Wellington harbour at sunrise
Still as water.
Gentle as the wind.
Radiant as the morning sun.

Van Nguyen Thi

PhD Candidate in Finance
Victoria University of Wellington

Climate Finance · Carbon Markets · ETS · Climate Regulation

I study how climate policy and carbon markets interact with firms and financial markets, with a particular interest in research that can inform policy and real-world decision-making.

Research for a more resilient and sustainable tomorrow.

Van Nguyen Thi

About

I am a PhD Candidate in Finance at Victoria University of Wellington, with a strong background in financial analysis, research, and applied problem-solving. My research focuses on climate finance, carbon markets, emissions trading schemes (ETS), climate regulation, and market behaviour, using quantitative methods and large financial and administrative datasets.

Alongside my research, I have experience in university teaching, stakeholder coordination, and academic administration, including coordinating across multiple stakeholders and supporting faculty leadership. My experience spans regulatory analysis, policy evaluation, and applied empirical research. I value intellectual curiosity, resilience, continuous learning, and collaboration, and enjoy turning rigorous analysis into clear insights that support policy and real-world decision-making.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, writing, jogging, hiking, badminton, and dancing, as well as exploring different cultures and histories. I try to approach life with curiosity, optimism, and an open mind, and I enjoy new experiences that challenge me to learn, grow, and see the world from different perspectives.

Research

Mandatory Climate-related Disclosure and the Cost of Equity

Working paper

This paper examines how mandatory climate-related disclosure regulation affects firms' cost of equity across New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Japan. It distinguishes between comply-or-explain and full-compliance regimes and examines both direct effects on regulated firms and potential spillover effects on unregulated firms.

Policy & Engagement

I am interested in connecting empirical research with policy and regulatory questions, particularly in climate policy, carbon markets, financial markets, and regulation.

Awards

2026
Geoffrey Brooke Memorial Prize
Best Paper in Regulatory & Economic Competition · New Zealand Association of Economists Conference
2025
Graduate Study Award
New Zealand Association of Economists Conference
2025
Best PhD Paper
Doctoral Colloquium · Wellington School of Business and Government

Teaching

Teaching and tutoring experience in Corporate Finance, Banking, and Finance.

Writing

Reflections on research, policy, books, learning, and life.

September 2026
A few reflections from AFAANZ 2025 in Brisbane.
Read →

Contact

School of Economics and Finance
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand

Email: van.nguyenthi@vuw.ac.nz

LinkedIn: Van Nguyen Thi