The Review of Financial Studies – Business and Financial Services Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose The Review of Financial Studies for High-Impact Publications

The Review of Financial Studies is renowned for advancing theoretical and empirical research in finance. Established as a key outlet for groundbreaking work, it attracts submissions from leading economists and finance scholars worldwide. With a focus on topics like asset pricing, corporate finance, and market microstructure, the journal ensures that published articles contribute meaningfully to the field. Its prestige stems from a selective editorial process that maintains high standards of originality and methodological rigor.

Researchers value The Review of Financial Studies for its ability to disseminate influential ideas that shape policy and practice. The journal's commitment to interdisciplinary approaches allows it to bridge finance with economics, accounting, and behavioral sciences. Over the years, it has published seminal papers that have influenced central banks, regulatory bodies, and investment strategies. For academics pursuing tenure or promotions, appearing in this journal signals excellence and can open doors to collaborations and funding opportunities.

The publication's hybrid model offers flexibility, combining subscription access with open access options for broader reach. Metrics such as citation rates underscore its enduring impact, making it a top choice for those aiming to maximize visibility. Whether you're a PhD candidate or established professor, submitting to The Review of Financial Studies positions your work at the forefront of financial scholarship.

To get started on your academic journey, check out finance job opportunities or explore PhD programs in finance for further resources.

Overview & History

The Review of Financial Studies was founded in 1988 by the Society for Financial Studies to provide a dedicated platform for high-quality finance research. Published by Oxford University Press, it has grown into one of the most cited journals in the discipline. From its inception, the journal emphasized empirical testing of financial theories, filling a gap in the literature at the time.

Key milestones include the introduction of special issues on emerging topics like behavioral finance in the 1990s and fintech in recent years. Today, it remains a quarterly publication that upholds its founding principles while adapting to new methodologies such as machine learning in finance. The journal's evolution reflects the dynamic nature of financial markets and academic inquiry.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The Review of Financial Studies covers a broad spectrum within finance, emphasizing theoretical models and empirical analyses. It welcomes papers on asset pricing, corporate governance, international finance, and financial intermediation.

These areas align with the primary discipline of Business and Financial Services, ensuring relevance for diverse researchers.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight the journal's influence and selectivity, making it a benchmark for finance publications.

Indexing and Abstracting

The Review of Financial Studies is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide discoverability. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, and EconLit, facilitating citations and accessibility for global researchers. Abstracting services like JSTOR and RePEc further amplify its reach. For open access visibility, it is also listed in DOAJ for eligible articles.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, The Review of Financial Studies operates on a subscription model with open access options via Oxford Open. There are no mandatory article processing charges (APCs) for standard submissions, but authors choosing gold open access pay an APC of £3,500 (approximately $4,500 USD). Page charges do not apply. This model balances accessibility with sustainability, allowing authors to select based on funding availability.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled through the journal's online portal at the official site. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, adhering to the style guide for citations and figures. Initial reviews take about 3 months, with revisions possible. Ethical standards require disclosure of conflicts and data availability. For detailed guidelines, visit the submission page.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial team is led by Editor-in-Chief Itay Goldstein from the University of Pennsylvania. Co-editors include experts like Viral Acharya (NYU) and Lauren Cohen (Harvard), bringing diverse perspectives. The board comprises over 50 members from top institutions, ensuring balanced and expert review. Their affiliations underscore the journal's global standing.

Why Publish in The Review of Financial Studies?

Publishing here offers unparalleled visibility and credibility. Articles often garner high citations, boosting h-index scores essential for career advancement. The journal's affiliation with the Society for Financial Studies provides networking opportunities at conferences. For early-career researchers, it serves as a launchpad for future publications. Ultimately, it connects your work to influential audiences in academia and industry.

Comparison with Similar Journals

This comparison positions The Review of Financial Studies as a competitive yet accessible option among elite finance journals.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

• Ensure novelty: Highlight how your paper advances existing literature.
• Use robust data: Employ state-of-the-art econometrics for empirical work.
• Follow guidelines precisely: Avoid common pitfalls like incomplete disclosures.
• Seek feedback: Present at conferences before submitting.
• Prepare for revisions: Be responsive to editor comments.

For career support, visit tenure-track positions or academic calendar to align your timeline.