The Center for Applied Research in Finance (CARF) was established in 2025 as an initiative of Boğaziçi University, and it represents one of Turkey’s most advanced and comprehensive research infrastructures in financial technologies, sustainability, and corporate governance. Authorized under Law No. 6550 on Research Infrastructures¹, CARF integrates academic research, technology development, and policy design to provide innovative solutions for the evolving financial ecosystem.

CARF conducts research and technology development in four core domains: Blockchain and Financial Technologies, Sustainability and ESG Finance, Financial Data Analytics, and Corporate Governance Systems. The Center’s key objective is to accelerate the digital transformation of financial systems, develop AI-driven and data-based modeling infrastructures, establish national financial and ESG databases, and design policy-relevant frameworks for sustainable finance in collaboration with regulatory institutions and industry partners.

CARF’s research and development capacity will be built upon a 450 m² modern research facility located across Boğaziçi University’s Kandilli Campus. Its infrastructure will include blockchain testing environments, artificial intelligence and data laboratories, ESG and carbon market data platforms, digital asset simulation systems, and financial modeling hubs. By 2026, CARF is planning to expand its capacity with AI-supported regulatory technologies (RegTech) and decentralized finance (DeFi) laboratories, enhancing its ability to conduct cutting-edge applied research.

By strengthening cooperation among academia, the public sector, and industry, CARF aims to bridge financial technology and sustainability policy, positioning itself as a strategic actor in Turkey’s digital and green transformation. The Center provides advanced knowledge, analytical, and technological support to researchers, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and regulators, contributing to a transparent, innovative, and sustainable financial ecosystem.

¹ Those centers are approved and accredited by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) and evaluated according to scientific capacity, governance and management structure, sustainability, cooperation potential (national and international).