MSCA Legacy awards in sustainability assurance and real estate financialisation

21 May 2026

MSCA Legacy has awarded its annual doctoral research bursaries to two Accounting PhD researchers at AMBS: Faria Rista and Xinyi Zhou.

Faria Rista’s research examines the development of ISSA 5000, the new global sustainability assurance standard issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. Her work explores how international standard-setters are responding to growing demands for credible assurance over sustainability disclosures.

Xinyi Zhou’s research investigates the financialisation of China’s real estate sector. Her study examines how state priorities, market pressures, and corporate strategies interact, and how firms use accounting and valuation practices to respond to these pressures.

The MSCA Legacy awards will support both researchers in presenting their work at international conferences and engaging with accounting professionals and practitioner communities.

Their projects address important contemporary challenges in sustainability governance, financial risk, and corporate accountability, while highlighting the evolving role of accounting in society.

MSCA Legacy continues to support early career researchers and finance students across Greater Manchester, while also promoting financial education through partnerships with schools, colleges, and organisations such as MyBnk.