option is available. Another important concept is mental accounting, which refers to the way we categorize and prioritize our money. For example, people tend to treat windfall money (e.g., a tax refund) differently than earned money (e.g., a paycheck). Behavioral design can help us leverage these mental accounting tendencies to make better financial decisions. Leading academics in the field of behavioral design, such as Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, have written extensively about these concepts and their applications. Thaler, in particular, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2017 for his work on behavioral economics. But it's not just academics who are using behavioral design to improve financial management. Companies like Acorns and Digit use behavioral design to encourage saving and investing, while apps like Mint and YNAB use it to help people budget and manage their money more effectively. By exploring this topic further, you can gain a better understanding of how behavioral design can be used to improve financial decision-making and potentially apply these insights to your own life.

Are you fascinated by the world of finance and the workings of the global economy? Do you have a keen eye for detail and an analytical mind? If so, then studying Economic Research at university could be the perfect choice for you. Economic Research is a dynamic and exciting field of study that delves into the intricacies of the global economy. It combines the principles of economics and statistics to analyze and understand economic phenomena, such as market trends, consumer behavior, and government policies. One of the most interesting aspects of Economic Research is the ability to apply your knowledge to real-life situations. For example, you could analyze the impact of a new tax policy on the economy or predict the effects of a natural disaster on a particular industry. Your research could help businesses and governments make informed decisions that have a real impact on people's lives. There are many renowned academic figures in the field of Economic Research, such as Paul Krugman, Joseph Stiglitz, and Esther Duflo, who have made significant contributions to the field. Their innovative research and academic discourse have helped shape our understanding of the global economy. At undergraduate level, you can expect to study a range of modules, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and financial economics. You may also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as behavioral economics, international finance, or development economics. The skills and knowledge you gain from studying Economic Research can open up a wide range of career opportunities. You could work in finance, consulting, or government, among other industries. Notable potential employers include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and Goldman Sachs. To succeed in Economic Research, you will need to have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for economics. You should also be comfortable working with data and have excellent communication skills to present your findings effectively. In conclusion, studying Economic Research is a fascinating and rewarding choice for anyone interested in the global economy and its impact on society. With a range of potential career paths and the opportunity to make a real difference, it's a field of study that is both challenging and fulfilling.

Big-tech credit is projected to surpass $1 trillion globally by 2023, but what impact will it have on traditional lenders? Our research shows that non-bank traditional lenders face direct competition from big techs in small loans, leading to a decline in their lending business. However, they respond by holding higher lending standards, implying a more conservative attitude towards who qualifies as a borrower. Discover the implications of big-tech credit on the financial system and its potential impact on financial inclusion.

Auditing might not sound like the most exciting career, but it's actually a crucial role in ensuring that businesses and organizations are financially healthy and following all the rules. As an auditor, you'll be responsible for reviewing financial records, assessing risk and making recommendations to improve processes and procedures. One of the most interesting aspects of auditing is the variety of industries you can work in. Auditors are needed in everything from healthcare to finance, and can specialize in areas like IT auditing or forensic accounting. This means that as an auditor, you'll get to work with a diverse range of clients and industries, keeping things fresh and challenging. Typical duties can include reviewing financial statements, testing internal controls, and identifying areas where the organization can improve its financial practices. You'll need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex financial information in a clear and concise way. To become an auditor, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Popular majors include accounting, finance, and business administration. Many auditors also go on to earn certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designations. In terms of personal attributes, successful auditors tend to be detail-oriented, analytical, and able to work independently. You'll also need strong communication skills, as you'll be working with clients and colleagues from a variety of backgrounds. Job prospects for auditors are strong, with a projected growth rate of 10% over the next decade. Some notable employers in the field include the "Big Four" accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY), as well as government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). So if you're looking for a career that's challenging, rewarding, and in-demand, auditing might be the perfect fit for you!