Saul Eslake has worked as an economist in the Australian financial markets for more than 25 years, including as Chief Economist at McIntosh Securities (a stockbroking firm), Chief Economist (International) at National Mutual Funds Management, and as Chief Economist at the Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ).
He took a break from the financial markets, during which time he worked part-time as Director of the Productivity Growth Program at the Grattan Institute, a 'think tank' affiliated with Melbourne University, and as a freelance writer, speaker and consultant.
Saul returned to the financial markets in his current role as Chief Economist of Bank of America Merrill Lynch Australia. Saul is also a non-executive director of Hydro Tasmania, the largest renewable energy producer in Australia; and a member of the National Housing Supply Council (which produces long-run estimates of the demand for and supply of housing) and the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (the external advisory body to the Australian Bureau of Statistics).
He has at different times in the past been a Chair of the Tasmanian Arts Advisory Board; a board member of the Australian Business Arts Foundation and the University of Tasmania Foundation; a member of the Howard Government's Foreign Affairs and Trade Policy Advisory Councils, and of the Rudd Government's Long-Term Tourism Strategy Steering Committee; and a member of the Steering Committee established by the Tasmanian Government to prepare a business case for a Tasmanian team in the AFL.
He has also been an occasional contributor to the Melbourne Age, Sydney Morning Herald and Launceston Examiner newspapers, and to a number of professional and other magazines.
Saul has a first class honours degree in Economics from the University of Tasmania, and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia. He has also completed the Senior Executive Program at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business in New York.
TOPICS
Australia's Economic Horizon
A glimpse at our long term future
Saul has been described as the most 'pre-eminent macro-economist in Australia'. His extensive knowledge comes from monitoring, analysing and predicting trends in the Australian economy as a core part of his numerous roles as Chief Economist for well over 25 years. In this presentation, Saul ties together macroeconomic data and complex fiscal policy to provide valuable insights into how current economic trends can impact your business.
Previous presentations have included:
- The Importance of Growth to Australia's Long Term Future
- Australian Society and Politics
- Talks on Productivity and Commodities and Labour
- The 'Big Picture' for the Australian residential property market
- After the 'Resources Boom' - is Recession Inevitable?
Global Markets
Trends, Growth & Opportunity
We live in an increasingly globalised world, one that is rapidly changing and expanding to incorporate new international trade deals, problems in European markets and big shifts in economic powers. In this rapidly changing economic climate, Saul provides comprehensive insights into how your businesses can reduce risk, maximise opportunity, keep up and grow!
Previous presentations have included:
- The Global Financial System
- Free Trade Agreements
- The ongoing Greek Crisis - Will the Euro survive?
- Prospects for commodity prices
- Is a 'Currency War' going on?
The Rise of China, India and Asia
What it means for Australia
By the end of the decade Asia will account for 39% of the world's GDP. Considering that around 75% of Australian exports are going to Asia, you simply can’t understand the nation's long-term economic prospects without a good understanding of what’s happening in the major Asian economies. Saul's profound knowledge of these emerging economic powers can help corporations worldwide understand what the global distribution of economic production will look like for their business, assess their 'readiness' to adapt to these new markets, and much more.
Previous presentations have included:
- China and the New Economic Order
- China and India in the World Economy
- Economic and Social Change in Asia
- China's Slowing Economy - Is it serious & what does it mean for Australia?
Testimonials
Saul Eslake is Australia's most brilliant and incisive economic commentator.
- CEDA
I could have listened to Saul all day, extremely interesting, informative and able to make a complex series of data understandable.
- National Institute of Accountants Conference
It is rare that an econmist turns the house alight - you certainly did so at lunch last week... the reaction by all present was that of a satisfied gathering. The breadth of the subject matter and the clarity with which you covered issues of significant complexity was exciting to behold.
- Chairman, Australia-British Chamber of Commerce
Of all the economic commentators I listen to he is the best... the most comprehensive detailing, Saul joins the dots in the best ways, coupled with his choice of language punctuated with dry humour he enables one to stay focussed on the core message.
- Director, Darwin Central
To cover somuch analysis of the curent situation with so much clarity was most impressive.
- RMIT University School of Management
I have NEVER seen anyone - not a politician or another speaker - keep people spellbound for 40 minutes, as you did. The feedback from the guests was overwhelmingly positive - not the case with many of our other speakers. I only wish I was able to chat with you afterwards to give this feedback to you personally. Hopefully, Saul, not only the young ones but also our politicians really heard the message you sent us so eloquently. Thank you for that.
- Future SA, Young Business Leaders
Our members were very impressed with your high level of knowledge regarding both Australian and New Zealand economic matters. They appreciated your straightforward and honest approach, particularly when answering some of the complex questions raised during the Q&A time.
- Executive Director AustCham Shanghai
