Aalt-Jan Smits wins Lambers Student Excellence Award 2024

According to Smits, it is not unusual for Rotterdam students to pursue multiple master’s studies. He explains the advantages this choice has given him. “For me personally, the economic way of thinking during the studies at Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) provided a rational fundament for legal reflections in the studies at Erasmus School of Law (ESL), as the discipline of financial law is characterized by having the diverse economic relations between different actors on financial markets as its focal point.” The synthesis of perspectives and the corresponding open-mindedness is, Smits explains, in the spirit of the namesake of the University, as can be read in 'Praise of Folly'. “Professor H.W. Lambers upheld this Erasmian open-mindedness as well.”

The jury is very pleased with the candidate's broad orientation, given the choices in master's studies: ‘Smits is the rightful winner of the Lambers Student Excellence Award because he knows to combine his intelligence with hard work, and how to combine independence with productive discussions. He has also proven to have a unique research talent during his studies and has already published several impressive publications.’

Balance between strategy of the bank and interests of the stakeholder

Smits is currently pursuing a PhD at the Erasmus School of Law and is affiliated with the International Center for Financial Law & Governance (ICFG), where he conducts research on financial regulation and governance. “My doctoral research is concentrated on the role of business models of banking on financial markets. The business model of banking is the combination of the activities and the funding of a bank.” Smits explains that global financial markets are subject to change due to societal developments in climate, demography and deglobalization. “Banking institutions are frequently seen as driving force behind these developments, while banking institutions are (usually) for-profit private enterprises which have to take into account a diverse set of stakeholders, including shareholders. The business model of banking constitutes the balance between the strategy of the bank and the interests of the stakeholders, among which is society at large. These two elements and therefore business models are constantly changing, which the research aims to further examine', according to Smits.

About the Lambers Student Excellence Award

To stimulate student excellence, the Professor H.W. Lambers Student Excellence Award is presented annually to an excellent student who has performed exceptionally well in her or his study career at Erasmus University Rotterdam.