Otmar Issing

Otmar Issing is a prominent German monetary economist, known as one of the founding fathers of the Euro. He served on the inaugural Executive Board of the European Central Bank, where he introduced the “two-pillar” monetary policy framework as the institution’s first-ever chief economist, building the strategy from scratch during the ECB’s earliest and most uncertain years. His work blends academic excellence with real-world economic leadership. He is currently President of the Center for Financial Studies, a post he has held since stepping down from the ECB, and Chairman of the Kuratorium House of Finance in Frankfurt.

What is his background?

From 1998 to 2006, Issing was Chief Economist, the first person to hold that title, and Executive Board member of the ECB, following a senior role on the board of the Deutsche Bundesbank (1990–1998). He led Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Advisory Council for a New Financial Order and served in the EU’s High-Level Group on financial regulation. He has held academic chairs in Würzburg, where he was born in 1936, and Erlangen-Nürnberg, and authored several seminal works, including Einführung in die Geldtheorie and Der Euro – Geburt, Erfolg, Zukunft. His recognitions include the Federal Cross of Merit and honors from universities and European institutions.

Speaker’s Conferences

What are his conferences like?

Otmar Issing’s talks offer in-depth analysis on economic, monetary, and geopolitical dynamics. He speaks with clarity and depth, targeting decision-makers, economists, and finance professionals. Drawing on decades of top-level experience, including the years he spent building the ECB’s strategy from the ground up, his keynotes deliver strategic insights into the evolution of the Eurozone, the role of central banks, and the global economic outlook.

Selection of conferences

The Eurozone in Transition

Explores the structural, institutional, and economic challenges facing the Eurozone amid shifting geopolitical and financial dynamics. Issing draws directly on his own role shaping the currency’s founding monetary framework.

Learning from the Past for a Resilient Future

Insights on the root causes and implications of recent financial crises and proposals to strengthen the global economic system. Much of the analysis builds on the 2003 review Issing himself led of the ECB’s own strategy.

Central Banks and the New Global Order

An authoritative take on how central banks should evolve in response to digital money, global inflation, and multilateral cooperation. Issing brings the perspective of someone who helped write the rulebook that today’s central bankers still work from.

More about the Expert

Videos

Book Otmar Issing for your Event

Do you want to book Otmar Issing?

If you are looking for a strategic, visionary, analytical speaker for your next event or conference on economics or international finance, you can book Otmar Issing through Thinking Heads. As one of the most prominent figures in European monetary policy, Otmar delivers a dynamic and professional presentation that ensures the best experience for your audience. Contact Thinking Heads today to learn more and secure their participation in your upcoming event or conference.