The Monetary Authority has appointed Hans Genberg as Executive Director in charge of research. He takes up the post February 7, and will also become Director of the Institute for Monetary Research.

Mr Genberg has extensive experience in research and teaching, working as a Professor in economics in the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva since 1979, and is currently the Head of the Economics Section of the Institute.

He has published widely on issues related to monetary and exchange rate policy and has a keen interest in monetary and financial developments in East Asia, particularly the Mainland. He has also been a visiting scholar at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Authority Chief Executive Joseph Yam said: "We are delighted that we will have a director with the experience and expertise of Mr Genberg to lead the Research Department.

"With his extensive expertise, Mr Genberg will help develop the department's role in supporting policy formulation in the monetary and financial markets."