Raghuram Rajan

Former Chief Economist & Director of Research at the IMF, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Vice Chairman of The Bank for International Settlements & Winner of the Deutsche Bank Prize in Financial Economics

Raghuram Rajan’s Biography:

Raghuram Rajan is one of the world’s most influential economists, having served as Chief Economist and Director of Research at the International Monetary Fund and later as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Known for his early warnings about global financial instability, he has played a major role in shaping international economic policy and debate. Alongside his leadership roles in global finance, Rajan is a bestselling author whose work examines the structural challenges facing the world economy. His expertise in global markets, financial systems and economic policy has made him one of the most respected voices in international economics.

Raghuram studied engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology before completing an MBA at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, where he graduated with a gold medal. He later earned a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, focusing on the relationship between corporations, financial systems and global markets. His academic career led him to become a leading scholar in finance and economics, and he later joined the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as a professor of finance.

In 2003, Raghuram was appointed Chief Economist and Director of Research at the International Monetary Fund, where he was responsible for analysing global economic trends and shaping the organisation’s research agenda. After his time at the IMF, he continued to advise governments and institutions on financial stability. In 2013, he became Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, where he implemented reforms to strengthen India’s financial system and stabilise economic growth. During this period, he also served as Vice Chairman of the Bank for International Settlements.

Raghuram’s work has earned numerous international honours. He received the Fischer Black Prize recognising his contribution to financial economics and later won the Deutsche Bank Prize in Financial Economics. His book ‘Fault Lines: How Hidden Fractures Still Threaten the World Economy’ was named the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year. He has also received the Infosys Prize for Social Sciences and the Yashwantrao Chavan National Award, recognising his impact on global economic thinking.

Why Hire Raghuram Rajan?

Raghuram is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled insight into global economic systems and financial stability. Having shaped economic policy at the highest international level, he offers audiences a rare perspective on how governments, financial institutions and markets respond to global crises and long-term structural change.

As the author of influential books on financial risk and global economic imbalances, he provides audiences with a clear understanding of the forces shaping the global economy. His talks explore themes such as global financial stability, economic policy, banking reform and the future of international markets, helping leaders navigate uncertainty in an increasingly complex economic landscape.

Raghuram Rajan’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Raghuram Rajan’s distinguished career:

• 2025 – Co-authored the book Breaking the Mold: Reimagining India’s Economic Future examining structural reforms for India’s long-term economic growth.
• 2018 – Awarded the Yashwantrao Chavan National Award recognising his contribution to economic policy and financial leadership.
• 2014 – Awarded the Governor of the Year Award by Central Banking for his leadership of the Reserve Bank of India.
• 2013 – Awarded the Deutsche Bank Prize in Financial Economics recognising his impact on global financial research.
• 2013 – Appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of India leading major reforms to strengthen the financial system.
• 2012 – Appointed Chief Economic Advisor to the Finance Ministry of India advising the government on economic policy.
• 2011 – Awarded the Infosys Prize for Social Sciences recognising his contribution to economic research.
• 2010 – Won the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year for Fault Lines.
• 2003 – Appointed Chief Economist and Director of Research at the International Monetary Fund.