Alia Moubayed

Alia Moubayed is a distinguished economist, public policy expert, and a leading voice in global economic strategy. As Managing Director at Jefferies, she provides expert analysis on economics and fixed income strategy for emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Her deep understanding of economic trends, combined with a sharp geopolitical perspective, makes her a sought-after speaker at global conferences and policy forums. Alia’s ability to bridge the gap between economics and strategic policymaking has positioned her as an influential thought leader in the financial and political landscape.

Alia’s journey began with a strong academic foundation, earning a BA in Economics and an MBA from the American University of Beirut, followed by a Master’s equivalent in Public Policy from the prestigious Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in France. Her early career saw her holding various economic research and policy roles in Lebanon, focusing on macroeconomic and trade policies. She then transitioned to the World Bank as a Senior Economist (2002-2008), where she worked on economic development strategies. Her expertise led her to Barclays, where she served as MENA Chief Economist (2008-2017), analysing the economic and geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. These roles cemented her reputation as a trusted economic advisor and policy strategist.

In recent years, Alia has continued to expand her influence, notably serving as Director of the Geo-economics and Strategy Program at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (2017-2018). Her leadership in this role allowed her to shape discourse on the intersection of economics and global security. She is also the founder of the Association of Women in Economics Across the Middle East and North Africa (AWEAMENA), an initiative that promotes the role of women in economic policymaking. Her work has been instrumental in advancing gender inclusion in the field of economics, further solidifying her as a pioneering figure.

Alia is frequently booked for her expertise in economic strategy and geopolitical risk, making her an invaluable speaker at high-level summits and corporate events. Her ability to provide clear, data-driven insights into complex economic and political issues makes her a compelling and authoritative speaker. Whether addressing financial institutions, government bodies, or academic audiences, her wealth of experience and visionary perspective ensure that she delivers impactful and thought-provoking discussions.