Accounting and Finance Conference

Accounting and Finance at ULSB invites submissions for its inaugural research conference 'The Future of Finance and Accounting: Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Systematic Change'.  This flagship event is intended to establish a recurring platform for high-quality research exchange, positioning Accounting and Finance at ULSB as a focal point for scholarly dialogue on the future of these disciplines in the UK and internationally.

The conference will be held on Thursday 4 June 2026 at the School of Business campus, Brookfield.

Call for papers

Rapid technological advancements - including artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, blockchain, and digital platforms - are fundamentally reshaping financial systems, institutions, and markets, as well as the practice, and infrastructure of accounting.  These developments are transforming how financial and accounting information is generated, analysed, and communicated, while raising important questions for governance, transparency, accountability, and financial stability.

At the same time, these transformations are closely linked to broader challenges facing modern economies, including sustainability, financial inclusion, and the evolving role of accounting and finance in supporting responsible economic development.

The conference aims to bring together scholars working at the forefront of these developments and to foster dialogue across finance, accounting, and related disciplines.  It particularly welcomes interdisciplinary work bridging accounting and finance.

The programme will feature a keynote speech (speaker TBC), a panel discussion, and parallel research sessions.  The programme will also include a PhD poster session, providing an opportunity for doctoral researchers to present their work in an informal and interactive setting.  Poster presentations will take place during the breaks, encouraging discussion and feedback from participants.

To recognise excellence across contributions, the conference will feature several awards including a Best Conference Paper Award, Best Accounting Paper Award, Bes Finance Paper Award and a Best PhD Poster Award.

Conference topics

We welcome theoretical and empirical contributions in, but not limited to, the following areas:

Digital finance, technology and data

• FinTech, digital banking, and platform-based finance
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning in finance and accounting
• Blockchain, digital assets, and decentralised finance
• Financial data analytics and algorithmic decision-making

Accounting transformation and the future of the profession

• Digital reporting, real-time accounting, and data-driven transparency
• The impact of AI and automation on the accounting profession and practice
• The future of auditing, assurance, and risk assessment in digital environments
• Data governance, accounting information systems, and digital control frameworks
• Professional judgement, ethics, and accountability in technology-enabled environments

Banking, financial institutions, and system stability

• Banking, financial intermediation, and the role of financial institutions
• Financial regulation, governance, and stability in digital environments

Sustainability, inclusion and societal impact

• ESG, sustainability reporting, and climate finance
• Environmental accounting and sustainable investment
• Financial inclusion and access to finance
• SME finance and entrepreneurial ecosystems
• The role of financial and accounting information in reducing inequalities

Submission guidelines

• Full papers or extended abstracts (2-3 pages) are welcome.
• Submissions should be in PDF format.
• Submissions should include author names, affiliations and contact details.
• Please also indicate the thematic area that best fits the submission (e.g. digital finance, accounting innovation, sustainability, banking) to the support the review process and session organisation.

Submission deadline: 24 April 2026
Notification of acceptance: 8 May 2026
Registration deadline: 15 May 2025

Conference registration and fee

The conference is open to both internal and external participants and online registration will be open in May 2026.

• Standard delegate fee: £50
• PhD student fee: £25

The registration fee includes access to all sessions, conference materials, refreshments and lunch.

Contact and submissions

For any questions about the conference and to submit papers please email AFconference@le.ac.uk