The centre was named after Hamilton "Tony" James a prominent finance executive and former senior executive at global investment company Blackstone.

What will the Centre do?

• Emphasise research, training, policy deliberation and co-ordination among academics and the industry.

• Facilitate better access to funds, aid entrepreneurs and propose policy changes.

• Award scholarships, recognise faculty and designate four classrooms in memory of noted finance professors.

• Serve as a national knowledge centre, disseminating information through research reports, expert seminars and training sessions.

The concept of the centre was floated during IIMB's 50th anniversary with a vision of making India a stronger contender in private capital globally.

Prof. Thampy who is to head the Centre stated that it will assist in training professionals in private equity and venture capital which are rapidly developing industries in India. Mathew Cyriac added that India requires intelligent financial systems and this Centre will assist in creating a world-class PEVC ecosystem with both theoretical and practical knowledge.

This centre will not only be concerned with finance but also seek to produce leaders who are socially conscious and internationally admired.