On June 8, the School of Finance and Economics successfully launched its prestigious "Finance and Society" guest lecture series for the spring semester. The inaugural lecture, titled "Central Bank Digital Currencies and Financial Inclusion: A Global Perspective," was delivered by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a renowned economist from the Bank of England, via video conference. The event was attended by a captivated audience of over 100 students and faculty, with international students forming a significant and engaged portion.

The series, scheduled to run bi-weekly, aims to explore the intersection of financial systems with broader social, ethical, and technological issues. Upcoming talks will feature experts from Singapore, Germany, and Canada discussing topics ranging from impact investing and green finance to the social implications of algorithmic trading. Each session includes an extended Q&A period, allowing students to engage directly with global thought leaders.

For international students, this series provides a critical platform to connect their studies in Jiangsu with worldwide financial debates and policy developments. "It helps us situate what we learn about the Chinese financial system within a global context," remarked Maria Fernandez, a graduate student from Mexico. The series strengthens the School's academic reputation and provides students with insights that are vital for understanding the evolving role of finance in shaping societies.