📖 Overview
Franklin Allen is a prominent economist and professor known for his research in financial economics, corporate finance, and banking. His work has significantly influenced understanding of financial institutions, financial crises, and comparative financial systems.
Allen's research has focused extensively on financial markets and how information is transmitted through prices and corporate control mechanisms. He has made notable contributions to the study of financial innovation, asset pricing theory, and the role of financial institutions in the economy.
As a professor at Imperial College London and previously at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, Allen has shaped academic discourse through numerous influential publications. His co-authored textbook "Principles of Corporate Finance" is widely used in business schools globally.
Throughout his career, Allen has served as president of the American Finance Association and executive editor of the Review of Financial Studies. His research has earned multiple awards, including the Smith Breeden Prize for outstanding paper in the Journal of Finance.
👀 Reviews
Reviews for Franklin Allen's academic work focus primarily on his textbook "Principles of Corporate Finance" (co-authored with Brealey and Myers).
Readers appreciate:
- Clear explanations of complex financial concepts
- Practical examples and real-world applications
- Updated editions that incorporate recent market events
- Comprehensive coverage of corporate finance fundamentals
Common critiques:
- Dense mathematical content can overwhelm non-technical readers
- Some case studies feel dated in older editions
- High textbook price point
- Solutions manual sometimes contains errors
From academic review sites:
Google Scholar citations: 100,000+ for key papers
Rating on Amazon (Corporate Finance textbook): 4.4/5 from 215 reviews
ResearchGate score: 47.23
Student review excerpt: "The concepts are broken down well, but you need a strong math background to follow along. The practice problems helped reinforce learning." - Amazon review
Faculty review excerpt: "Standard text for first-year MBA programs. Strong theoretical foundation but could use more current examples." - Academic reviewer on Vitae
📚 Books by Franklin Allen
Principles of Corporate Finance
A comprehensive textbook covering the theory and practice of corporate finance, including capital structure, risk management, and valuation methods.
Financial Innovation and Risk Sharing An examination of how financial innovation affects risk distribution and sharing among market participants and institutions.
Corporate Finance: Theory and Practice A detailed analysis of corporate financial decision-making, including investment policies, financing choices, and dividend strategies.
Understanding Financial Crises An investigation of the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of financial crises across different time periods and economies.
Comparing Financial Systems A systematic analysis of financial systems across different countries, examining their structures, efficiency, and economic impact.
Financial Intermediaries and Markets A study of the role and function of financial intermediaries in modern economies and their interaction with financial markets.
Financial Innovation and Risk Sharing An examination of how financial innovation affects risk distribution and sharing among market participants and institutions.
Corporate Finance: Theory and Practice A detailed analysis of corporate financial decision-making, including investment policies, financing choices, and dividend strategies.
Understanding Financial Crises An investigation of the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of financial crises across different time periods and economies.
Comparing Financial Systems A systematic analysis of financial systems across different countries, examining their structures, efficiency, and economic impact.
Financial Intermediaries and Markets A study of the role and function of financial intermediaries in modern economies and their interaction with financial markets.
👥 Similar authors
Douglas Diamond - His research on financial intermediation and bank runs parallels Allen's work on financial institutions and crises. Diamond's theories on banking and financial markets have shaped understanding of why banks exist and how they can trigger economic instability.
Jean Tirole - His work in industrial organization and banking regulation intersects with Allen's research on financial systems. Tirole's analysis of market power and regulation provides complementary insights to Allen's studies of financial institutions.
Darrell Duffie - His research focuses on financial market design and asset pricing, building on foundations similar to Allen's work. Duffie's contributions to understanding over-the-counter markets and financial risk align with Allen's analysis of market mechanisms.
Stewart Myers - His research on capital structure and corporate financing decisions connects with Allen's work on corporate finance. Myers developed the pecking order theory and contributed to core concepts in corporate financial decision-making.
Bengt Holmström - His work on contract theory and corporate governance relates to Allen's research on information transmission in markets. Holmström's analysis of incentives and firm organization complements Allen's studies of corporate control mechanisms.
Jean Tirole - His work in industrial organization and banking regulation intersects with Allen's research on financial systems. Tirole's analysis of market power and regulation provides complementary insights to Allen's studies of financial institutions.
Darrell Duffie - His research focuses on financial market design and asset pricing, building on foundations similar to Allen's work. Duffie's contributions to understanding over-the-counter markets and financial risk align with Allen's analysis of market mechanisms.
Stewart Myers - His research on capital structure and corporate financing decisions connects with Allen's work on corporate finance. Myers developed the pecking order theory and contributed to core concepts in corporate financial decision-making.
Bengt Holmström - His work on contract theory and corporate governance relates to Allen's research on information transmission in markets. Holmström's analysis of incentives and firm organization complements Allen's studies of corporate control mechanisms.