Financial expert will help drive maths application

Thursday, 28 September 2017

Global financial services and risk management expert Dr Mark Lawrence has been appointed to the University of Adelaide as an Adjunct Professor within the School of Mathematical Sciences.

Professor Lawrence will advise the University’s Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (ECMS) on developments to advance applications of mathematics for industry, and generate greater interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in schools and society more broadly.

“Mathematics is an enabler of industry and society, and Professor Lawrence is a leader in promoting the discipline and its application,” says Professor Anton Middelberg, Executive Dean of the Faculty of ECMS. “He has global experience in the finance industry and, through his consulting work, continues to lead internationally the connection between mathematics and corporate risk modelling and management.

“He is passionate about STEM education for schoolchildren and volunteers his efforts to promote maths extension activities for children, and undertakes schools visits to share his passion for maths.”

Professor Lawrence is Managing Director of Mark Lawrence Group, a Melbourne-based, global advisory firm specialising in governance, risk management and financial regulation for large financial institutions and corporates including, over the past decade, a client base in Australia, Canada, Singapore, China and Brazil.

He has more than 25 years’ experience in financial services risk management and has previously held senior roles at several New York investment banks, on the Executive Committee of ANZ as Chief Risk Officer, and as a partner at management consulting company McKinsey and Company. Mark is currently a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia (FINSIA).

“I am delighted to join the Faculty of ECMS. Born and raised in Adelaide, I am passionate about raising awareness among current and future generations of South Australian students and their parents of the opportunities and benefits that the study of maths provides. Employees with critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential in business and currently in very short supply. Studying maths is a great way to open the doors to the jobs of the future and to equip students with the skills needed for success in the 21st century workplace,” says Professor Lawrence.

Following the Global Financial Crisis, Professor Lawrence contributed to the evolution of industry global best practices in risk management through his work with the Washington-based Institute of International Finance (IIF). From 2009 – 2011, Professor Lawrence was co-chairman of the IIF’s global Risk Management Working Group which produced detailed industry guidance on various topics including risk modelling, risk appetite and risk culture.

Professor Lawrence holds an MA and PhD in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, US, and has published academic papers in both mathematics and finance. He is a Board member of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), chairman of its Industry Advisory Committee, and since mid-2016 has led the Australian Industry/Mathematical Sciences Engagement Task Force.

“The Faculty of ECMS is delighted that Professor Mark Lawrence has joined as an adjunct staff member within the School of Mathematical Sciences,” says Professor Middelberg. “We look forward to his contributions which align perfectly with our aim of enhancing STEM in schools, and the application of mathematics and technology for the benefit of industry and society.”

Contact Details