UChicago receives $60 million gift to support Chicago Booth’s Master in Finance Program

Oct 1, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Revolutionizing Finance Education: The Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program at Chicago Booth

The launch of the Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business marks a significant milestone in the institution's rich history of excellence in finance education. This innovative program, made possible by the extraordinary generosity and leadership of Cliff Asness and John Liew, co-founders of the global investment management firm AQR, promises to equip the next generation of finance professionals with the cutting-edge knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Empowering the Future Leaders of Finance

Leveraging Booth's Renowned Expertise

The Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program builds upon Chicago Booth's long-standing reputation as a global leader in finance education. For over a century, the school's world-renowned faculty have been at the forefront of shaping financial theory and markets, with 10 of its professors having been awarded Nobel Prizes for their groundbreaking research. From Merton H. Miller's contributions to corporate finance to Eugene F. Fama's work on efficient markets and Lars Peter Hansen's research on asset pricing, Booth's finance scholars have consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge, driving innovation and shaping the industry.

Cutting-Edge Curriculum and Experiential Learning

The Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program offers a rigorous, discipline-based course of study that is rooted in advanced quantitative methods in finance. Students will have the opportunity to explore the latest technologies and advancements disrupting the financial industry, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain technology. Beyond the classroom, the program also provides students with valuable career exploration and advising opportunities, such as the Leaders in Finance Speaker Series, as well as the option to specialize in a specific area to enhance their marketability.

Fostering a New Generation of Finance Leaders

"Thanks to Cliff and John's extraordinary generosity and leadership, the Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program will ensure that talented college graduates quickly reach the frontiers of modern finance," said Madhav Rajan, dean of Chicago Booth and the George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting. This investment will enable the school to successfully carry out its mission to influence and educate a promising new group of finance leaders, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to make a lasting impact on the industry.

Giving Back to the Institution that Shaped Their Success

Cliff Asness and John Liew, the co-founders of AQR, have a deep appreciation for the role that Chicago Booth played in shaping their professional and intellectual success. "When I think about the difficulties of professional and intellectual success, I think: 'There but for the grace of Chicago go I!'" said Asness. "This chance to give something back—helping make Chicago for others what it was for me—is beyond gratifying." Liew echoed this sentiment, stating, "It's hard to overstate the impact that our time at Booth had on us professionally. We literally built our careers and our business around what we learned. This really is the least we can do."

Transforming the Future of Finance

The Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program represents a transformative investment in the future of finance education. By leveraging Booth's renowned expertise, cutting-edge curriculum, and commitment to developing the next generation of finance leaders, this program is poised to shape the industry for years to come. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program will ensure that talented individuals are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to thrive and lead the way in this dynamic and ever-changing field.