Date: Monday, 27 September 2010

The global economy is at a cross-road again. Many fear a double-dip recession may be imminent, following the recent outbreak of the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, concern with more quantitative easing needed from US to prevent the economy from slipping under, as well as further downside risk to mainland China’s growth momentum. These are somber reminders of the on-going risks and challenges facing the global economy that has undergone a turbulent period over the past two years. Of greater concern is that many fear whether central banks and governments globally would have the added tools and necessary means to counter the downside risk.

Gerard Lyons, Chief Economist and Group Head of Global Research at Standard Chartered Bank, will share his views on the global economic trends, opportunities and challenges faced by the East and West, highlighting economies and emerging markets where the shift is particularly evident. He will also share his views and insights on post-crisis trends in economic policies, key factors that ensure recovery is sustainable, as well as areas for growth and transformation for both developed and developing economies.

About the Speaker

Gerard Lyons is Chief Economist and Group Head of Global Research at Standard Chartered Bank. Lyons is also an Economic Advisor to the Board and a member of the Bank’s Executive Forum. Lyons has twenty four years experience in the City. He has a PhD from the University of London. He has a strong focus on emerging economies, the international financial system, macroeconomic policy and prospects for global markets. Lyons has published widely on economic and financial issues and is invited frequently to address audiences around the world. In recent years he has testified to the US Senate Banking Committee, US Congress Foreign Affairs Committee, UK Parliamentary Committees and the EU-China Summit in Beijing. Lyons is a Committee Member of the Hong Kong Association, a Council Member of the University of Warwick, a Member of the Joint Advisory Board for the Grantham Institutes at Imperial College and London School of Economics, on the International Council of the Bretton Woods Committee and sits on the operating committee of the World Economic Forum's financial services group. In the past he has also held other positions such as Chair of the Steering Committee of the Asia Study Group at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, was on the Committee at the Centre for Economic Policy Research and was a Council Member of the Society of Business Economists for twelve years.