From exceptional academic distinction in Bangladesh to an internationally recognised career in Australia, Dr. Md Safiullah has established a distinguished profile in finance. Currently a Senior Lecturer at RMIT University, his research spans sustainable finance, Islamic banking, and gender diversity, supported by publications in top-tier international journals, competitive research funding, journal editorships, and features in prominent media outlets. Combining scholarly impact with teaching excellence and meaningful public engagement, Dr. Safi represents a new generation of internationally recognised scholars. Interview by Sakibul Hasan 

You completed your BBA and MBA at DU, your MSc in the UK, and your PhD in Finance in Australia. How has this broad international academic journey shaped and strengthened your career?

Response: Completing academic degrees in three different countries exposed me to diverse academic systems, broadening my global perspective, strengthening my research rigour, and shaping me into an internationally recognized researcher and educator.

You are also a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with CPA Australia and have completed a FinTech certificate from Harvard University, USA - what motivated you to pursue these additional professional qualifications alongside your academic career?

Response: Beyond academia, I sought to maintain strong professional relevance. Obtaining CPA and FinTech credentials has enabled me to integrate regulatory insight, technological innovation, and real-world accounting and financial practice into my research, teaching, and engagement.

You achieved 1st place in your MBA at the University of Dhaka and stood 2nd in the HSC combined merit list under the Cumilla Education Board-how did these accomplishments shape your confidence and career trajectory, and what was the key driver behind your success?

Response: These achievements strengthened my self-belief and opened early academic opportunities, driven by God’s blessings, consistent discipline, family support, and a commitment to academic excellence.

How was your PhD research journey, and how important is publishing in top journals during or after the PhD?

Response: My PhD thesis focused on risk, efficiency, and governance in banking, including Islamic banking, using a large international sample of 28 countries. The PhD journey was exciting and highly rewarding. All three empirical chapters of my PhD were published in ABDC A/A-ranked journals prior to the completion of my degree. These papers have since been widely cited internationally and have also received a Best Conference Paper Award. Publishing in high-quality journals during the PhD is a good signal in the job market. It establishes an early research trajectory and credibility as a potential long-term contributor to the field. 

You have published 26 journal articles, including 6 A and 20 A-ranked papers in your areas of expertise: banking, sustainable finance, and gender diversity. Your work has appeared in leading journals such as Journal of Corporate Finance, The British Accounting Review, and Energy Economics. How important is it to continue publishing in high-quality journals?

Response: Publishing only in ABDC A and A-ranked journals is a reflection of both the quality and impact of my research. For me, publishing in such journals is not just a measure of personal achievement-it also ensures that my work reaches a wider academic and practitioner audience, influencing scholarship and practice. Continuing to publish in high-quality journals aligns with my commitment to excellence in academia and provides opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and shaping the next generation of scholars.

You have published both sole-authored and co-authored papers with 25 co-authors from 12 countries. How important is such diverse research collaboration, and what challenges does it present?

Response: Diverse international collaboration enriches research by bringing multiple perspectives, complementary expertise, and broader data access, which strengthens both rigor and global relevance. However, it also requires careful coordination, clear communication, and alignment of expectations across different academic cultures and time zones.

Your research in banking, sustainable finance, and gender diversity ranks in the top 5% and 25% globally on Altmetric and has received nearly 1,600 Google Scholar citations. Why do you think these topics resonate so strongly at the global level?

Response: These topics resonate globally because they sit at the intersection of finance, policy, and societal transformation. Research in these areas naturally attracts wider attention beyond academia, which is reflected in strong Altmetric performance. The relevance of my work lies in combining rigorous empirical methods with questions that matter for real-world decision-making.

You have been invited to speak on respected media such as ABC Radio National and ABC Radio Perth, and your research has been featured in SBS News, Yahoo News, The Conversation, The Australian Today, Hashtag, MFIN and various international media platforms. How important is it to engage with the media to share your research findings?

Response: Media engagement allows evidence-based findings to reach policymakers, industry practitioners, and the broader public in a timely manner. Particularly in areas like banking and sustainable finance, public understanding can influence informed decision-making and policy debates. Responsible media engagement also strengthens transparency and accountability in academia, ensuring that research contributes meaningfully to society beyond citation metrics.

You also serve as an Associate Editor for three Q2 journals and as a reviewer for many ABDC A/A-ranked journals. What common gaps do you observe in research submissions?

Response: Across many submissions, a common gap is the lack of a clearly articulated research contribution. Authors often present technically sound analyses but do not convincingly explain how their work advances theory, policy, or practice. Another frequent issue is weak positioning within the existing literature, papers sometimes describe prior studies rather than critically engaging with them to identify a genuine research gap. Finally, high-quality journals look not only for sophisticated methods, but also for clarity, originality, and relevance.

You have secured over $170,000 in research funding. What is your strategy for successful grant applications?

Response: My research funding often involves multidisciplinary collaborative projects. My strategy focuses on identifying timely, relevant research questions that align with funding priorities and clearly demonstrating the potential impact of the work. I also ensure proposals are well-structured, concise, and highlight a track record of expertise and feasibility.

How do you supervise PhD students to develop independent research identities?

Response: I supervise PhD students by encouraging them to move beyond simply completing a thesis and instead develop a clear and original research agenda of their own. I guide them to critically engage with theory, identify meaningful research gaps, and progressively take intellectual ownership of their projects through publications and conference presentations. My aim is that by the end of their PhD, they have a distinct scholarly identity and the confidence to pursue an independent research trajectory in academia or industry. 

You have more than ten A/A*-ranked publications in Islamic banking and finance. How do you see Islamic banking evolving within the global financial system?

Response: Islamic banking is evolving by integrating Sharia-compliant principles with digital innovation, sustainable finance, and global risk management, becoming increasingly mainstream in the international financial system.

 Banking in Bangladesh faces critical challenges. What are your suggestions regarding the independence of the central bank?

Response: Strengthening the central bank’s independence is crucial to ensure objective monetary policy, effective regulation, and financial stability. Clear governance, reduced political interference, and enhanced accountability mechanisms would help the banking sector address systemic challenges more effectively.

What are the next big questions in sustainable finance that researchers should focus on? 

Response: Researchers should focus on how sustainable finance drives real-world environmental and social impact, integrates with emerging technologies, and influences corporate and investor behavior globally.

What advice would you give to aspiring Bangladeshi scholars aiming for global academia? 

Response: I would suggest focusing on building a strong research foundation, developing critical thinking, and publishing in high-quality journals to gain international recognition. Additionally, cultivate global networks, stay curious, and align your work with issues that have both local relevance and global impact.

Given your work as a finance academic at RMIT University in Australia, how can Bangladesh benefit from your expertise and Australia’s experience?

Response: Bangladesh can draw on Australia’s experience in regulatory frameworks, digital banking, and sustainable finance, while also leveraging my research insights on risk, governance, and banking efficiency. Applying these lessons can strengthen financial stability, innovation, and inclusive growth in Bangladesh.

Beyond research and engagement, you are also an award-winning educator and a Fellow of Advance HE, UK. What is your teaching philosophy, and what feedback from students has been most meaningful to you?

Response: My teaching philosophy is centered on creating an engaging, inclusive, and evidence-based learning environment that encourages critical thinking and real-world application. The most meaningful feedback I receive from students is when they express that my teaching inspired them to pursue independent research, challenge assumptions, or apply concepts confidently in their careers, showing that learning extended beyond the classroom.

Beyond academia, what personal values guide your life and work?

Response: Integrity, discipline, and a commitment to continuous learning guide both my personal and professional life. I also value empathy and service, striving to make a meaningful impact on the broader community.