Institute of Quantitative Finance and Economics
Shaping the Future of Global Finance
Explore ProgramsWelcome to the Institute of Quantitative Finance and Economics
Where rigor meets innovation, and data drives discovery. We are a premier institution dedicated to advancing the frontiers of quantitative finance and economics.
Our Mission
To cultivate exceptional talent and produce cutting-edge research that addresses complex economic challenges through quantitative analysis and ethical leadership.
Our Vision
To be a world-leading center for quantitative financial and economic education, renowned for our innovative curriculum, influential research, and impactful global partnerships.
Core Values
Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Collaboration, and Global Perspective.
Latest News & Updates
Annual Economics Summit 2025
IQFE hosts global leaders to discuss the future of sustainable economic growth and digital currencies.
Read More →
IQFE Team Wins National Quant Competition
Our graduate students secured first place with their innovative algorithmic trading model.
Read More →
New Research Center for AI in Finance
IQFE launches a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to exploring AI's impact on financial markets.
Read More →About the Institute of Quantitative Finance and Economics
Pioneering the next wave of financial and economic expertise.
Our History
Founded in 2010, the Institute of Quantitative Finance and Economics (IQFE) was established to meet the growing demand for professionals skilled in the sophisticated mathematical and computational methods underpinning modern finance. Born from a collaboration between leading economists and financial engineers, IQFE began as a specialized graduate school.
By 2015, we expanded to include undergraduate programs, and in 2020, we inaugurated our state-of-the-art campus, complete with a dedicated financial data science lab. Today, IQFE stands as a beacon of innovation, committed to academic excellence and shaping the leaders of tomorrow's economy.
Message from the Dean
"At IQFE, we are not just observers of economic and financial change; we are its architects. Our curriculum is designed to challenge students to think critically, analyze rigorously, and innovate boldly. We equip you with the quantitative tools and theoretical frameworks necessary to navigate and shape the complexities of the global market. Join us, and become part of a community that is defining the future of finance."
Dr. Eleanor Vance
Dean, Institute of Quantitative Finance and Economics
Our Esteemed Faculty
Dr. Julian Adler
Professor of Econometrics
Research: Time-Series Analysis, Financial Volatility Modeling.
Education: PhD, University of Chicago
Dr. Sofia Rossi
Associate Professor of Behavioral Finance
Research: Market Psychology, Asset Pricing Anomalies.
Education: PhD, Stanford University
Dr. Kenji Tanaka
Professor of Financial Engineering
Research: Derivative Pricing, Risk Management.
Education: PhD, MIT
Dr. Haifeng
Assistant Professor of Data Science & Finance
Research: Machine Learning in Asset Pricing, High-Frequency Trading.
Education: PhD, Carnegie Mellon University
Admissions
Begin your journey at the forefront of finance and economics.
Our Degree Programs
Undergraduate Programs
- B.S. in Quantitative Finance: A rigorous program focusing on mathematics, statistics, and computer science applied to financial markets.
- B.A. in Economics and Data Science: Combines economic theory with practical data analysis skills to interpret real-world trends.
Graduate Programs
- M.S. in Financial Engineering: An advanced, technical degree for designing and implementing financial models and products.
- Master in Economics (M.Econ): A research-focused program with specializations in econometrics and macroeconomic policy.
- Ph.D. in Quantitative Economics: The highest level of study, preparing scholars for careers in academia and high-level research.
How to Apply
Admission to IQFE is highly competitive. We seek candidates with a strong quantitative background, a passion for the field, and a drive to excel.
Application Materials
- Completed Online Application Form
- Official Academic Transcripts
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (500-750 words)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Standardized Test Scores (GRE/GMAT for graduate programs, SAT/ACT optional for undergraduates)
- Proof of English Proficiency (for non-native speakers)
Tuition & Fees
IQFE is committed to providing value. We offer a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
- Undergraduate Tuition: $55,000 / year
- Graduate Tuition: $62,000 / year
- Estimated Living Costs: $18,000 / year
Figures are estimates and subject to change. Please visit our financial aid office page for detailed information.
Start Your ApplicationApply to IQFE
Take the next step in your academic and professional career.
Application Process & Timeline
Create Your Account
Start by creating an account on our secure application portal. This will allow you to save your progress and return to your application at any time.
Complete the Application Form
Fill in your personal, academic, and professional background information. Be thorough and accurate.
Upload Required Documents
Upload digital copies of your transcripts, statement of purpose, CV, and any other required materials as specified on the admissions page.
Submit Application and Fee
Review your entire application for completeness, then submit it along with the non-refundable application fee of $85.
Important Dates
September 1
Applications Open
January 15
Application Deadline
Late March
Admission Decisions Released
Contact Us
We're here to help. Reach out with your questions.
Mailing Address
116 N Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91754
United States
Admissions Office
(818) 900-4524
General Inquiries
Admissions Inquiries
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Student & Staff Portal
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Annual Economics Summit 2025 Concludes with Focus on Sustainable Growth and Digital Currencies
Published on July 5, 2025
The Institute of Quantitative Finance and Economics (IQFE) successfully concluded its Annual Economics Summit yesterday, a landmark event that brought together over 500 global leaders, policymakers, Nobel laureates, and industry pioneers. The two-day summit, held at our main campus, centered on the pressing themes of "Fostering Sustainable Economic Growth" and "The Future of Digital Currencies."
Keynote speaker Dr. Aris Thorne, head of the Global Economic Forum, delivered a compelling address on the need for a paradigm shift in economic modeling to account for climate-related risks. "The externalities of today are the systemic risks of tomorrow," Dr. Thorne stated. "Institutions like IQFE are on the front lines, developing the quantitative tools necessary to price these risks and guide us toward a more resilient global economy."
The sessions on digital currencies were particularly vibrant, featuring a heated debate on the role of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) versus decentralized cryptocurrencies. IQFE's own Dr. Sofia Rossi presented groundbreaking research on the behavioral factors influencing cryptocurrency adoption, which was met with significant acclaim.
IQFE Graduate Team "The Quants" Wins National Algorithmic Trading Competition
Published on June 28, 2025
A team of three Master's in Financial Engineering students from IQFE has claimed the top prize at the prestigious National Algorithmic Trading Competition 2025. The team, calling themselves "The Quants," consisted of students Li Zhang, David Chen, and Priya Sharma. They beat out 64 other teams from top universities across the country.
Their winning entry was an innovative multi-factor trading algorithm that utilized machine learning techniques, specifically reinforcement learning, to adapt to changing market volatility. The algorithm, which they named "Prometheus," delivered an impressive risk-adjusted return of 28% over the competition's three-month simulated trading period.
"The curriculum at IQFE was instrumental to our success," said team captain Li Zhang. "Courses from Dr. Tanaka on derivative pricing and Dr. Haifeng on machine learning gave us the foundation we needed to build something truly unique. We are thrilled to bring this honor back to the institute."
IQFE Launches State-of-the-Art Research Center for Artificial Intelligence in Finance
Published on June 15, 2025
In a significant move to solidify its position as a leader in financial technology, the Institute of Quantitative Finance and Economics today announced the launch of the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Finance (CAIF). This new, state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to pioneering research on the applications and implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in global financial markets.
The center, funded by a generous $20 million grant from the Thorne Foundation, will house high-performance computing clusters, a dedicated data repository, and collaboration spaces for faculty, students, and industry partners. Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a renowned expert in financial engineering, has been appointed as the inaugural director.
"CAIF will not only push the boundaries of what's possible in algorithmic trading and risk management but will also critically examine the ethical considerations and potential for systemic risk introduced by AI," said Dr. Tanaka. "Our goal is to foster innovation that is not only powerful but also responsible. We are already launching projects in AI-driven fraud detection and sentiment analysis for asset pricing."