Dr Jessica Zhang

Dr Jessica Zhang

Senior Lecturer in Economics, Finance and Banking

Summary

Jessica is a Senior Lecturer in Economics, Finance, and Banking, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate modules. She is passionate about creating interactive and inclusive teaching materials that engage a diverse range of learners. 

Biography

Jessica brings over 20 years of experience in both academia and industry, with a diverse career spanning the UK, US, and United Arab Emirates. Before joining the University of Portsmouth, Jessica led the Macroprudential Policy Division in the Financial Stability Department at the Central Bank of the UAE.

Prior to that, she served as a senior manager in the Monetary and Reserve Management Department of the same institution. She also has extensive experience working in consultancy and banking industry, bringing her first hand financial market knowledge. Her work experience at the central bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) strengthened her expertise in global policy and financial regulation. Jessica is also a CFA charter holder. 

Academically, Jessica earned her master’s degree in economics with finance from the University of Cambridge, where she also completed her PhD on a full scholarship. Jessica's unique blend of academic rigor and practical industry knowledge enables her to provide students with a well-rounded learning experience, equipping them for the complexities of the financial sector. 

Research interests

  • Portfolio management 

  • Asset pricing models 

  • Hedge fund investment styles 

  • Factors return generating models 

Publications

Knight, J., Satchell, S. and Zhang, J. (2012), Sequential Variable Selection as Bayesian Pragmatism in Linear Factor Models, Journal of Mathematical Finance, 3, 229-236 

Zhang, J. and Satchell, S. (2009), The Link between Macro-Economic Factors and Style Returns, Journal of Asset Management, 10, 338-355 

Lizieri, C., Satchell, S. and Zhang, J. (2007), The Underlying Return-Generating Factors for REIT Returns: An Application of Independent Component Analysis, Real Estate Economics, 35, 569-598 

Teaching responsibilities

  • Financial Management 
  • Introduction to Finance, Accounting and Banking 
  • Macroeconomics