The Future of Finance and Accounting: Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Systemic Change

Accounting and Finance at ULSB invites submissions for its inaugural research conference entitled “The Future of Finance and Accounting: Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Systemic 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.

​

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 (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 in the foyer during 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, Best 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 support the review process and session organisation.

​

Submission deadline: 29th April 2026

Notification of acceptance: 8th May 2026

Registration deadline: 15th May 2026

​

Registration

The conference is open to both internal and external participants.

• Standard delegate fee: £50

• PhD student fee: £25 (reduced rate)

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

​

Contact and Submissions

For all enquiries and submissions, please email: afconference@leicester.ac.uk

Further details are available at the conference webpage.