Alia Moubayed is an economist and policy expert with over 25 years of experience in government, international organizations, financial markets, and research institutions. She focuses on economic reforms in the MENA region and emerging markets, with strong skills in analysis and communication. She is currently the Chief Economist for the MENA region at Jefferies, a London-based investment bank. Previously, she led the Geo-economics and Strategy Program at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and worked as Chief Economist for MENA at Barclays for more than eight years. At the World Bank, she held senior economist roles, contributing to research, policy development, and lending programs for Europe, Central Asia, and Indonesia, as well as engaging with Arab countries. Earlier in her career, she held key roles in Lebanon, including at the Banque du Liban, the Ministry of Economy and Trade, the Ministry of Industry, and the Council for Development and Reconstruction. Alia holds a BA in Economics and an MBA from the American University of Beirut and a Master’s equivalent in Public Policy from ENA, France. She has authored numerous reports and frequently contributes to international media. She is also the founder of AWEAMENA, an organization supporting women in economic policymaking in the MENA region.