Dr. Yong Kyu Gam | Banking | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yong Kyu Gam | Banking | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yong Kyu Gam, University College Dublin, Ireland

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam is an Assistant Professor of Finance at University College Dublin’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. With a robust academic background and extensive research in banking, financial regulation, and corporate finance, Kevin has earned tenure in 2023 and holds key leadership positions, including Programme Director for the MSc in Finance and MSc in Sustainable Finance. Previously, he held academic roles at the Institute of Financial Studies, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China. His professional experience spans over a decade with Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service, where he served in various capacities, including senior management roles. His research on ESG, sustainability, and financial stability has gained wide recognition in top-tier journals, establishing him as a thought leader in finance.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam is an excellent candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His deep academic credentials, strong research portfolio, and active role in the academic community through teaching and conference participation demonstrate a high level of scholarly achievement. Moreover, his ability to bridge theory with practical financial regulation, especially in the evolving areas of ESG and financial technology, positions him as a researcher contributing significantly to the field of finance. He embodies the qualities of a top researcher, making him highly deserving of this recognition.

 🎓  Education

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam has a rich academic foundation. He earned his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Finance from Washington University in St. Louis in 2017. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Finance from The University of Texas at Austin in 2014. His academic journey began in South Korea, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Seoul National University in 2004. His diverse educational experience has equipped him with strong analytical, research, and leadership skills, paving the way for his successful academic and professional career in finance. His academic focus has spanned several international institutions, offering him a global perspective on financial systems, corporate governance, and banking.

 💼 Experience 

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam’s professional career balances academia and practical finance. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Finance at University College Dublin, where he also serves as the Programme Director for the MSc in Finance and Sustainable Finance. Prior to his academic role, Kevin worked at the Financial Supervisory Service in Seoul, Korea, from 2004 to 2017, holding senior management positions in departments like Bank Supervision and Credit Supervision. Additionally, Kevin was involved in international financial policy as part of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. His professional journey also includes roles as an Assistant/Associate Professor at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China. This rich combination of regulatory experience and academic research positions him as an influential figure in financial supervision, corporate governance, and financial intermediation.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam has achieved numerous recognitions throughout his career. In 2023, he earned tenure at University College Dublin, reflecting his academic excellence and leadership in finance education. His appointment as Programme Director for two prestigious MSc programs underscores his contributions to curriculum development and student engagement. He has also been a recipient of several grants supporting his innovative research on ESG, sustainability, and corporate governance, which have been published in top-tier journals. Kevin has presented his research at high-profile international conferences, such as the Financial Management Association (FMA) and the Economics of Financial Technology Conference, gaining recognition for his contributions to banking and finance. His work as a referee for leading journals highlights his thought leadership and commitment to advancing financial scholarship.

🌍 Research Focus

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam’s research primarily focuses on financial regulation, banking, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) integration in corporate finance. His work examines the intersection of financial intermediation and sustainability, particularly how banks respond to regulatory changes and environmental pressures. Kevin’s research addresses pressing issues like the impact of climate transition on bank liquidity, corporate governance reform, and financial stability under ESG frameworks. He is particularly interested in the real-world application of financial regulation, examining the effects of legal and economic policies on banking operations and corporate decision-making. His scholarly contributions also extend to fintech and the role of financial technology in shaping future banking systems. With several published papers in top journals, Kevin’s research plays a crucial role in understanding modern finance’s evolving challenges, especially in sustainability and corporate governance.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • The effect of ex ante litigation risk on corporate fraud: Evidence from securities class action act in Korea
  • Decision-Making Delegation in Banks
  • The effect of ESG-motivated turnover on firm financial risk

    Citation: 1

  • Environmental reputation and bank liquidity: Evidence from climate transition

    Citation: 7 

  • US National Banks and Local Economic Fragility

    Citation: 2