Monash University adapts Quant Finance Program to Meet Australian Pension Fund Demand
MELBOURNE – December 5, 2025 – Monash University’s Master’s series in quantitative finance is evolving to address the growing needs of Australia’s considerable superannuation industry, currently managing approximately A$4.3 trillion ($2.8 trillion) in assets as of 2025. Kihun Nam, a program instructor, detailed the shift in curriculum, moving from a focus on mathematical theory to practical request and incorporating artificial intelligence techniques.
Historically, the program emphasized proving the existence and uniqueness of solutions to equations like partial differential equations (PDEs). Now, the focus is on understanding the properties of those solutions and utilizing AI – specifically neural networks - to solve PDEs and optimal control problems.
“Australia has a great superannuation industry,” Nam stated, “And Melbourne is the capital of superannuation companies.”
the changes are also driven by a trend in banking, where employers increasingly seek candidates with broader financial knowledge rather than highly specialized quantitative skills. The program accommodates students from diverse backgrounds, including mathematics and physics, offering guidance to navigate the finance component: “Stay curious. When you learn concepts like principal component analysis or PDEs, think about thier applications to the financial questions.”
the full interview with Kihun Nam is available via SoundCloud and major podcast platforms including Spotify, Amazon Music, and iTunes, as part of Risk.net’s Quantcast series. Further details on the Tomorrow’s Quants project can be found on Risk.net.
