The Business School
The Business School
Dr. Bilal Aslam
Bilal Aslam is an accomplished academic with a PhD in Finance from Curtin University. His doctoral research, titled “Machine Learning for Capital Market Research and Portfolio Optimization,” delved into the application of advanced computational techniques to equity portfolio construction and decision-making. Prior to his PhD, Bilal completed an MPhil in Economics and Finance at Curtin University, focusing on “Weak Euler Scheme for Stochastic Differential Equations with Applications in Finance.” His academic journey began with an MSc in Financial Mathematics (with distinction) from the University of Sussex, providing a strong foundation in mathematical finance.
Bilal has a strong multidisciplinary background in finance, mathematics and computing, and he teaches courses in quantitative and computational finance. His research interests encompass derivatives, portfolio management, and applications of machine learning in finance.
- Doctor of Philosophy (2020 – 2024), Curtin University, Malaysia. Thesis: Machine learning for capital market research and portfolio optimization
- Master of Philosophy (2017 – 2019), Curtin University, Malaysia. Thesis: Weak Euler scheme for stochastic differential equations with applications in finance
- Master of Science (2014 – 2015), University of Sussex, England (UK). Degree Title: MSc in Financial Mathematics
- British University Vietnam (BUV)
Lecturer in Finance (2024 – Current) - Curtin University (Malaysia)
Research Assistant (2017 – 2024)
Research area: Machine learning in equity portfolio management
- Derivatives
- Portfolio Management
- Machine Learning in Finance
- Aslam, B., & Zhang, C. (2022) – A strengthened solution to option manipulation. INFOR: Information Systems and Operational Research, 60(3), 407-427.
- Aslam, B., Bhuiyan, R. A., & Zhang, C. (2023) – Portfolio construction with k-means clustering algorithm based on three factors. In MATEC Web of Conferences.
- Aslam, B. (2025). Identifying optimistic stocks with K-means clustering algorithm. International Review of Economics & Finance, 104579.
- Aslam, B., & Zhang, C. (2022) – Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). A deep learning-based application for asset pricing and portfolio optimization incorporating option valuation. ($20,500)
- Aslam, B. & Bhuiyan, R.A. (2023) – Curtin University Research Grant. Long-short term memory (LSTM) based decision support system for financial portfolio construction. ($2,500)
- Costas Goutis prize (2021)
Department of Statistical Science, University College London, UK
‘For the best upgrade paper and presentation when undertaking doctoral research’ - UCL’s Research Excellence Scholarship (2017)
Department of Statistical Science, University College London, UK
‘For outstanding scholars to undertake doctoral research at UCL.’ - IMA graduate prize winner (2017)
Department of Mathematics, University College London, UK
‘For outstanding performance on the mathematical qualification’. - Barlett prize (2016)
Department of Mathematics, University College London, UK
‘For best mathematics and statistics finalist’. - Nazir Ahmad prize (2015)
Department of Mathematics, University College London, UK
‘For student gaining the best results in the third year of an Msci degree’.
