Véronique Lafon-Vinais (H.79) appointed Knight of the National Order of Merit

Véronique Lafon-Vinais (H.79), Professor of Finance at HKUST and member of the Board of the HEC Alumni China Greater Bay Area Chapter, has been appointed Knight of the National Order of Merit — a prestigious distinction recognizing her longstanding contribution to sustainable finance and international academic cooperation.

Based in Hong Kong, she has played a key role over the past decades in advancing the development of sustainable and green finance, while fostering strong partnerships between academic institutions and public actors, notably with the French Consulate in Hong Kong and Macau.

This recognition reflects both an individual trajectory and a collective commitment to shaping more sustainable economic models on a global scale.

“This award is not mine alone, but rather recognizes the team efforts that my colleagues and I have deployed over the past couple of decades to push the agenda for sustainable development and the rise of sustainable and green finance.

The partnership with the French Consulate has enabled students and scientists from both countries to explore meaningful collaborations and cooperation.

In an increasingly uncertain world, universities like HKUST and my alma mater HEC must more than ever push for sustainability and international cooperation. I am deeply grateful […] for the recognition of my small contribution.”
— Véronique Lafon-Vinais

Her impact is also deeply felt by those who have worked and studied alongside her.

“I am incredibly proud to see my former HKUST MBA finance teacher appointed as a Knight of the National Order of Merit. Having experienced her expertise firsthand in the classroom, it is wonderful to see her global impact on sustainable finance and academic cooperation recognized with such a prestigious honor.”
— Christophe Bertrand, President of the HEC Alumni China Greater Bay Area Chapter

Through her work, Véronique Lafon-Vinais embodies the role of academia as a bridge between countries, disciplines, and generations — contributing to shaping a more sustainable and interconnected global economy.