The Leading Speakers Bureau

Internationally Renowned American Economist, Author of ‘Exorbitant Privilege’ & Monetary Historian

Dr. Barry Eichengreen is one of America’s foremost experts on the history and future prospects of the international monetary and financial system. He writes a regular monthly column for Project Syndicate. He is Professor of Economics and Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley, where he has taught since 1987.

“A specialist in the role of the dollar worldwide”

[expand title=”In detail”] Barry Eichengreen received his Ph.D. from Yale University. He has done research and published widely on the history and current operation of the international monetary and financial system. His commentary has appeared in the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal and numerous other newspapers and periodicals. He is also the recipient of a doctor honoris causa from the American University in Paris. He is a Research Associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research (Cambridge, USA) and Research Fellow of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (London, England). In 1997-98 he was Senior Policy Advisor at the International Monetary Fund. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (class of 1997).[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Barry Eichengreen’s research and writing have illuminated the current financial crisis and uncovered many of its far reaching consequences. With the rise of China, India, Brazil and other emerging economies, he expertly explores the future of the monetary system, the ramifications of the possible decline of the dollar on the system and on the US and world economy. Invoking both theory and history, he discusses the evolution of the international monetary system in the 21st century, providing light at end of financial crisis tunnel.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An expert on financial crises and distinguished speaker, Barry Eichengreen’s invaluable presentations are delivered with unwavering clarity, raising very valid questions.[/expand]
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Islamic Finance Expert, Chief Executive Officer at KEIPR

Dr. Armen V. Papazian is the Chief Executive Officer at KEIPR and was Head of Islamic Finance at UBS in the UAE. He has overseen the listings of Sukuk and the continuous growth of Islamic initiatives at the exchange. He has made innovative contributions to the Islamic Finance field, and has a deep knowledge of regional markets and economies.

“Dr. Papazian is a gifted orator in his field”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr. Armen V. Papazian earned his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge, UK, specializing in Financial Economics. During his time as Senior Vice-President at DIFX (Nasdaq Dubai), he led the market development efforts of the exchange, as Senior Vice President for Innovation and Development, where he successfully launched the region’s first structured products platform with both Islamic and conventional product offerings.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dr. Papazian has been an active consultant for private and public organizations around the world. He expertly shares his views and experiences in developing Islamic banking and finance around the globe.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Armen V. Papazian is much in demand at prestigious events for his informative, eloquent and invaluable presentations.[/expand]
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Foremost Authority on the Hidden Inner-Workings of the World Economy

Peter B. Scott-Morgan has long been acknowledged as the world’s leading expert on decoding how organizations and societies really work. For more than 25 years, he has been granted privileged and often highly sensitive confidential-access to innumerable institutions, government organizations and corporations to analyse their systemic threats and advise their leaders how to respond. An extraordinary spectrum of such engagements has granted him unparalleled insights into every key component of the world economy, and has provided him with a uniquely-authoritative perspective on how the future is developing and the hidden risks that industries, institutions and whole countries face as a result.

“Peter Scott-Morgan knows the future – & he understands how to change it”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr Scott-Morgan has an expert knowledge of technology, sociology and management science, and a detailed grasp of history and politics. He earned the first ever Ph.D. in robotics in the UK. Within academia he has taught numerous post-graduate MBA courses, and in business he has been Senior Vice President of a 3,500-person professional-services firm and Managing Director of a 150-person international management consultancy.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]One of very few to gain confidential insights into a wide-ranging sample of the world economy, he shares the never-published patterns of what he observed and provides comprehensive conclusions and specific recommendations customized to each of his audiences. He can offer a mind-blowing preview of the accelerating future – that also debunks numerous myths promoted by futurologists and even some scientists. He also details how entire industries and major institutions face growing threats of their own making – including risks to numerous sectors and even whole successful regions, such as Asia and long-established organizations like the UN.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Dr. Scott-Morgan has given more than a thousand speeches, presentations and workshops in over thirty countries. He is an engaging, authoritative and highly informative speaker who also leaves his audience with the realization that, if they choose, they have the power to change the future.[/expand]
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Deputy Chairman of the Government of India’s Planning Commission

Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia is one of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s closest economic advisors. He is Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission for India, a position he has held since 2004. He spent ten years at the World Bank earlier in his career and has published numerous articles on development and global economic issues. He has been a member of the influential Washington-based financial advisory body, the Group of Thirty, since 2007. In 2010, he was a serious candidate to be the probable successor to IMF incumbent Mr. Kahn.

“Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia is India’s chief policy advisor”

[expand title=”In detail”] Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia graduated with a B.A. (Hons) degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, University of Delhi. After Oxford, he joined the World Bank, becoming the youngest “Division Chief” at age 28 in the World Bank’s bureaucracy. He returned after several years to become a lateral entrant into the Indian Administrative Service. Prior to taking up his position at the IMF, he was a Member of the Planning Commission in New Delhi as well as a Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He had previously served as Finance Secretary at Ministry of Finance, Secretary at Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce Secretary, Special Secretary to Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Finance.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia stimulates interest in and knowledge about India, and discusses and debates the most pressing issues facing India today. He discusses his role in advancing India’s recent policies of liberalization and provides expert analysis of India’s growing role in the world economy. In addition to his Planning Commission and advisory roles, Mr. Ahluwalia also attends the G-20 summits for India that have now become the primary forum for global economic leadership.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia generates tremendous excitement as a respected and expert speaker on various current global and local issues.[/expand]
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Leading Business & Financial Journalist

Anthony Hilton is a journalist who won the “Decade of Excellence Award” in 2007, the most prestigious award in business and financial journalism given annually by the World Press Awards; an offshoot of the Davos based World Economic Forum. He has worked for the Observer, the Daily Mail and the Sunday Express and has served in New York, where for three years he was Business Correspondent for the London Sunday Times.

“Winner of the prestigious Decade of Excellence Award”

[expand title=”In detail”] Anthony joined Fleet Street in 1968. He was City Editor of the Times, 1981 to 1983 and City Editor of the Evening Standard from 1984. In 1989 he became Managing Director of the Evening Standard, a post he held for six years before returning to the City Office as Editor in 1996. In 2003 he became Financial Editor and economics leader writer for the paper. He has worked in television and radio, has written books on understanding finance and the City, and is a frequent conference and after dinner speaker and moderator on City and media matters.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]The unparalleled pairing of Anthony’s experience of worldwide economic affairs with his incisive, but relaxed manner brings an undisputed edge to any occasion.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Anthony’s clear and informative presentations are adapted to demonstrate complex financial issues in an easy to understand and down to earth way.[/expand]
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Expert Economist on the Middle East

Dr. John Sfakianakis is Chief Economist of Banque Saudi Fransi, serving in various management committees as a Group General Manager. He previously served as SABB’s (Saudi British Bank) Chief Economist in Riyadh. He has published frequently on Saudi economic and trade issues as well as issuing the first business confidence index report by a Saudi-based bank.

“One of the most respected business personalities in the Middle East”

[expand title=”In detail”] John Sfakianakis holds a BSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science, an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies and a PhD from Harvard University. Prior to joining SABB, he was the Chief Regional Economist for Samba Financial Group. He also worked for the United National Development Program (UNDP) seconded at the Ministry of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia where he served as part of the 8th planning team for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He worked as a senior financial advisor to the Gulf Research Center (GRC) and continues until today to be member of the editorial board of the GRC. He has also worked as an economist for The World Bank in Washington D.C. in the Middle East, and East Asia departments.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]John Sfakianakis is recognized in the Middle East and beyond for his balanced views into economic developments. He regularly contributes articles for the international and local press, often a commentator in news channels such as Al Arabiya, BBC, CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg. He helps shape thinking across the Middle East business environment, as well as drive debate, new thinking and business leadership that will, in turn, encourage best practices and the development of a new generation of Middle Eastern business leaders.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Prominent economist John Sfakianakis is a charismatic, eloquent and warm orator and commentator who reassuringly speaks with great clarity and content at a wide range of events.[/expand]
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Former President & Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs)

Toby Bishop is the director of the Deloitte Forensic Center for Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP in Chicago. A thought leader on fraud prevention and detection with a special focus on the issue of financial statement fraud, he is the former president and CEO of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the global professional body for anti-fraud specialists.

“One of the most recognizable leaders in the anti-fraud world”

[expand title=”In detail”] Toby Bishop is a graduate of the University of Oxford. He is the former president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the global professional association of nearly 45,000 antifraud professionals in 125 countries. He is a contributing author and member of the board of editors of Business Crimes Bulletin. He is a CPA licensed in Illinois and Massachusetts, a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (FCA).[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Named five times to Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in the Accounting Profession, Toby Bishop provides a practical guide for executives to assist in managing the risks of fraud and corruption within organizations, practical insights and highlights traps to avoid. He thoroughly identifies new ideas and unique ways of looking at the world.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Toby Bishop describes in plain English terms, with many clear, practical points of advice, a proactive fraud and corruption risk management process that can enhance corporate resiliency. He expertly walks his eager audiences through the process of fraud risk assessment, incorporates the theoretical with real-world strategies for building anti-fraud controls in corporations.[/expand]
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Institute Professor & Former Director at the CIA

John Deutch is an Institute Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has been a member of the MIT faculty since 1970, and has served as Chairman of the Department of Chemistry, Dean of Science and Provost. He has published over 140 technical publications in physical chemistry, as well as numerous publications on technology, energy, international security, and public policy issues. John Deutch has served in significant government and academic posts throughout his career.

“Successful innovation only occurs when technical, economic, and social considerations are integrated”

[expand title=”In detail”] In 1995, he was sworn in as Director of Central Intelligence following a unanimous vote in the Senate, and served as DCI until December 1996. In this position, he was Head of the Intelligence Community (all foreign intelligence agencies of the US) and directed the Central Intelligence Agency. From 1994 to 1995, he served as the Deputy Secretary of Defense and from 1993 to 1994, served as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisitions and Technology. He received the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board’s Speaker Thomas P. O’Neill Award for exemplary public service in 2002, the Aspen Strategy Group Leadership Award in 2004, and he was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2007. He is a member of the National Petroleum Council and the Defence Science Board.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]In his presentations John Deutch brings his academic training and government experience to cover topics as diverse as world security, technology and energy.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]John Deutch is an engaging and insightful communicator. His presentations are an in depth analysis of technology, political and social issues masterfully delivered for audiences around the globe.[/expand]
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Asia Economist, ASEAN Strategic Affairs, Director & CEO-Centennial Asia Advisors, Singapore

Manu Bhaskaran has spent nearly 30 years analyzing political and economic trends in Asia, first working for the Singapore government in the area of regional security and then for 12 years as Chief Economist and Chief Strategist for Asia of SG Investment Bank, the international investment banking arm of Société Générale. He has also developed excellent personal contacts with policy makers as well as business leaders in Asia. He is a leading figure in a number of economic institutions.

“Manu Bhaskaran is a well-regarded commentator on Asian financial & economic affairs”

[expand title=”In detail”] Manu Bhaskaran has a Masters degree in Public Administration from the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a Bachelors degree in economics from Cambridge University. In addition to these, he has also qualified as a Chartered Financial Analyst. He has penned columns for the Far Eastern Economic Review and continues to have regular columns in business weeklies such as the Nikkei in Japan. He has also served as a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, a Singapore think tank. Although he left service with the Singapore government in 1989, he has continued to participate in several governmental initiatives. He is a Council Member of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs which advises the Singapore Foreign Ministry. Manu joined Centennial Group in 2002.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Heading the Centennial Group’s strategic advisory work in developing Asia and leading the group’s economic research practice, which provides in-depth analysis of Asian macro trends for investment institutions, governments and companies with interests in Asia, Manu Bhaskaran is ideally positioned to provide unique, on-the-ground assessments of the Asian macroeconomic environment for business executives trying to weigh-up the risks and rewards of investing across different countries in Asia. He is a frequent speaker on Asian issues at major conferences such as the World Economic Forum. His strength is in being able to look at countries from an overall perspective, rather than looking at them as individual economies.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]With experience from close to 30 years working at the highest levels in both the financial sector in South and Southeast Asia and government service in Singapore, leading Asian economist, Manu Bhaskaran delivers highly informative and astute presentations at prestigious events worldwide.[/expand]
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2010 Joint Nobel Prize Winner for Economics

Prof. Christopher Pissarides was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2010, for his contributions to the theory of search frictions and macroeconomics. The first Nobel winner with Cypriot citizenship, he is Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics and holder of the Norman Sosnow Chair in Economics. He has served on the European Employment Task Force and has been a consultant on employment policy and other labour issues for the World Bank, the European Commission, the Bank of England and the OECD.

“His book ‘Equilibrium Unemployment Theory’ is a standard reference in the economics of unemployment”

[expand title=”In detail”] Prof. Pissarides served as Vice President of the European Economic Association in 2009, becoming President Elect in 2010 and President in 2011. He has served as Head of the Economics Department at LSE, and he is an elected Fellow of the British Academy, the Econometric Society, the European Economic Association and the Society of Labor Economists. He is also a member of Council of the European Economic Association and the Econometric Society. He is the chairman of the Economica board, and a member of other editorial boards. He is also a Non-National Senior Associate, Forum for Economic Research in the Arab Countries, Iran and Turkey and a former member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Cyprus (2000-2007).[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Prof. Pissarides provides specialist analysis of the economics of unemployment, labour-market theory, labour-market policy and growth and structural change. Through his work as a research fellow of the Centre of Economic Performance at the LSE, of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (London), and of the Institute for the Study of Labour (IZA, Bonn), he explains the importance of structural change and economic performance as indicators of the strategies required to stimulte economic growth.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]One of the pioneers of matching theory approach to unemployment theory and a distinguished speaker, Prof. Pissarides’ explanations are clear, informative and expertly delivered, making him one of the most sought-after Nobel Laureats.[/expand]
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