Cardiff University Selected to Host British Accounting and Finance Association 2027 Annual Conference

Cardiff University has been selected to host the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) Annual Conference in 2027, bringing leading accounting, finance and fintech scholars, researchers and practitioners from across the UK and internationally to Wales.

The conference was secured through the efforts of Meet In Wales conference ambassador Professor Qingwei Wang, alongside his colleagues Professor Jill Atkins, Dr Svetlana Mira and Dr Dennis De Widt.

Professor Wang is Professor of Finance and Head of Accounting and Finance at Cardiff Business School, part of Cardiff University.

He also leads the Cardiff FinTech Research Group and has spent more than a decade at the university. During his career, he has organised or co-organised around 20 UK and international conferences.

Professor Wang said:

“Cardiff combines a strong academic community with excellent conference facilities and a highly accessible location. Cardiff University has high strength in accounting, finance, and FinTech research, making it a great home for the BAFA conference. Cardiff also offers a vibrant cultural scene and a welcoming environment for delegates.”

The conference will reinforce Wales’ growing reputation as a hub for knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration.

Conference ambassadors form a key strategic part of Wales’ promotional plans, with both a national ambassador programme and a city programme in Cardiff. Meet In Wales aligns its ambassador network with Wales’ priority sectors and the Research Excellence Framework, including fintech.

The selection of Cardiff University reflects the city’s strong academic ecosystem, infrastructure and reputation for delivering high-quality conference experiences.

Meet In Wales worked in partnership with Cardiff University and local stakeholders to support the successful bid.

Heledd Williams, Head of Business Events at Meet In Wales, said:

“Hosting the BAFA Annual Conference in Cardiff is another powerful example of international academic communities choosing Wales for its expertise, accessibility and warm welcome. Conferences like BAFA not only advance global knowledge exchange but also create lasting connections between international specialists and our research communities.”

The announcement comes as Wales continues to develop its technology and fintech sectors. The Welsh technology sector is estimated to contribute £8.5 billion to the economy, with fintech growth supported by a strong ecosystem of innovators and global brands.

Fintech businesses across Wales are expanding, with major employers including Starling Bank, Sonovate, Delio, Pepper Money and Wealthify contributing to the sector’s growth.