The Future of Finance Lab brings together a diverse group of researchers spanning crypto, finance, engineering, and public policy, alongside private sector partners, to examine some of the most pressing issues shaping modern financial markets. Its work focuses on areas such as stablecoin adoption, blockchain implementation, financial security in a post-quantum world, AI-driven financial network security, and the role of prediction markets. Through research initiatives and survey-based studies, the Lab aims to bridge academic insight with real-world applications. We also have associate schools at Mason.
Associated schools at Mason include:
Associated Researchers
Executive Director Mike Derrios
Senior Procurement Executive at the U.S. Department of State, overseeing global procurement and contracting for a $9.5 billion annual portfolio, with more than 25 years of federal, military, and private-sector experience.
Professor Derek Horstmeyer is a Professor of Finance at George Mason University, a Wall Street Journal columnist, and the founder of GMU’s student-managed investment fund, with research focused on corporate governance and investment performance.
Professor Lei Gao is an associate professor of finance at George Mason University whose research focuses on investments, market structure, corporate finance, and FinTech, with work published in top journals and cited by major media and U.S. policymakers.
Jianli Pan researches intelligent and secure network systems, focusing on IoT, edge/cloud computing, machine learning, cybersecurity, and blockchain to support smart homes, factories, and cities.
Professor Jingyuan Yang is an Assistant Professor at George Mason University’s Costello College of Business, with research focused on data mining, machine learning, recommender systems, and business analytics.
Professor Jiasun Li is the Robert D. Johnston Associate Professor of Finance at George Mason University, specializing in blockchain and emerging technologies, and a recipient of an NSF CAREER Award.
Professor Mariia Petryk is an Assistant Professor at George Mason University’s Costello College of Business, researching emerging technologies, digital platforms, and blockchain.
Professor Steve Karoyli is an Associate Professor of Finance in the Costello School of Business, researching banking, AI, blockchain and related issues.