Society Bylaws

Adopted: January 2026

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1.1 - Name

The name of this organization shall be the Society for Digital Finance (hereinafter referred to as "SDF" or "the Society").

Section 1.2 - Purpose

The Society is organized exclusively for educational and scientific purposes. Its mission is to:

• Advance academic research in digital finance, fintech, and related fields
• Foster international collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers
• Organize academic conferences, workshops, and seminars
• Support the publication and dissemination of research
• Promote education and training in digital finance
• Establish and maintain Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in focused research areas

Section 1.3 - Affiliation

The Society maintains affiliation with the journal Digital Finance (Springer) and collaborates with academic institutions, professional organizations, and industry partners worldwide.

Article II: Membership

Section 2.1 - Membership Categories

The Society shall have the following membership categories:

• Regular Members: Academic researchers, faculty members, and professionals with demonstrated interest in digital finance
• Student Members: Full-time PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
• Honorary Members: Individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field, elected by the Board
• Institutional Members: Universities, research institutions, and organizations

Section 2.2 - Admission

Membership is open to all individuals and institutions who support the purposes of the Society. Applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee.

Section 2.3 - Rights and Privileges

All members in good standing shall have the right to:

• Attend and participate in Society meetings and events
• Vote in elections and on Society matters (Regular and Honorary Members)
• Hold office (Regular and Honorary Members)
• Participate in Special Interest Groups
• Receive Society publications and communications
• Access member-only resources

Section 2.4 - Dues

Membership dues, if any, shall be determined by the Board of Directors and announced annually. The Board may waive dues for members from developing countries or those experiencing financial hardship.

Section 2.5 - Termination

Membership may be terminated by:

• Voluntary resignation
• Non-payment of dues (after appropriate notice)
• Action of the Board for conduct prejudicial to the Society

Article III: Governance

Section 3.1 - Board of Directors

The Society shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Up to six (6) Directors-at-Large
• Immediate Past President (non-voting, advisory)

Section 3.2 - Terms of Office

Officers shall serve two-year terms and may be re-elected for one additional consecutive term. Directors-at-Large shall serve three-year staggered terms.

Section 3.3 - Elections

Elections shall be conducted annually by electronic ballot. A Nominating Committee appointed by the Board shall prepare a slate of candidates. Additional nominations may be made by petition of ten (10) Regular Members.

Section 3.4 - Vacancies

Vacancies occurring between elections may be filled by appointment of the Board until the next regular election.

Section 3.5 - Meetings

The Board shall meet at least quarterly, with at least one meeting in conjunction with the annual conference. Meetings may be conducted virtually.

Article IV: Officers

Section 4.1 - President

The President shall:

• Serve as the chief executive officer of the Society
• Preside at all meetings of the Board and membership
• Represent the Society in external affairs
• Appoint committee chairs with Board approval

Section 4.2 - Vice President

The Vice President shall assist the President and assume presidential duties when the President is unavailable. The Vice President typically oversees the annual conference.

Section 4.3 - Secretary

The Secretary shall maintain records of all meetings, membership records, and official correspondence.

Section 4.4 - Treasurer

The Treasurer shall oversee the Society's finances, prepare annual budgets, and provide financial reports to the Board.

Article V: Committees

Section 5.1 - Standing Committees

The Society shall maintain the following standing committees:

• Program Committee: Plans academic programs and conferences
• Membership Committee: Reviews applications and promotes membership
• Awards Committee: Administers research and service awards
• Publications Committee: Oversees Society publications and communications
• Nominating Committee: Prepares slates for elections

Section 5.2 - Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

SIGs may be established to focus on specific research areas. Each SIG shall have a Chair and Vice-Chair appointed by the Board. Current SIGs include:

• SIG-AI in Finance
• SIG-Blockchain
• SIG-CBDC
• SIG-DeFi
• SIG-RegTech

Article VI: Meetings

Section 6.1 - Annual Conference

The Society shall hold an annual conference for the presentation of research, networking, and conduct of business. The conference location shall rotate among member institutions.

Section 6.2 - Business Meeting

A business meeting of the membership shall be held during the annual conference. Notice shall be given at least thirty (30) days in advance.

Section 6.3 - Quorum

Twenty percent (20%) of Regular Members present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum for membership meetings. A majority of Board members shall constitute a quorum for Board meetings.

Article VII: Finances

Section 7.1 - Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall be the calendar year (January 1 - December 31).

Section 7.2 - Financial Controls

All expenditures exceeding a threshold set by the Board shall require approval of two officers. An annual financial review shall be conducted.

Section 7.3 - Non-Profit Status

The Society shall operate as a non-profit organization. No part of the Society's income shall inure to the benefit of any individual member or officer.

Article VIII: Amendments

Section 8.1 - Proposal

Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by:

• A majority vote of the Board of Directors
• A petition signed by twenty (20) Regular Members

Section 8.2 - Adoption

Proposed amendments shall be distributed to all members at least thirty (30) days before voting. Adoption requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members voting.

Article IX: Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, after payment of all liabilities, remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations with purposes similar to those of the Society, as determined by the Board.

Article X: Code of Conduct

All members and participants in Society activities are expected to:

• Uphold the highest standards of academic integrity
• Treat all individuals with respect and dignity
• Avoid conflicts of interest
• Maintain confidentiality of peer review and other privileged information
• Promote diversity and inclusion in the field

Violations may result in sanctions up to and including termination of membership.