Marcel Fratzscher

Professor Marcel Fratzscher is a leading economist specialising in macroeconomics, financial markets, and the economic challenges shaping Germany and Europe. As President of DIW Berlin, one of Europe's most influential research institutes, and professor at Humboldt University, he combines rigorous academic insight with a powerful voice on pressing issues including inequality, climate economics, and wealth taxation. Ranked amongst Germany's top ten most productive economists by Handelsblatt, Marcel has authored bestselling works such as "The Germany Illusion" and continues to publish extensively on socio-political and economic topics. His presentations equip leaders and organisations with clear, evidence-based perspectives on navigating economic uncertainty, understanding policy shifts, and building resilience in an evolving global landscape.

When the German government needed a strategy to revitalise national investment in 2014, they turned to Marcel Fratzscher to chair the expert commission tasked with solving one of the country's most pressing economic challenges. Since 2013, he has served as President of DIW Berlin, one of Europe's most influential economic research institutes, whilst holding a professorship in macroeconomics and finance at Humboldt University. His academic foundation was built across continents, earning his Ph.D. in economics from the European University Institute in Florence and honing his expertise at Oxford and Harvard. Marcel's career has spanned pivotal roles at the European Central Bank, the World Bank, and the Peterson Institute for International Economics, giving him a rare combination of institutional knowledge and frontline policy experience that shapes his understanding of how global financial systems truly operate.

His contributions to economic thought extend far beyond academia. Ranked amongst Germany's top ten most productive economists by Handelsblatt, Marcel has authored bestselling works including "The Germany Illusion" and "Verteilungskampf", which challenge conventional narratives about Germany's economic success and expose uncomfortable truths about inequality and structural weaknesses. His research focuses on business cycles, European integration, monetary policy, and global financial markets, yet he translates these complex subjects into accessible public discourse through regular columns in Die Zeit and other leading publications. In 2026 alone, his work has addressed wealth taxation, the economic paradoxes facing populist movements, and the intersection of climate policy with economic development. Marcel participates actively in international forums, contributing to discussions on fair taxation, pension security, and the trade-offs between environmental action and economic growth, ensuring his insights reach policymakers and business leaders across Europe and beyond.

Marcel equips audiences with the analytical frameworks needed to navigate economic uncertainty and make informed strategic decisions. His presentations cut through political rhetoric to reveal the underlying economic forces shaping Germany and Europe, from inflation dynamics and energy transition challenges to the evolving global political order. He helps leaders understand not just what is happening in the economy, but why it matters for their organisations and how they can respond effectively. By connecting macroeconomic trends to practical business implications, Marcel enables executives and policymakers to anticipate shifts, identify opportunities, and build resilience in an increasingly volatile landscape. His ability to synthesise rigorous research with real-world application ensures audiences leave with clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies for strengthening their organisations and contributing to broader economic stability and growth.