1300 314 788
Stephen Halmarick
PrintStephen Halmarick has 39 years’ experience as a bank and financial markets economist and is widely regarded as one of the best economic communicators in Australia. He served as Chief Economist and Head of Global Economic & Markets Research at Commonwealth Bank of Australia from January 2018 to January 2025. Throughout his career, Stephen has been recognised for his skill in presenting economic and market insights to all levels of audiences in Australia and globally.
Speaker Categories
Testimonials for Stephen Halmarick
I would have liked to see Stephen Halmarick present a little longer as his content was great and very clearly delivered. The Q & A session covered a lot of subject matter, and it may have been better if this was directed to the most important aspects that they believe we should focus on and more time for Stephen.
CommBank Economic Roadshow
Stephen started proceedings with the global backdrop of rising prices for energy and commodities (including agricultural), which, if not caused, have been exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He noted that Australia stood to benefit from these factors on a ‘net’ basis, especially in contrast to Europe. The audience enjoyed exploring Stephen’s views as Stephen drew together the threads of the discussion by concluding that if one considered the sanctions and not just the war, then the effects were likely to continue for some time as a semi-permanent structural shift higher. Stephen’s take was pragmatic. I believe he is the first prominent Australian economist this cycle who argues persuasively for fiscal policy to do its share of the heavy lifting to address inflation.
Australian Corporate Treasury Association
Fee Range: POA
Stephen Halmarick's Biography
Stephen Halmarick has 39 years’ experience as a bank and financial markets economist and is widely regarded as one of the best economic communicators in Australia.
He served as Chief Economist and Head of Global Economic & Markets Research at Commonwealth Bank of Australia from January 2018 to January 2025. Throughout his career, Stephen has been recognised for his skill in presenting economic and market insights to all levels of audiences in Australia and globally, including Boards, C-suite, large client events, 1-1 client meetings and retail customers.
Stephen pioneered the use of internally generated data at CommBank, leading to the development of the Household Spending Insights (HSI) research product and the Sustainable Economics research strategy. Under his leadership, the CommBank Economics team earned top rankings in multiple categories for many years, including in the 2024 Peter Lee Institutional and Corporate client surveys.
Stephen’s leadership and governance skills were also demonstrated through his roles as a member-elected director on the Commonwealth Bank Group Superannuation Board (2016-2024) and as Chair of the Australian Business Economists (2008-2017).
Stephen’s previous roles include Chief Economist for Colonial First State Global Asset Management (2009-2017), Co-Head of Economic & Market Analysis for Citi Australia/NZ (2000-2009), senior economic and financial market strategy roles at Salomon Smith Barney/Citibank, County NatWest/NatWest Markets (1994-2000), Nomura Research Institute (1993), SBC Dominquez Barry/DBSM (1989-1993), and Westpac (1986-1989).
Stephen’s sharp economic insight can be delivered in a keynote format and as a panel facilitator where he brings authority, clarity and composure to high-level panel discussions. Stephen is also is skilled at guiding dynamic conversations with senior leaders, ensuring panel objectives are met while keeping discussions accessible and outcomes-focused.
Stephen is also a confident and experienced MC for conferences and business events, bringing a sharp understanding of industry context and audience priorities.
Stephen resides in Sydney with his wife and their blended family of six adult children.
Contact Helene Greenham directly to enquire about Stephen Halmarick for your event – helene@platinumspeakers.com.au
Speaking Topics Include
Global and Australian Macro-Economy
Monetary Policy
Budget Analysis
Economic Context of Australian businesses