With the deepest sorrow, the International Finance Forum (IFF) announces that Mr. Robert Mundell, IFF co-founding chairman, Nobel Prize laureate in economics in 1999, pioneer of the Theory of Optimum Currency Areas and known as the “father” of the euro, has passed away on April 4th, 2021, aged 88.

Mr. Mundell was IFF co-founding chairman. Since 2002, he has been engaged in the establishment of IFF, together with Mr. Cheng Siwei and other founding members. After years of unremitting efforts, his contribution has laid a solid foundation for building IFF into a platform for international financial exchanges and cooperation, as well as global financial F20 (Finance 20). All IFF members and staffs deeply mourn the loss of such a mentor and friend.

Mr. Mundell was a good friend of China as well. As IFF co-founding chairman, he has made significant contributions to the development of the organisation. He participated in many IFF meetings and events, and provided guidance and support to IFF during its developing times.

He spoke highly of IFF: “It is vital for China to establish a standing body, like the IFF. The rapid growth of the Chinese economy has become a focus of the world, as the international capital flow is gradually turning its direction to China. The establishment of a high-profile dialogue platform will inject positive energy into China's financial reform and development and help to promote the international capital development. As well as a global high-level symposium with unique Chinese perspectives, the IFF will help us to explore more on a financial realm.”

Under the guidance of Mr. Mundell, IFF has gradually grown into a well-known international academic organisation, and his contribution to IFF will be remembered by all. May Mr. Mundell’s spirit of freedom and independent soul live with us. May Chairman Mundell rest in peace.





Mr. Robert Mundell was born in October 1932 in Ontario, Canada. After studying at the University of British Columbia in Canada and the University of Washington in the United States, he then got his master degree at the London School of Economics, and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he obtained his PhD in Economics in 1956.

From 1966 to 1971, he served as professor of economics at the University of Chicago and editor of Journal of Political Economy.

In 1974, he became professor of economics at Columbia University, and promoted to university professor in 2001.

In 2003, he was appointed as IFF co-chairman.

In September 2009, he took the position of distinguished professor-at-large of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

As of 2021, Mr. Mundell has been bestowed honorary professorships and honorary doctorates by more than 50 universities. He has also been an adviser to a number of international agencies and organisations including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Commission, the US Federal Reserve and the US Treasury Department.