The collaboration, announced at an official ceremony in Shanghai, focuses on research in areas such as technological advancements, risk management, and the aging population’s financial needs.
The event was attended by senior officials and academics, including Wu Wei, vice mayor of Shanghai, and Gu Jun, deputy secretary-general of Shanghai.
Representing Fudan University were:
Allianz was represented by:
As part of the collaboration, Allianz is sponsoring an auditorium in the School of Economics’ new building, which will host events and discussions to promote financial literacy and engagement among industry professionals and the public.
Gu Jun (pictured left) emphasised the significance of the partnership, describing it as a model for cooperation between academia and industry.
“We look forward to the strong alliance between Allianz and Fudan that not only promotes the deep integration of academic research and financial practice but also provides strong support for the cultivation of talents in the financial sector in Shanghai, enhancing Shanghai's influence as an international financial centre and gateway,” he said.
Qiu Xin (pictured right) underscored the potential impact of the initiative, stating that it would facilitate innovative research and strengthen connections between academic institutions and the financial industry.
“Fudan will enhance collaborative innovation with Allianz, utilising scientific planning, a pragmatic approach, and effective measures to transform the Fudan-Allianz Financial and Insurance Research Center into a pivotal think-tank research platform that spearheads industry development, thereby injecting new vitality into the construction of Shanghai’s international financial centre,” he said.
Renate Wagner (pictured second from left) highlighted Allianz’s commitment to China’s market and its focus on fostering innovation through collaboration.
“Together, Allianz and Fudan aspire to unlock opportunities for meaningful innovation, aiming to make a lasting impact on the sustainable development of the financial sector in Shanghai, across China, and around the world,” she said.
Danny Lam reiterated Allianz China’s dedication to the project, noting its potential to align academic research with industry priorities.
“We aim to integrate the academic insights of leading institutions with the industry expertise of global enterprises, creating a comprehensive platform for academic research, talent cultivation, and international exchange,” he said, adding that the initiative aligns with the broader goals of high-quality development in China’s financial sector.
Zhang Jun, dean of the School of Economics, outlined the research centre’s objectives, including addressing emerging trends in the insurance market and generating practical insights to support the industry’s growth.
“This will produce forward-looking and practical research outcomes, addressing the needs and trends of the growing China insurance market. As a result, the centre aims to become a ‘gold lettered signboard’ in the finance and insurance sector,” he said.
During the event, Wagner was appointed as a guest professor at Fudan University’s School of Economics.
She expressed enthusiasm for the role, emphasising the opportunity to bridge theory and practice in finance and insurance.
“I eagerly await returning to celebrate the inaugural achievements of our partnership and to engage with the vibrant academic community at Fudan,” she said.
