Rod GarrattView profile
Professor
Rod Garratt is a Professor of Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), holding the Maxwell C. and Mary Pellish Chair in Economics. He has held senior roles at institutions such as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Bank for International Settlements (BIS), and Bank of England. His research focuses on cryptocurrencies, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), payment systems, and fintech innovations. Garratt earned his Ph.D. from Cornell University and has published in top journals like the American Economic Review and Journal of Political Economy. Education: PhD in Economics (Cornell University, 1991), MA in Economics (Cornell, 1990), Honours BA in Economics and History (University of Waterloo, 1986). Research Interests: Garratt’s work bridges theoretical economics and practical policy, emphasizing CBDC design, crypto-asset dynamics, and financial infrastructure resilience. He explores how decentralized technologies like blockchain can enhance payment systems while addressing risks such as systemic instability and privacy concerns. His recent work includes analyses of DeFi lending behavior and the implications of CBDCs on monetary policy. Key Contributions: Co-led the Federal Reserve’s Virtual Currency Working Group, contributed to Project Jasper (wholesale CBDC prototype), and advised multiple central banks on digital currency strategies. His research on privacy in electronic cash and the crypto multiplier effect has influenced policy debates globally. Awards: Recognized for contributions to CBDC research, including the 2021 Latin American Journal of Central Banking Best Article Prize and the 2020 NeurIPS Best Paper Award. Professional Roles: Editor of the European Economic Review and Digital Finance, and member of advisory boards for the World Economic Forum and BIS Innovation Hub. Garratt frequently testifies before legislative bodies, including the U.S. House Subcommittee on Monetary Policy. Labs/Initiatives: Active in BIS’s Project Agorá (cross-border payment systems) and collaborates with institutions like the IMF and ECB on digital currency frameworks.









