On 16 July 2026, the Institute for Law and Finance (ILF) proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 in a special ceremony marking the successful completion of the graduates' studies. This year's graduating class consisted of 62 students from the LL.M. Finance and LL.M. International Finance programs. The official graduation ceremony was held in the afternoon in the foyer of the House of Finance, where graduates celebrated this significant achievement alongside their families, friends, members of the ILF Board, faculty, and staff.
The ceremony commenced with welcoming remarks by Dr. Hendrik Haag, Director of the ILF, who extended his congratulations to the graduates on completing an intensive ten-month academic journey. He reflected on the strong bonds and friendships they had formed throughout their studies and expressed his confidence that these connections would continue well beyond their time at the ILF. In his address, Dr. Haag encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning and to continually strive for personal and professional growth as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of an evolving global landscape. He emphasized that developments such as digitalization and increasing environmental, social, and political awareness will continue to shape the legal and financial sectors, underscoring the importance of remaining adaptable, informed, and forward-looking throughout their careers.
Prof. Dr. David von Mayenburg, Dean of Studies of the Law Faculty, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, addressed the Class of 2026 by acknowledging their academic achievements, resilience, and personal growth throughout the year. He reflected on the challenges of studying in an international environment and highlighted the diversity of the cohort as a key strength of the Institute for Law and Finance. Further, he emphasised the significance of legal and financial education in preparing graduates for careers in an increasingly interconnected global environment and encouraged them to apply their knowledge with integrity and responsibility. Appreciation was expressed to the graduates' families and friends for their continued support throughout their studies. He offered his sincere and best wishes to the graduates for their future professional and personal paths.
The commencement speaker, Mr. Ulrich Schielein, Vice-President and CIO of Goethe University congratulated the graduates on successfully completing their Master of Laws programs and highlighted the significance of their academic achievements. He outlined Goethe University's digitalization strategy, emphasizing investments in digital teaching, modern IT infrastructure, and the responsible governance of data and digital technologies. A central theme of the address was the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, stressing that while AI will reshape legal and financial professions, human judgment, ethical reasoning, and accountability will remain indispensable. In his speech, he also acknowledged the unique strengths of the international graduates, particularly their ability to work across cultures and legal systems, and encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, integrity, and responsible leadership. The address concluded by Mr. Schielein expressing great confidence that the graduates are well prepared to help shape the digital future with competence, responsibility, and a strong commitment to ethical values.
The ceremony continued with an address by Mr. Lorenzo Forleo, Class President of the LL.M. Finance program. Looking back on the past academic year, he highlighted the many academic, professional, and social activities that had shaped the students' experience at the ILF. He also reflected on the lasting friendships and strong sense of camaraderie that had developed among the class through months of studying, learning, and celebrating together. Next, Ms. Liyi Sun, Class President of the LL.M. International Finance program, addressed the audience where she also highlighted the lessons learned and precious takeaways of the year of studies shared with fellow graduates. She encouraged fellow graduates to embrace new challenges and continue with their journeys of growth and development as they pursue their personal and professional aspirations in the future.
The Class Vice-Presidents, Mr. Rashad Bahramli of the LL.M. Finance program and Ms. Peixin Bai of the LL.M. International Finance program, then shared their personal reflections on an unforgettable year at the ILF. They spoke with appreciation about the experiences they had gained and the bonds they had formed before announcing the recipients of the Lecturer of the Year Awards 2026 for the LL.M. Finance and LL.M. International Finance programs.
LL.M. Finance:
- Winter Semester: Mr. Joachim Hasselbach
- Summer Semester: Dr. Philipp Paech
LL.M. International Finance:
- Winter Semester: Dr. Rüdiger Litten
- Summer Semester: Dr. Til Kosche
Upon the conclusion of the speeches, Prof. Dr. von Mayenburg congratulated and presented each graduating student of the Class of 2026 with his/her certificate during the commemorative certificate awards ceremony which was accompanied by enthusiastic and loud applause from family, friends, ILF personnel and lecturers.
The official ceremony ended at the House of Finance and all guests were then invited to join the dinner and dance held at the Festsaal of the Casino Building on Campus Westend. During the evening, our guests also had the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive 20-minute video produced by Dr. Rolf Friedewald, ILF Managing Director, which recapped the many memorable academic and extra-curricular activities of the Class of 2026.
It was a truly memorable graduation celebration, shared with family, friends, and the ILF community. We extend our warmest congratulations to the ILF Class of 2026 and wish all graduates continued success, fulfillment, and happiness in their future endeavors!
