Associate Professor in Banking & FinTech at University of Doha for Science & Technology, Qatar
Professional Profile
Summary
Dr. Bashar Abu Khalaf is a distinguished academic and financial consultant with a strong international profile. He is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Doha for Science & Technology and serves as Program Coordinator for the Banking & FinTech Program. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, multiple research grants, and prestigious certifications, Dr. Khalaf combines academic rigor with real-world impact. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and actively contributes to the development of finance education, FinTech integration, and sustainability practices in the MENA region and beyond.
Educational Details
Dr. Khalaf holds a PhD in Accountancy and Finance from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, where his research focused on dividend policy and market reactions in Jordan. He earned his MBA in Finance from Coventry University, UK, and a BA in Accounting from the University of Jordan. His academic development is further enhanced by certifications from Harvard University, Wharton, CFA Institute, and IBM, covering risk management, ESG, and financial technologies.
Professional Experience
Dr. Khalaf has over two decades of academic and consulting experience across Jordan, the UK, UAE, Canada, and Qatar. He has held key roles such as Head of Finance Department at the University of Jordan, Financial Consultant at Jordanian Tax & Financial Experts, and Risk Controller at Société Générale Bank. He is currently engaged in instructional leadership, curriculum design, and institutional accreditation committees at UDST. His academic teaching spans subjects like corporate finance, risk management, and investment management, while his consultancy has supported banks and government financial oversight.
Research Interests
Dr. Khalaf's research is focused on corporate governance, ESG performance, dividend policies, FinTech integration, investor behavior, and banking performance in emerging markets. He is especially active in analyzing the MENA region's financial ecosystem and contributes regularly to high-impact journals. His work increasingly intersects with sustainability, climate finance, and gender diversity in governance.
Author Metrics
Dr. Khalaf has authored over 40 papers published in Scopus, ABDC, and peer-reviewed international journals. He serves as a reviewer for several Scopus-indexed journals including Sustainability, Risks, and Cogent Business & Management. His profiles are accessible via Google Scholar, ORCID, and Scopus, demonstrating high citation engagement and scholarly influence.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Khalaf’s academic excellence is recognized by several accolades, including the Best Paper Award at GUICAF 2023 and “Most Helpful Instructor” at UDST. He received a full PhD scholarship from the University of Jordan and has been awarded multiple research grants from institutions like the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council and the University of Jordan’s Deanship of Academic Research. In 2024, he was named a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy, affirming his pedagogical leadership.
Publication Top Notes
1. Climate Governance, ESG Reporting, and the Firm Performance: Does It Matter More for Europe or the GCC?
Authors: M.K. Al-Kubaisi, B. Abu Khalaf
Journal: Sustainability, Volume 17, Issue 9, Article 3761
Year: 2025
DOI: Link
Summary:
This study investigates how climate governance and ESG reporting influence firm performance in two distinct regions: Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The paper finds that while both regions benefit from ESG practices, European firms exhibit stronger correlations due to regulatory frameworks and stakeholder expectations. In contrast, GCC firms are catching up but face institutional and policy barriers. The study calls for region-specific ESG frameworks to boost sustainable growth.
2. Does Digital Transformation Reflect the Adjustment of Capital Structure?
Authors: M.A. Ktit, B. Abu Khalaf
Journal: Journal of Risk and Financial Management, Volume 18, Issue 4, Article 168
Year: 2025
DOI: Link
Summary:
This paper explores the role of digital transformation in reshaping the capital structure decisions of firms. Using empirical data, the authors find a strong link between tech adoption and optimal debt-equity balancing. The results imply that digitally agile firms are better positioned to reduce cost of capital and enhance financial flexibility. The study is particularly relevant for firms in technology-intensive and innovation-driven sectors.
3. The Impact of ESG on Firm Value: The Moderating Role of Cash Holdings
Authors: O. Ahmed, B.A. Khalaf
Journal: Heliyon, Volume 11, Issue 2
Year: 2025
DOI: Link
Summary:
This article assesses how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance affects firm value, especially in the context of internal cash reserves. The findings show that ESG activities positively influence firm valuation, and this relationship is amplified in firms with higher cash holdings. The study contributes to the corporate finance literature by linking ESG strategies with liquidity management.
4. ESG Controversies and the Financial Performance of MENA Firms: The Moderating Role of Board Characteristics
Authors: B. Abu Khalaf, M.S. Alqahtani, M.S. Al-Naimi
Journal: Sustainability
Year: 2025
DOI: Link
Summary:
This paper examines the negative impact of ESG controversies on the financial performance of firms in the MENA region, highlighting the moderating role of board characteristics such as gender diversity, independence, and expertise. The study shows that well-structured boards can mitigate the adverse effects of ESG failures, emphasizing governance as a critical factor in ESG resilience.
5. Climate Change Commitment and Stock Returns in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries
Authors: B. Abu Khalaf, M.S. Alqahtani, M.S. Al-Naimi
Journal: Sustainability
Year: 2025
DOI: Link
Summary:
This research analyzes how public commitments to climate change goals impact the stock returns of listed companies in GCC countries. The study finds that firms making stronger climate commitments tend to enjoy better investor sentiment and higher returns, especially when aligned with national sustainability agendas. The paper suggests policy incentives to encourage more firms to adopt climate-forward strategies.
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bashar Abu Khalaf is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award in the field of sustainability and finance. His scholarly depth, international research collaborations, real-world impact, and recent publications in ESG and FinTech-related topics make him stand out in his domain. His combination of academic leadership, teaching excellence, and applied research sets a benchmark for others in the field.