Hafiz Rana
Senior Lecturer in Finance, International and Transnational Education Lead
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Usman Rana is a Senior Lecturer in Finance at Birmingham City University, where he also leads International and Transnational Education, holding a PhD in Finance focusing on the global precious metals market, his rich practical experience has honed strong analytical and business skills, which he now applies to his teaching and research.
Biography
I am an experienced financial expert currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Finance and the lead for International and Transnational Education for Accounting, Finance and Economics at BCU. I lead initiatives related to International and Transnational Education, focusing on the development of international partnerships and upholding the highest standards in global educational pursuits. I actively disseminate my research through publications in esteemed international newspapers and academic journals. I am also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the United Kingdom, having developed robust analytical and business skills that I apply to both teaching and research. My aim is to encourage meaningful dialogue and influence decision-making within the global finance community.
Academic expertise
I possess a Ph.D. in Finance, with a specialised focus on the global precious metals markets. My professional experience encompasses the public, private, and academic sectors, which equips me with a comprehensive perspective on economic issues from diverse viewpoints. This broad experience enables me to analyse and address complex economic challenges effectively.
I actively contribute to the fields of climate finance, sustainable development, and economic resilience through my involvement in international conferences, Finance Leadership Summits, contributions to newspapers, and appearances in social and electronic media.
Former students
Many of our students have successfully transitioned into professional roles after completing their undergraduate or postgraduate studies with us. I am pleased to note that several former students have assumed leadership and financial analyst roles within prominent companies such as PwC, P&G, BDO, Hyundai Motors, Rolls Royce, etc. We maintain regular communication with our alumni community, and it brings us great joy and optimism to witness the positive impact of their work on people's lives. Students have also secured positions in various private and voluntary sector organizations. Some choose to continue their studies at the postgraduate level, with a few even finding inspiration to pursue careers as academics.
Notable projects
I possess extensive experience in the operations of the global precious metals market. Currently, I am engaged in multiple research projects that concentrate on various aspects, including the pricing of precious metals, the dynamics of carbon markets, the volatilities associated with central bank digital currencies, and the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in accessing finance.