Economics Strategic Advisory Board

Hassana Babangida is an economist with over six years of experience in macroeconomic research, policy analysis, and financial markets. She currently works at the Bank of England, where she contributes to analytical and policy work on the UK economy. Prior to joining the Bank, she served as an economist at the Central Bank of Nigeria, focusing on economic modelling, forecasting, and policy evaluation.

With a strong technical background in econometrics and applied economic analysis, Hassana’s work spans both research and policy applications. Originally from North West Nigeria, she brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to advancing economic development and financial inclusion.

Hassana holds a bachelor’s degree in BSc Economics from the University of East Anglia and a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of Sussex. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder.

Amber is a Senior Economic Consultant at Frontier Economics. Amber specialises in economic, policy and regulatory issues across infrastructure sectors - including energy, transport and water. She has a particular interest in climate change, focusing on helping these key sectors achieve their Net Zero targets. 

Amber holds a BSc in Economics from the University of East Anglia (2013-2016).

Mark joined macro hedge fund Rokos Capital Management in 2015 as Head of investor Relations. He became Chief Executive Officer of RCM in 2020 and moved to the role of Senior Adviser in 2024. Mark currently runs a coaching programme at RCM, hosts induction sessions for new joiners and employee roundtable discussions, and writes a daily blog, “Mark to market”, focused on current macroeconomic and geopolitical themes and their impact on financial markets.   

Previously, he spent 28 years at Goldman Sachs (1987-2015), most recently as Managing Director heading Hedge Fund Rate Sales (2007-2015) in the fixed income, currencies, and commodities division. Prior to that, Mark spent time in several roles, including Head of Fixed Income Futures Sales (1991-1998).  

Mark holds a BA (Hons) in Economics and Sociology from the University of East Anglia (1975-1978). 

Darcy is the President of the Economics Society. She works closely with the School of Economics to create opportunities that connect students with staff, academic insights, and a strong social community. 

Darcy is currently studying BSc (Hons) Economics at the University of East Anglia, aiming to graduate in 2027.

Richard is an economist in the Competition Remedies team at the Financial Conduct Authority. He is the technical lead of a team of economists and policy specialists who provide advice to teams across the FCA on ensuring their interventions into markets enhance competition for the benefit of consumers.

Before joining the FCA Richard worked at the Competition and Markets Authority, including being lead economist on several high-profile merger investigations and a spell as Head of Research and Evaluation, at Ofcom on their cloud computing market investigation, and at a competition economics focused consultancy.

Richard holds a BSc in Economics (2007-2010), a MSc in Industrial Economics (2010-2011) and a PhD in Economics (2011-2015), all from the University of East Anglia.

Grazina Klevinske is a strategy and implementation leader, helping organisations scale climate and carbon markets solutions. She previously spent over 10 years in investment banking as a change consultant at HSBC, JP Morgan, NatWest/RBS, RBC, leading major regulatory, strategy and operating model projects.

In 2020, Grazina founded GAPYA, a programme that equipped 2,000+ students with employability skills and work experience. A UEA alumna graduated in 2011 with BSc in Business Finance and Economics, she is committed to supporting the next generation. Outside work, she loves skiing and scuba diving.

Richard Lim is the Chief Executive Officer of Retail Economics, an independent economics consultancy specialising in the consumer and retail sector.

He began his professional career as an analyst at Citi, working on financial modelling, valuations and accounting. After his initial finance role, Richard moved into the retail industry’s insight and analytics side. At the British Retail Consortium, he served as Head of Retail Insight and Analytics -leading the team, developing business-information products and supporting major clients. During this period, he honed his expertise in retail data analytics, consumer research and macro-economic interpretation.

In his current role as Chief Executive of Retail Economics, Richard provides leadership and strategic direction for the organisation. The firm brings together econometric modelling, behavioural economics and research tailored to the consumer and retail industries. Under his stewardship, Retail Economics has built its reputation as a go-to consultancy for retailers, brand owners and policymakers needing data-driven insight into consumer behaviour, market trends and retail performance.

Richard holds an MA (Experimental Economics) from the University of East Anglia (2004-2005).

Hannah has worked in commercial roles for a number of companies including L'Oreal and the Metropolitan Police, before joining the Natural History Museum where she is currently a member of their Senior Leadership Team. Her career highlight so far has been buying a giant dinosaur skeleton which is now on tour around the world! 

Hannah holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics from the University of East Anglia (2013-2016).

Jay serves as the Economics School Convenor and Director of the School of Economics Experience Partnership (SEEP). In these roles, she is dedicated to enhancing the student experience across the School of Economics by advocating for student voices and driving meaningful, lasting improvements for current and future students.

Jay is currently studying BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance at the University of East Anglia, aiming to graduate in 2027.

Richard is a founding director of Chadwicks (a wealth management company based in Norwich) and he brings extensive experience as a non-executive director and charity trustee. Richard also serves as Chair of the Norfolk & Norwich Festival - one of the UK’s largest and longest-running multi-arts festivals. 

He is an alumnus of the School of Economics at the University of East Anglia.

Aiden began his financial services career at UBS Investment Bank. He joined RBC Brewin Dolphin in 2009, and he is currently a Divisional Director in 2020. Aiden manages the investments of private individuals, families, charities, trusts, pension funds and corporates. He has also built network of local accountants, land agents and solicitors to help offer clients the best service he can. 

He deals almost exclusively with clients who live in Norfolk and Suffolk and as a result many are working in the agricultural sector or in family businesses. He helps them deal with issues such as succession planning. Aiden is also proud of leading the office’s Financial Wellbeing programme, working with local businesses to improve financial education among employees. 

He enjoys public speaking and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).