NYU Stern Volatility and Risk Institute Expands Global Footprint with Launch at NYU Abu Dhabi
NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and New York University Stern School of Business announced the Volatility and Risk Institute at NYU Abu Dhabi (VaRIAD), a partnership with and expansion of the Stern Volatility and Risk Institute (VRI). This launch builds upon VRI’s global presence, which included expansion to NYU Shanghai in 2014, creating a powerful research network across the world’s key financial regions and in locations as part of NYU’s global network.
The launch of the Volatility and Risk Institute at NYUAD is catalyzed both by the Gulf’s economic transformation and accelerated push toward decarbonization, and by the growing recognition that global analysis and solutions are needed for today’s global challenges. VaRIAD will serve as a critical hub for analyzing market volatility, investment risks, and economic opportunities associated with the global energy transition, as well as the other consequential global challenges we face today from cyber geopolitical, health and financial risks. VaRIAD will provide policymakers, investors, and industry leaders with data-driven insights using AI-powered tools to navigate this period of unprecedented change. The Institutes in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai will henceforth operate as a deeply integrated global network, sharing research, data, and academic resources, and engagement with practitioners and policymakers.
“We are absolutely thrilled to launch our presence at NYU Abu Dhabi, a dynamic center of global innovation,” said Professor Emeritus Robert Engle, Nobel Laureate and co-director of the Stern VRI. “The world’s move toward decarbonization presents a unique and compelling landscape for studying market volatility and systemic risk. This new chapter will not only allow us to produce research on the transformation but will also create a powerful collaborative bridge with the teams in New York City and Shanghai, China.”
“This launch marks a pivotal moment for the Institute,” added Professor Emeritus Richard Berner, co-director of the Stern VRI. “The global economy is at an inflection point, and the opening of VRI at NYUAD will allow us to continue providing invaluable research insights to policymakers and investors worldwide.”
The official launch was celebrated on October 29, 2025 with an event at NYUAD, with remarks from President Emeritus of NYU John Sexton, interim Vice Chancellor and chief executive of NYUAD Fabio Piano, NYUAD chief academic officer and provost Arlie Petters, Professor Engle, Professor Berner, executive director of Volatility Institute at NYU Shanghai Xin Zhou, and Vice Dean of Programs at NYU Stern in Abu Dhabi Barbara Scheck.