- London, UK
Chris Giles Keynote Speaker
- Economics Commentator, Financial Times
- Insight and Foresight on Key Economic Trends in Europe and Beyond
- Helping Business Leaders grapple with key economic analysis
Chris Giles's Biography
Chris Giles has been at the forefront of analysis on the national and global economy for many years. He is the FT’s Economics Commentator
He writes a fortnightly column and the weekly newsletter, ‘Chris Giles on Central Banks‘ Previously, he was Economics Editor and served as a leader writer. In 2023, he became an Honorary Professor of Practice at UCL Policy Lab.
During his tenure at the Financial Times he has been uniquely privileged in his access to the major facts in economics and his influence on their worldwide perception. Chris offers a clear view of today’s economy at any scale — be it the whole world, the UK or Europe.
Giles brings extensive experience on-the-ground economic knowledge and insights in his talks. He is skilled as a keynote speaker, panelist, or moderator. He can speak with assurance and depth on matters relating to global trends, the UK economy, its relationship inside Europe, drawing out the links and common themes. He has spoken and moderated at the IMF, Davos, and the World Bank, among others. He has also worked with leading corporate firms in Europe, the US and in Asia.
Chris brings a deep understanding of the crucial factors of the economy — interest rates, inequality, innovation, productivity and public finances — and their roles in shaping the landscape in which business operates.
His accessible style steers clear of dry economic presentations, bringing the subject of economics alive to a general audience with anecdotes and the most up to date information. Before the FT, he worked for the communications regulator Ofcom, reported for the BBC, and served for seven years as an economist with the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
During his career, he has been awarded;
- Royal Statistical Society’s prize for excellence in journalism in 2008 and 2012
- Business Journalist of the Year in 2012
- Senior Wincott Award for financial journalism in 2015, the most prestigious UK prize in economics journalism
Chris Giles's Speaking Topics
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Chris tailors each presentation to the needs of the audience and can deliver a keynote talk, participate in a panel or to moderate high level discussions. Current areas of interest include;
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Global Economic Outlook
Where next for the global economy? Which countries do we need to watch? Who is in trouble? How will AI, technology, productivity, demographics and the climate transition affect the outlook?
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Geopolitics and the Global Economy
Is globalisation doomed? Will populism undermine economic dynamism? How is the world economy adapting to growing tensions and conflicts?
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Tariffs and global trade
The Trump administration has implemented tariffs and upended the global trading system based on rules that have been in place for over 70 years. How big are the changes we are seeing? What will be the effects for companies, citizens and countries? Is this a self-inflicted wound for the US economy? How will other countries react and what will be the effects. Chris will outline scenarios on how the new trade war will change our lives in the years ahead
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Central Banking and Interest Rates
Where next for interest rates? Has inflation now been contained? How do central banks think about global economic developments? Do central banks have an important role in the green transition?
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UK Economy
Where does the UK sit in the world economy? What are its prospects compared with the rest of Europe? How has politics affected the economic outlook?
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Fiscal Risks
How will countries cope with an ageing population and rising expectations from populations? Are taxes inevitably going to rise? How can countries have such different tax and expenditure levels? Are weak public finances and rising debt the next global crisis?
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Europe
Where does Europe sit in an increasingly fragmented global economy? Can Europe still be an economic powerhouse? What strategies does the continent need to improve its performance?
Why Book Chris Giles as a speaker?
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He is one of Britain’s most respected economic commentators, helping leaders understand the forces shaping the global economy, financial markets and the policy decisions that influence business performance.
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He translates complex developments in monetary policy, inflation, interest rates and public finances into clear, actionable insights that help organisations navigate economic uncertainty with greater confidence.
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He has spent decades analysing the world’s most important economic trends from the vantage point of the Financial Times, with unrivalled access to policymakers, central bankers and global economic institutions.
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He combines rigorous economic expertise with an engaging and accessible communication style, making challenging topics relevant and understandable for audiences at every level.
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His briefings help executives, investors and boards assess economic risk, anticipate policy shifts and make better strategic decisions in an increasingly complex global environment.
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