Dr Claude Lopez has been named Head of the Economic Research Department at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), with her appointment effective from 1 September 2025.
In her new position, Dr Lopez will oversee the development and implementation of the RBA’s long-term research agenda. Her responsibilities will cover topics related to the economy, monetary policy, and other areas relevant to the central bank’s mandate.
According to the RBA, “In this role Dr Lopez will lead the work to define and deliver the RBA’s long-term research agenda onthe economy, the conduct of monetary policy and other topics relevant to the Bank’sresponsibilities.”
Dr Lopez began her career at the RBA in 2023 as Deputy Head of its Financial Stability department. Before joining Australia’s central bank, she was Chief Research Officer at the Milken Institute. She has also held senior positions at Banque de France and served as a Professor of Economics at the University of Cincinnati.
Her academic background includes a PhD in Economics from the University of Houston and a Master of Science in Econometrics from Toulouse School of Economics.
