Shashwat Alok is an Associate Professor of Finance at the Indian School of Business (ISB). He joined ISB in 2013 after receiving his PhD in Finance from the Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis. He is currently the Research Director at the Digital Identity Research Initiative.

His primary research interests are in the areas of corporate finance. In particular, his research focuses on understanding the impact of the law, government policy, and institutions on firms and individual behaviour, with a greater focus on emerging markets. His recent work seeks to examine the role of alternative data and fintech in expanding financial inclusion, and the impact of climate change on firms and capital allocation.

Professor Alok is the recipient of multiple prestigious grants, and his work has been accepted at leading international conferences such as those hosted by the American Finance Association, the Asian Bureau of Finance and Economic Research, the European Finance Association, and the Financial Intermediation Research Society. His research has been published or accepted in top academic journals such as the Review of Financial Studies, Management Science, and the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis. Prof Alok's research has been cited by the Indian Economic Survey (2018-2019) and the Reserve Bank of India's Household Finance Committee Report (2017). His research has also featured in major Indian media outlets, including the Economic Times and the Times of India.

Before joining the PhD programme, he graduated among the top of his class in Computer Science and Engineering from the Manipal University. He was the recipient of the Hubert C. Moog Scholar for academic excellence while pursuing his PhD at the Washington University in St Louis.

Professor Deepa Mani is Professor of Information Systems and the Deputy Dean of Academic Programmes & Digital Learning at the Indian School of Business. Deepa’s research interests are at the intersection of technology, organisation, and society. She has demonstrated significant thought leadership on the business and policy implications of technological innovations and investments. Her research articles have been published in leading academic journals and extensively featured in refereed conference proceedings, edited book chapters, and popular media outlets. Deepa serves as a Senior Editor at Information Systems Research. Deepa’s research has also had widespread impact on business practice and policy. In recognition of her impact, she was awarded the prestigious INFORMS Information Systems Society (ISS) Practical Impacts Award in 2022.

Deepa has been appointed to serve on several expert committees of the Central and State governments to provide guidance on policies for the digital economy, digital interventions in key sectors, and catalyse grassroot impacts using technology. She also extensively coaches organizations, keynotes corporate leadership events, and conducts executive education in the areas of digital business models, digital transformation and technology product management.

Deepa completed her undergraduate education at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, Masters in Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania, and her doctorate in Information Systems from the University of Texas, Austin.