Position: Senior Economist, Representative Office for Asia and the Pacific
Having lived in New Zealand, Canada and now Hong Kong, I am probably predisposed towards an international career. After moving from New Zealand, where I grew up, to Canada for my graduate studies, I spent three years at that country's central bank as a researcher. I then moved back to academia for a seven-year stint, taking up an appointment at the University of Hong Kong.
While teaching and publishing, I kept up with the world of policymaking through conferences and visits to central banks, spending time at the European Central Bank, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. My research also retained a strong connection to policy questions. So there wasn't too much of a cultural shock when I joined the BIS's representative office in Hong Kong SAR in 2008. Indeed, it was more a case of rejoining the policymaking world.
My first assignment with the BIS was as part of a research programme involving central banks across Asia. This was an excellent way to build relationships and raise the Bank's profile in the region. Now my work revolves more around preparing background material that goes into meetings of senior policymakers, as well as longer-term research of direct relevance to current policy challenges. On occasion, I've also had the opportunity to discuss my findings directly with senior central bank officials. My work at the BIS is very much consistent with a view of economics as a discipline that has important things to say about real-world policy challenges.
I continue to enjoy living in Hong Kong. The city makes it easy for an outsider to settle down, and there's a surprising amount of greenery close to the built-up areas. The school system offers a wide choice with generally high standards and affordable fees - an important point when you have three children! A less important yet pleasant adjunct to working for the BIS here is the staggering view from our offices on the 78th floor of Two International Finance Centre.
"My work at the BIS is about real-world policy challenges."
James Yetman
Senior Economist
Representative Office for Asia and the Pacific
