Dr. Cristiano Manfre

Chris Manfre, Ph.D. is an investment banking executive, economist, and finance educator with more than 20 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and business valuation. He currently serves as Department Chair of Finance & Tax at New York University and as Chairman of the Board, Financial and Operations Principal, and Partner at Bardi Co., where he specializes in M&A advisory, private placements, and fairness opinions, particularly in the entertainment and consumer products sectors.

Dr. Manfre also serves on the faculty of the New York Institute of Finance and has held teaching appointments at Pepperdine University and Loyola Marymount University. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Marshall & Stevens, D.A. Davidson, and S&P Global. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Claremont Graduate University, an MBA in Finance from the Drucker School of Management, and a graduate degree in International Political Economy from the University of Florence.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

As an economist and academic researcher, engaging with a dynamic international community dedicated to rigorous empirical research and the exchange of macroeconomic insights is vital. The IAES provides an exceptional platform for connecting with peers across borders and sharing applied economic research that addresses structural monetary and financial challenges.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

My current research spans central bank independence frameworks, including ongoing empirical work analyzing monetary policy dynamics in various countries (including Italy, Argentina, and Japan), as well as public-target M&A transaction structures utilizing zero-cost collar risk simulations across multi-decade acquisitions. Motivated by the intersection of theoretical macroeconomic stability and practical capital markets, these projects aim to offer actionable insights for both policymakers and corporate leaders navigating complex economic environments.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

Never treat economics as a purely theoretical exercise. Ground your analytical models in empirical reality, maintain intellectual curiosity across both macroeconomics and corporate finance, and remember that the most impactful research often solves real-world frictions. Cultivate a deep understanding of quantitative tools, but always keep sight of the human and institutional behaviors driving market outcomes.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning or hoping to pursue?

Looking ahead, I am expanding my central bank independence research and collaborating with colleagues on developing new indices to track small and medium-sized enterprise credit availability. In my academic leadership role at NYU, I am also deeply focused on designing advanced research capstones that bridge rigorous econometric study with student-led publication and co-authorship.

What’s your favorite hobby?

Outside of academia and investment banking, I maintain a dedicated daily fitness routine, trade capital markets, and appreciate military history and international affairs.