International Finance and Economics

Columbia SIPA is a globally recognized center of world-class research and a generator of evidence-based policy on international finance, capital markets, and macroeconomic policy.  It is one of the few schools in the world with a specialization in capital markets and central banking and our students include current and future policymakers from around the world. The Picker Center has organized a number of customized executive programs on International Finance and Economics for clients that include central banks and international organizations, including the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the United Nations. Programs often cover central banking and monetary policy; capital markets; international trade and investment; capital flow and exchange rate management; econometrics; global economic governance; financial risk management; macro-prudential policy and regulation; digital currencies; and financial innovation. 

Our executive programs in International Finance and Economics benefit from the expertise of faculty affiliated with the Center on Global Economy and Governance, the Center for Development Economics and Policy, and the Central Banking and Financial Policy Initiative. Columbia SIPA instructors include the former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, current and former Ministers of Finance, and chief economists and experts at leading financial institutions. Courses combine lectures, case study analysis, interactive workshops, action learning projects, industry panels, executive coaching, and leadership assessments. Our location in New York City puts us at the global epicenter of international finance, with programs often including site visits to leading financial and multilateral institutions in the New York City and Washington, D.C. areas, including the New York Federal Reserve, the New York Stock Exchange, the World Bank Group, and the United Nations Headquarters. 

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International Financial Issues in Emerging Markets

My participation in the Macro-Financial Policymaking in Emerging Markets program has significantly accelerated my professional development and career advancement. The program provided me with advanced frameworks and tools that have refined my ability to think strategically, allowing me to identify long-term opportunities and risks and contribute more effectively to high-level decision-making processes within my organization. Additionally, the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of professionals from various industries has broadened my perspective and opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations that have been pivotal in my career growth. 

—Agustina Gallardo, Economic Analyst, Banco de Inversión y Comercio Exterior (BICE), Argentina

The information shared in the International Trade Policy for Development course came from experts in the field. I use some of it in my research on international trade. I would strongly recommend this  course to all those involved in trade policy matters and negotiations. It equips its participants with important analytical tools to grasp international trade matters fully.

—Nnzeni Netshitomboni, Senior Industry Analyst, Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa

It is rather unique to have such distinguished, world-class researchers convene for a full week to discuss issues of utmost importance for policymakers in emerging economies. It was an excellent opportunity to become updated on the state of the art in macro-financial regulation. I would recommend this course to anyone seriously interested in macro-financial policy making.

—Macro-Financial Policymaking in Emerging Markets program participant

The skills I learned from the IFC Capital Markets program include the valuation of equity and bonds, how market movement and dynamics present profit-making opportunities, how to identify those opportunities and act on them, the legal aspect of bond issuance, how to identify and mitigate risks, and much more. The presenters were practicing investment professionals. Excellent program all around. 

—Frank Ajilore, IFC Resident Representative for Tanzania and Burundi, International Finance Corporation

The Macro-Financial Policymaking in Emerging Markets program has provided me with the analytical and quantitative skills to solve complex problems in the field of macroeconomics, which I've had the chance to implement in my professional career. This course offered me the opportunity to review my economic background, and it provided me the occasion to discover some financial issues that emerging markets are facing. Thanks to this program, I have been chosen by a multilateral institution to work as an Economist. 

—Gabriel Berny Duvalsaint, Senior Economist, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Haiti

Through the International Trade Policy for Development course, I was able to upgrade my knowledge with current developments in the field and exchange experiences with other professionals. The course better equipped me with the theoretical and practical skills to execute my job and maneuver through and negotiate work-related challenges.  

—Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan, Deputy Secretary-General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM)