Media Release
MR No. 2025 – 44
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Philip Stevens as Chief Economist.
Philip brings over 25 years of experience in economics, including a distinguished academic and public sector career. He holds a doctorate in Economics from the University of Oxford and has held Director of Economics roles at the Productivity Commission and Infrastructure Commission.
FMA Chief Executive Samantha Barrass said:
“We undertook an extensive search for this important role and I am delighted that Philip is joining the FMA. His depth of expertise and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we focus our regulatory lens on the right priorities. I look forward to working with him to help ensure New Zealand’s financial sector delivers good outcomes for all New Zealanders.”
As Chief Economist, Philip will lead the FMA’s efforts to become increasingly research-driven and data- and intelligence-led, supporting its strategic priorities and regulatory focus.
“This role supports our regulatory approach and involves leading and developing a team of researchers and economists to deliver robust economic research and analysis that informs regulatory priorities, embedding the use of economic theory and analysis in our decision making and helping us to better understand economic drivers and market dynamics across the financial sectors that we regulate,” Samantha said.
Since relocating to New Zealand in 2006, Philip has held several senior roles across government agencies, including:
- Chief Advisor, Economic Strategy – Ministry of Economic Development
- General Manager, Research, Evaluation and Analysis – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
- Group Manager, Analysis, Research & Evaluation – Ministry of Education
- Director of Economics & Research – Productivity Commission
- Director of Economics – Infrastructure Commission
- Head of Research – Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned
Philip will commence his role at the FMA in November, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Samantha Barrass.
