Peter Westaway

Independent Economist & Investment Strategist & Former Chief Economist & Head of Investment Strategy Group at Vanguard Europe

Peter Westaway’s Biography:

Peter Westaway is a respected economist and investment strategist known for his clear, insightful, and engaging communication style. As a speaker, Peter combines deep economic expertise with an ability to explain complex global trends in an accessible and thought-provoking way. His presentations are marked by clarity, authority, and a touch of humour, making him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to understand the shifting dynamics of global markets, policy decisions, and investment strategy.

Peter began his career in 1984 as a Senior Economic Assistant at HM Treasury, where he gained a solid grounding in fiscal and monetary policy. He went on to become a Senior Research Officer at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, where he developed his interest in macroeconomic modelling and forecasting. These early experiences provided him with the analytical foundation and practical insight that would underpin his later career at some of the world’s leading financial institutions.

During his tenure at the Bank of England, Peter held a number of key roles, including Head of the Monetary Instruments and Markets Division and Senior Research Advisor. Notably, he contributed two influential background papers to the UK government’s Five Tests assessment of euro membership, which were widely recognised for their rigour and balanced perspective. This period cemented his reputation as an economist capable of translating technical research into policy relevance.

Peter’s career later expanded into the private sector, where he took on senior economist roles at Nomura International and Vanguard Europe. At Vanguard, he served as Chief Economist and Head of the Investment Strategy Group, guiding clients and investors through economic uncertainty with data-driven insights. Since 2022, Peter has worked independently as an Economist and Investment Strategist, continuing to write, speak, and advise widely. His commentary frequently appears across various esteemed media, where he provides expert analysis on market trends and policy developments.

Why Hire Peter Westaway?

Peter is hired as a speaker for his exceptional ability to demystify complex economic issues and present them in a way that captivates and informs diverse audiences. With a distinguished background spanning policymaking, academic research, and private sector leadership, he offers an unrivalled perspective on global economic trends and financial strategy. His calm, articulate style makes him a trusted presence on stage, as he delivers clear, data-driven analysis with engaging clarity and a touch of wit. Audiences appreciate his talent for blending authority with accessibility, ensuring even the most intricate topics are communicated with insight and precision.

He has spoken at leading financial conferences, corporate events, and advisory sessions across Europe, providing forward-looking commentary on inflation, interest rates, and market behaviour. A regular contributor to BBC, Bloomberg, and CNBC, Peter is widely recognised for his balanced, evidence-based approach to understanding global markets. Audiences value his ability to turn uncertainty into actionable insight, helping them navigate the complexities of the economic landscape with confidence. Whether addressing executives, investors, or policymakers, Peter consistently delivers presentations that enlighten, challenge, and inspire meaningful discussion and decision-making.

Peter Westawat’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Peter Westaway’s incredible career:

• 2025 – Recognised as a leading keynote economist, he delivered his “Inflation: Have central banks lost the plot?” presentation to a major global investment summit, guiding senior financial professionals through today’s macroeconomic challenges.
• 2022 – Began working independently as an Economist and Investment Strategist, advising clients across the financial sector on global markets and policy developments
• 2011 – Appointed Chief Economist and Head of Investment Strategy Group at Vanguard Europe, leading regional economic analysis and investment strategy
• 2009 – Served as Chief Economist Europe at Nomura International, providing strategic insight into European and global economic trends
• 2008 – Took on the role of Senior Research Advisor at the Bank of England, contributing to key policy and research initiatives
• 2003 – Became Head of Monetary Instruments and Markets Division at the Bank of England, overseeing the management of monetary policy tools and financial market operations
• 2002 – Seconded from the Bank of England to HM Treasury, contributing to the Five Tests assessment of the UK’s potential euro membership
• 1999 – Authored two influential background papers that shaped the government’s Five Tests economic review on euro adoption
• 1995 – Promoted to Senior Manager at the Bank of England, specialising in macroeconomic policy development and financial stability analysis
• 1990 – Worked as a Senior Research Officer at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, focusing on macroeconomic modelling and forecasting
• 1984 – Began his career as a Senior Economic Assistant at HM Treasury, developing expertise in economic analysis and fiscal policy