On September 13, the International School of Finance, Renmin University of China (RUC), held its New Student Convocation and Opening Lecture at the Beijing Financial Technology Center, welcoming its inaugural cohort of 126 graduate students.

At the ceremony, plaques were unveiled for the High-Level Financial Talent Development Base and the Internship and Practical Training Base of the International School of Finance, RUC. The Beijing Financial Street Service Bureau and the International School of Finance, RUC, signed a cooperation agreement.

Zhu Mingyi, a 2026 master’s student majoring in financial technology and representative of the new students, said he looked forward to the school’s three-mentor system, which integrates theory, technology, and practice, as well as its diverse practical training platforms.

Liu Zehao, deputy dean of the International School of Finance and representative of the academic mentors, expressed hope that the new students would develop strong capabilities in cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation and apply their solid academic knowledge to global financial governance.

Zhang Liang, representative of the industry mentors, drew on his years of experience in international finance to explain the unique value of international finance as “an important language for understanding the world.”

Wei Zhewei, deputy dean of the Gaoling School of Artificial Intelligence at RUC and representative of the technology mentors, said he hoped interdisciplinary training in finance and artificial intelligence would help students better understand differences in rules and practices across international contexts and turn their experience with technological tools into solid research capabilities.

Sun Shuo, vice-mayor of Beijing, said that the jointly established bases would help strengthen connections among practical training, academic research, and exchange and development, effectively turning practical resources into educational resources.

Zhang Donggang, Party secretary of RUC, said that, as one of the first pilot institutions under the Outstanding Social Sciences Talent Development Initiative, the International School of Finance bears the important responsibility of cultivating high-level financial professionals with global competitiveness for the country. He encouraged the students to strengthen their theoretical foundations, gain practical experience through the two bases, broaden their global perspectives, and familiarize themselves with the rules and development trends of international financial markets.

During the opening lecture, Wu Xiaoqiu, former vice-president of RUC and director of the National Institute of Financial Research, said that the key to building China into a financial powerhouse lies in strengthening the country’s soft power. He called for adherence to the principles of marketization, the rule of law, and internationalization, with the internationalization of the renminbi and capital-market opening-up as pillars and with a sound legal framework as the foundation.

He also emphasized the need to pursue the extension of rules and institutional innovation based on China’s national conditions, and to advance Chinese modernization through the development of a financial powerhouse.

Established on April 25, 2026, the International School of Finance is one of the first pilot institutions under the Outstanding Social Sciences Talent Development Initiative. Focusing on cutting-edge developments in international finance and technology, the school coordinates efforts in interdisciplinary and strategic talent development, innovation in international financial theory and practice, the building of global cooperation networks, and international financial policy research. It provides intellectual and talent support for China’s participation in the formulation of international financial rules, the transformation of global financial governance, and the safeguarding of national financial security.

Going forward, the International School of Finance will explore new pathways for independently cultivating top innovative talent in international finance, deepen cooperation with financial regulatory authorities and financial institutions in China and abroad, including Beijing Financial Street, and work to build a national demonstration platform for high-end financial talent development and a global hub for academic innovation in financial governance.