SAIF was established in 2009 by Shanghai Jiao Tong University with support from the Shanghai Municipal Government as part of the national strategy to transform Shanghai into a global financial center. The institute aims to become a world-class institution for research and advanced learning in both finance and management.

Under the leadership of a board comprising city government officials, representatives of Jiao Tong University and other experts, SAIF features a modern administrative management system that is free of the restrictions typically present in traditional schools in China, which has enabled the institute to flourish and be more innovative in its research and talent cultivation processes.

The institute offers a holistic range of courses, including degree and non-degree programs such as Masters of Finance, MBA, EMBA, DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), PhD and EDP (Executive Development Program).