William (Bill) Lee is chief economist at the Milken Institute. He leads the Institute’s effort to develop collaborative policies to improve access to and the functioning of capital markets, strengthen financial stability and the soundness of financial institutions, and foster global macroeconomic, financial, and regulatory conditions to bolster job creation. Lee is also responsible for formulating and communicating action-oriented solutions to global policymakers, thought leaders, and market participants. Prior to joining the Institute, he was managing director and head of North America economics for Citigroup, where his responsibilities included shaping insights about U.S. policy and economic prospects for global clients. Before joining Citi in 2011, Lee was deputy division chief at the International Monetary Fund, where, among other accomplishments, he established its Hong Kong office, improved financial market surveillance protocols, and was the IMF resident representative in Hong Kong from 2000 to 2003. Lee’s country work for the IMF included being mission chief for Singapore and senior desk economist and deputy division chief covering the United States and Germany. Most recently, Lee was deputy division chief responsible for analytical chapters of the IMF’s flagship publication on global financial stability, “The Global Financial Stability Report.” In addition, he researched and wrote about institutional asset allocation, credit derivatives, hedge funds, pension funds, and regulatory reforms to strengthen global financial stability. Before the IMF, Lee was senior economist and division chief of the financial markets division at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He began his career as an economist with the Federal Reserve System Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. Lee holds a B.Sc. in operations research and a Ph.D. in economics, both from Columbia University.
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Asia Center
Extends the reach and impact of the Milken Institute to the Asia-Pacific region
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Center for Financial Markets
Conducts research and constructs programs designed to facilitate smooth and efficient operation of financial markets
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Center for the Future of Aging
Advances healthy longevity and financial security for all through high-impact policies, research, convenings, and multisector partnerships.
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Center for Public Health
Develops research, programs, and initiatives designed to envision and activate sustainable solutions leading to better health for individuals and communities worldwide.
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Center for Regional Economics and California Center
Analyzes the dynamics that drive job creation and promote industry expansion
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Center for Strategic Philanthropy
Empowers philanthropists to effectively address some of the world's most urgent problems
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FasterCures
Clears roadblocks that prevent medical breakthroughs from reaching patients sooner
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Financial Innovations Labs
Addressing society's greatest challenges through a financial lens
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Global Market Development
Working with government partners in emerging and developing economies to build strong, domestic financial markets.
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Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Anyone with a dream should have the opportunity to make it come true—through determination and an economic system that works for all
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Research Department
Addressing global policy issues on Health Economics, International Finance, and Regional Economics
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