Applied finance connects financial theory with decisions about investments, funding and risk. It helps explain how organisations and investors assess opportunities, allocate capital and weigh potential returns against uncertainty.

Corporate finance, investment analysis and portfolio management each approach these decisions from a different angle, drawing on financial information and an understanding of markets. Browse UNSW Online’s applied finance articles to develop your understanding of the field and the questions it addresses.

You might be exploring a finance career, building on existing experience or looking to understand financial decisions in your current role. As you read, consider how the concepts connect to practical challenges, from evaluating an investment to deciding how a business funds its growth.