Education

  • PhD in Finance, Schulich School of Business, York University
  • Cornell-Queen’s Executive MBA, Cornell University & Queen’s University
  • Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA Institute
  • Bachelor of Commerce, Queen’s University

Biography

A maxim in the business world is that people are what matter most in business. Consequently, Dr. Au’s research focuses on the impact of intangibles, such as corporate culture, innovation and ethics on corporate outcomes. His research shows that a business is much more than the sum of its debt and equity.

Dr. Au completed his Ph.D. in Finance at York University where he won a large variety of scholarships and other awards. He also holds an MBA from Cornell University, an MBA from Queen's University and a CFA charter. Prior to his academic life, he worked as a consultant and investment analyst for 12 years.

Dr. Au is also active in the financial and local community. He sits on the Board of Directors overseeing the University of Manitoba Pension Plan, the Investment Committee of the Teachers’ Retirement Allowances Fund (TRAF), and the Governing Council of Manitoba Legal Aid.

Research Interests

Recruiting MSc/PhD candidates

  • Corporate finance
  • Equity, diversity, and inclusion and Finance
  • Financial ethics
  • Finance and innovation
  • Social finance

Publications

Au, S. Y., Dong, M., Zhou, J. Does Social Interaction Spread Fear among Institutional Investors? Evidence from COVID-19. Management Science (Forthcoming)

Au, S. Y., Qiu, B. & Wu, Szu-Yin (2023). Do mandatory risk factor disclosures reduce stock price crash risk? Journal of Accounting and Public Policy.

Au, S. Y., Dong, M. & Tremblay, A. (2023). How Much Does Workplace Sexual Harassment Hurt Firm Value?. Journal of Business Ethics.

Au, S. Y., Tremblay, A., & You, L. (2022). Does board gender diversity reduce workplace sexual harassment?Corporate Governance: An International Review.

Au, S. Y., Dong, M., & Tremblay, A. (2021). Employee flexibility, exogenous risk, and firm value. Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, 56(3), 853-884.