RAST 2025 Conference
RAST 2025 Conference
About
The goal of the RAST Conference is to discuss some of the most relevant issues at the forefront of academic research and wider society today. Paper topics can relate to all current topics in accounting, including valuation, accounting quality, analysts/intermediaries, capital markets, debt markets, banking, fin-tech, private firms, corporate social responsibility, sustainability reporting, disclosure, auditing, and tax.
This conference is by invitation only.
| Date | December 11 - 13, 2025 |
| Location | ISB, Hyderabad Campus |
Schedule
Day 0 | Thursday, December 11, 2025 |
|
Time |
Optional Social Event |
| 04:00 PM - 09:30 PM | Tour of Taj Falaknuma Palace, followed by traditional live music and dinner. |
Day 1 | Friday, December 12, 2025 |
|
Time |
Session |
| 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Registration Desk opens on-site and is open through lunchtime |
| 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM | Lunch |
| 01:05 PM - 01:10 PM | Welcome Address: Madan Pillutla, Dean and Professor of Organisational Behaviour, ISB |
| 01:10 PM - 02:05 PM | Session 1: Attention to Detail: How Do Information Users Process Exhibits in Form 10-K? Presenter: Pengkai Lin, Singapore Management University Discussant: Nikki Skinner, University of Colorado Boulder Moderator: Sanjay Kallapur, Indian School of Business |
| 02:05 PM - 02:30 PM | Break |
| 02:30 PM - 03:25 PM | Session 2: Paid News Subscriptions and Market Participation Presenter: Eunjee Kim, Texas A&M University Discussant: Betty Liu, Indiana University Bloomington Moderator: Karthik Balakrishnan, Indian School of Business |
| 03:25 PM - 03:50 PM | Break |
| 03:50 PM - 04:45 PM | Session 3: Sound Analysis? Investing Podcasts and Investor Information Processing Presenter: Braiden Coleman, University of Georgia Discussant: David Veenman, University of Amsterdam Moderator: Vasudha Nakula, Indian School of Business |
| 04:45 PM - 05:15 PM | The Editors’ Table: A Conversation on RAST |
| 05:20 PM - 05:50 PM | Optional Campus Tour |
| 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM | Cocktail Hour, Dinner, and Social |
Day 2 | Saturday, December 13, 2025 |
|
Time |
Session |
| 09:30 AM - 09:35 AM | Welcome & Conference Housekeeping |
| 09:35 AM - 10:30 AM | Session 4: Banks’ Lending and Deposit-taking Activities, Population Change, and the Evolving Exposures of Banks and Society to Climate Disasters Presenter: Han Yan, The University of British Columbia Discussant: Aytekin Ertan, London Business School Moderator: Ram Ramanan, Indian School of Business |
| 10:30 AM - 10:55 AM | Break |
| 10:55 AM - 11:50 AM | Session 5: Intangible-intensive Firms and Performance Reporting Presenter: Abigail Allen, Brigham Young University Discussant: Anup Srivastava, University of Calgary Moderator: Gurvinder Sandhu, Indian School of Business |
| 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM | Lunch |
| 01:05 PM - 02:00 PM | Session 6: Beyond Earnings Quality: Evaluating the Quality of Voluntary Corporate Financial Reporting Practices Presenter: Sarah McVay, University of Washington Discussant: Ted Christensen, University of Georgia Moderator: Apoorv Gogar, Indian School of Business |
| 02:00 PM - 02:25 PM | Break |
| 02:25 PM - 03:20 PM | Session 7: Using AI to Identify Exogenous Shocks and Conduct Archival Accounting Research Presenter: Andrea Rozario, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Discussant: Robbie Moon, Georgia Institute of Technology Moderator: Rishabh Agarwal, Indian School of Business |
| 03:20 PM - 03:35 PM | Awards and Announcements |
Organisers
Accounting area faculty at ISB
Managing Editor
Lakshmanan Shivakumar, London Business School, UK
Editors
Jennifer Blouin, University of Pennsylvania, USA
John Campbell, University of Georgia, USA
Patricia Dechow, University of Southern California, USA
Yonca Ertimur, University of Colorado Boulder, USA
Henry Friedman, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
Russell Lundholm, University of British Columbia, Canada
Sarah McVay, University of Washington, USA
Miguel Minutti-Meza, University of Miami, USA
Gaizka Ormazabal, IESE Business School, Spain
Stefan Reichelstein, Stanford University, USA
Scott Richardson, London Business School, UK
Richard Sloan, University of Southern California, USA
Stephen Stubben, University of Utah, USA
About Hyderabad
Hyderabad, also known as “The City of Nizams,” is the capital city of Telangana in southern India. It is a dynamic metropolis that seamlessly blends centuries-old heritage with modern innovation. As the host city for this international conference, Hyderabad offers delegates a unique cultural experience alongside world-class infrastructure and warm hospitality.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Hyderabad is renowned for its rich history, with roots tracing back to the Qutb Shahi dynasty and later the Nizams, who significantly shaped the city’s cultural legacy.
A visit to the Charminar, the city's most iconic monument, offers a glimpse into 16th-century Islamic architecture amidst a bustling local market. Nearby is Laad Bazaar, famous for its traditional bangles, pearls, and handcrafted artifacts—perfect for souvenirs. The Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, adds to the old city’s grandeur and spiritual atmosphere.
Also close by is the Salar Jung Museum, one of India’s largest art museums, housing an impressive global collection—from Persian carpets and Mughal miniatures to European sculptures and East Asian art.
History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the elegant Chowmahalla Palace, once the seat of the Nizams. A short drive away lies the majestic Golconda Fort, known for its grand architecture, fascinating acoustics, and panoramic views. Nearby, the Qutb Shahi Tombs, set amid landscaped gardens, serve as a serene testament to the city’s royal past.
For those interested in arts and crafts, Shilparamam is a village-themed cultural hub showcasing traditional Indian handicrafts, local artisans, folk art, and live performances in a charming rural setting. Lepakshi Handicrafts, a government-run emporium, offers authentic handloom and handcrafted products from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including sarees, wooden toys, and metalwork.
For spiritual seekers, the white-marble Birla Mandir, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the city. Another must-visit is the Buddha Statue on Hussain Sagar Lake, accessible via a scenic boat ride.
Modern Attractions and Leisure
Beyond its historical landmarks, Hyderabad is a thriving modern city and a major hub for information technology, biotechnology, and education. HITEC City and the Financial District reflect its rapid development and global connectivity.
Shopping enthusiasts can explore upscale malls such as Inorbit Mall and Sarath City Capital Mall. Film buffs can take a tour of Ramoji Film City, one of the world’s largest integrated film studios and theme parks.
Cuisine: Foodie Adventures
No visit to Hyderabad is complete without savoring its legendary Hyderabadi Biryani, a flavorful rice dish that reflects the city’s Mughal and Deccan culinary heritage. Local eateries also offer a rich variety of dishes, including haleem, mirchi ka salan, double ka meetha, and Irani chai served with Osmania biscuits.
From street food to fine dining, Hyderabad is a paradise for food lovers. Top fine-dining restaurants near ISB include: The Jewel of Nizam – The Minar (Golconda Resorts), Tansen, Dum Pukht (ITC Kohenur), Kanak (Trident), Kangan (The Westin). Famous local eateries nearby include Paradise and Pista House, known for their authentic flavors and memorable dining experiences.