Global influence

Damion McIntosh helps developing countries modernize their financial systems while sharing his global experiences with Harbert students.

In addition to being an award-winning teacher, Harbert College’s Damion McIntosh is well-known for his international financial and regulatory expertise. Recently, the World Bank Group invited McIntosh to be a consultant with its International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The IFC encourages the growth of the private sector in developing countries by providing loans, investing in projects, mobilizing other investors and sharing its expertise—all in an effort to lift millions of people out of poverty.

According to the IFC website, in fiscal year 2023, the organization committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to improve people’s lives.

In his new role, McIntosh is providing technical assistance to governments and central banks around the world in modernizing their financial systems to assure financial stability and sector management. His work will be policy-focused and include helping countries and their central banks better regulate and supervise  their financial sector.

“Most countries would like to have a modern financial system and ensure that it is competitive and globally equivalent,” said McIntosh, a professor of practice in the Department of Finance. “Often times there might be areas in their financial sector development for which they would like guidance on necessary laws that should be implemented.”

Developing countries may also need help with technical training or benefit from our insights on challenges that other countries may have encountered and solved, added McIntosh, who recently accepted his first assignment.

McIntosh developed his expertise over the years, initially working for the central bank of Jamaica as an examiner, policy analyst and assistant director. He later became a consultant with the International Monetary Fund, providing technical assistance to governments and central banks in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Oceania.

He has trained with the U.S. Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Bank for International Settlements’ Financial Stability Institute and several other international agencies and organizations.

In accepting consulting assignments, McIntosh plans to primarily take short-term jobs during the academic year that can be completed remotely so they don’t interfere with his Harbert teaching responsibilities. He will work on more extensive projects that require global travel during Auburn University breaks.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity,” said McIntosh, who relishes the opportunity to share his experiences with Auburn students in the classroom. “Often times there is a concentrated focus of financial institutions only being in the United States. I can showcase to our students the diversity of financial systems and institutions globally.”

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