35th annual conference · Practitioners’ day with up to 8 CPD hours
SAFA Conference 2027
Academics, practitioners, researchers and postgraduate students are invited to submit empirical, theoretical and practitioner-oriented work across all areas of finance.
Topics include market analysis, portfolio management, corporate finance, macro-financial perspectives, innovation and behavioural finance.
The conference
Where finance research meets practice
The Southern African Finance Association (SAFA) invites academics, practitioners, researchers and postgraduate students to submit work for presentation at the 35th annual SAFA Conference and dedicated Practitioners’ day, taking place from 20 to 22 January 2027 at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS).
Submissions that connect academic research with industry practice are especially encouraged.
The programme also includes a cocktail function and a conference dinner. Because the conference runs as a single stream, everyone attends the same sessions, which makes it easy to meet people from both universities and industry.
- Market analysis
- Portfolio management
- Corporate finance
- Macro-financial perspectives
- Innovation
- Behavioural finance
Key dates
From abstract to Stellenbosch
Submit your abstract
By
Notification of acceptance
Registration closes
Date to be confirmed
Conference
20–22 January 2027
Submit an abstract
Structured abstracts of up to 500 words
Submit through the submission portal by 31 October 2026. Abstracts should be structured under the four headings shown here.
Go to the submission portalResearch question and contribution
State the research question or problem, explain its significance, and highlight the contribution to academic or practitioner knowledge.
Data and methodology or evidence base
Briefly describe the data sample, methodology, analytical approach, or practitioner evidence underpinning the work.
Main findings or insights
Summarise the key findings or insights. For work still in progress, indicate the evidence available at submission and any substantive work still outstanding.
Implications and relevance
Explain the academic, investment, policy, or industry implications and the relevance of the work to the SAFA audience.
Registration
Register for SAFA 2027
Registration will open shortly.
Registration fees will be announced soon.
Register (opening soon)Programme
Three days in Stellenbosch
The programme will be published in January 2027.
- Academic day 1
Conference dinner - Academic day 2
- Practitioner day (CPD accredited)
Closing cocktail function
Social events: a conference dinner on Wednesday evening, and a closing cocktail function on Friday evening.
Publication opportunity
Special issue of the Investment Analysts Journal
Research presented at the conference will be eligible for consideration in a special issue of the Investment Analysts Journal (IAJ). The IAJ, published by Taylor & Francis, is an internationally ranked journal accredited by both ISI and the DHET.
About SAFA
Southern African Finance Association
SAFA brings together academics, practitioners, researchers and postgraduate students working across all areas of finance. Its annual conference is a meeting point for research and industry practice in the region, covering topics in empirical, theoretical, and practitioner-oriented work across all areas of finance – from market analysis and portfolio management to corporate finance, macro-financial perspectives, innovation, and behavioural finance.
The 2027 conference is the 35th annual SAFA Conference. It is a single-stream event but is split into two days of academic-focussed content and one day of practitioner-focussed content, accredited for up to 8 CPD hours.
Venue
STIAS, Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study Mostertsdrift, 10 Marais StreetStellenbosch, 7600
South Africa Open in Google Maps
Supported by
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who can submit?
Academics, practitioners, researchers and postgraduate students working in any area of finance.
Can I submit work in progress?
Yes. Indicate the evidence available at submission and any substantive work still outstanding.
When will I hear back?
Notifications of acceptance will be sent by 13 November 2026.
Can I attend without presenting?
Yes. You can register and attend without submitting an abstract.
Is there a student rate?
Yes. Proof of student registration is required.
Enquiries
Questions about submissions, registration or the conference: contact Annali Maass.