Professor Niall Ferguson (US)

Niall Ferguson is one of the world's most influential economic historians. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Cash Nexus: Money and Power in the Modern World, and The War of the World: Twentieth Century Conflict and the Descent of the West. The last offers a groundbreaking examination of empire and the revival of the East.

Controversial, expansive and eloquent, Ferguson has been labelled 'the most talented British historian of his generation'; but the themes he explores have urgent relevance to the present. He explores the costs and benefits of economic globalisation, the connections between finance and politics, and the strengths and limitation of American power.

In the wake of the worldwide financial crisis, Ferguson's presentations argue the case for radical institutional reforms. He advocates Limited Purpose Banking, restricting the banks to traditional low-risk activities and creating mutual funds with a 100% capital requirement.

Niall Ferguson has served simultaneously as Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, and Professor of History at Harvard University. He has also held positions at the LSE and advised Senator John McCain's presidential campaign.

A prolific commentator for the American and British press (as well as an experienced radio and television presenter), his work regularly appears in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Time Magazine.