George Magnus: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

George Magnus’s Profile Summary

Company	Self-employed
Position	Independent Economist and Commentator.
Source of wealth	Consulting fees, book royalties, media appearances, advisory roles for asset management firms
Also known as	Author, Commentator, Advisor.
Age	Unknown
Education	SOAS University of London – Master's Degree in Economics
Citizenship	British
Residence	London, United Kingdom
Family	No publicly available detailed information.
Website, Social Media	https://georgemagnus.com/home/

George Magnus’s biography

George Magnus is a highly regarded economist with decades of experience in global economic analysis. He gained prominence as the Chief Economist at UBS Investment Bank from 1995 to 2012, where he was recognized for predicting the 2008 financial crisis through his work on the "Minsky Moment," a term related to financial instability. Prior to UBS, Magnus served as Chief Economist at SG Warburg and held senior roles at Bank of America and Laurie Milbank/Chase Securities. His work spans both advanced and emerging markets, notably during pivotal events such as the Asia financial crisis, the dot-com boom, and the Eurozone crisis. Currently, Magnus is a Research Associate at the China Centre, Oxford University, and the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He has authored influential books like "Red Flags: Why Xi's China is in Jeopardy," and "The Age of Aging." His expertise in China’s economy, demographics, and global economic trends makes him a sought-after commentator in leading media such as the Financial Times and BBC. Magnus also frequently writes on topics like Brexit and global populism

How did George Magnus make money?

George Magnus makes money in the following areas:

Consulting fees, book royalties, media appearances, advisory roles for asset management firms
What is George Magnus net worth?

As of 2025, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding George Magnus’s net worth.

What is George Magnus also known as?

George Magnus is widely known for his role as an author, particularly for his books that analyze demographic shifts and China's economic policies. His book "Red Flags" critically examines China’s economic future, while "The Age of Aging" explores the global implications of demographic changes. Magnus is also recognized as a commentator in global financial circles, regularly contributing insights to media outlets like the Financial Times, The Telegraph, and BBC. Additionally, he serves as an advisor to various asset management firms, lending his expertise to guide their strategic economic decisions

Prominent achievements of George Magnus

Predicted the 2008 financial crisis ("Minsky Moment"), recognized for his foresight in economic trends, author of widely acclaimed books including "Red Flags" and "The Age of Aging," frequently contributes to high-profile media like Financial Times and BBC, known for his expertise on China and demographics

What are George Magnus’s key insights?

George Magnus emphasizes the importance of understanding global economic cycles, demographic trends, and the role of financial stability. He advocates for deep analytical foresight, especially in understanding the systemic risks in global markets, such as his predictions surrounding the 2008 financial crisis. His focus on China and its impact on global economics also reflects a keen insight into geopolitical shifts and long-term planning

George Magnus’s personal life

George Magnus maintains a private life, and no detailed information about his family is publicly available.

Useful insights

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Alexander Elder – "Trading for a Living"
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