Simon BALLARDManaging Director & Chief Economist / Head of GM Client Outreach & Market Insights - First Abu Dhabi Bank

A veteran of the financial markets, with over 35yrs of market experience, Simon joined First Abu Dhabi Bank in January 2018. Over his career as an economist, Simon has built up a wealth of multi-asset, global macro investment strategy knowledge, working in London, New York, and now the United Arab Emirates. Simon worked previously for BNP Paribas, RBC and National Australia Bank in London, and for Bear Stearns in London and New York. Bi-lingual in French, his primary focus as Group Chief Economist at First Abu Dhabi Bank is on global macro issues and in particular how these are relevant to investment strategies within and surrounding the MENA/GCC region. 

With a passion for economic theory, market economics and the economic, commercial and geopolitical challenges of the GCC region, Simon is an executive-level economic advisor and a first-class communicator who is frequently asked to appear on national and international TV and radio.