People

Prof. Steven Barnett has more than 25 years of senior leadership in international economic policy, with a distinguished career at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A widely respected authority on China’s economy and global macroeconomic developments, he most recently served as the IMF’s Senior Resident Representative in Beijing, where he led strategic engagement with Chinese policymakers, academics, and media.

Throughout his career, Prof. Barnett held several senior roles that shaped the IMF’s approach to China and global economic policy issues. As Advisor to the Deputy Managing Director, he helped oversee operations across more than 90 countries and multiple departments. As Chief of the China Division, he directed annual country reports and pioneered key fiscal metrics—most notably the now-standard augmented deficit and debt framework for China. His earlier assignments included serving as Assistant Director of the IMF’s Tokyo Office, Resident Representative in Thailand, Mission Chief for Mongolia, and fiscal economist for reform programs in Turkey and Georgia.

Prof. Barnett’s research and lectures span household consumption in China, fiscal policy, global macroeconomic trends, and potential growth. He is a frequent speaker at high-profile forums such as the Boao Forum for Asia, the CSIS Global Panel, and the Finance Street Forum, and his insights have appeared in outlets including Bloomberg, CCTV, and CGTN. Known for making complex economic trends accessible and actionable, he engages audiences ranging from corporate leaders and investors to academics and journalists.

At The University of Hong Kong, Prof. Barnett continues to share his expertise through teaching, research, and public engagement, contributing to the university’s leadership in global economic scholarship.