Speaker

Mark Zandi

Chief Economist - Moody's Analytics

Mark M. Zandi is chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, where he directs economic research. Moody’s Analytics, a subsidiary of Moody’s Corp., is a leading provider of economic research, data and analytical tools. Dr. Zandi is a cofounder of Economy.com, which Moody’s purchased in 2005.

Dr. Zandi is on the board of directors of MGIC, the nation’s largest private mortgage insurance company, and is the lead director of Reinvestment Fund, one of the nation’s largest community development financial institutions, which makes investments in underserved communities.

He is a trusted adviser to policymakers and an influential source of economic analysis for businesses, journalists and the public. Dr. Zandi frequently testifies before Congress and conducts regular briefings on the economy for corporate boards, trade associations, and policymakers at all levels. He is often quoted in national and global publications and interviewed by major news media outlets, and is a frequent guest on CNBC, NPR, Meet the Press, CNN, and various other national networks and news programs.

Dr. Zandi is the author of Paying the Price: Ending the Great Recession and Beginning a New American Century, which provides an assessment of the monetary and fiscal policy response to the Great Recession. His other book, Financial Shock: A 360º Look at the Subprime Mortgage Implosion, and How to Avoid the Next Financial Crisis, is described by the New York Times as the “clearest guide” to the financial crisis.

Dr. Zandi earned his BS from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania.

Speaker

Chris Hyzy

Chief Investment Officer, Bank of America Private Bank

Christopher M. Hyzy is Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer supporting Bank of America Private Bank and Merrill within Bank of America Corporation. In this role, Chris is responsible for determining the investment view for the wealth management businesses, developing and managing the asset allocation strategy, solutions due diligence, investment policies and guidance and, supporting the client-focused investment approach. Previously, he served as the Chief Investment Officer and Chief Investment Strategist for the Private Bank.

Prior to joining Bank of America, he was chief investment officer and head of product strategy for the Latin American Market region of The Citigroup Private Bank. He chaired the Global Investment Themes Committee and was a voting member of the Investment Strategy Committee for the Citigroup Private Bank, and active member of the Investment Policy Committee, the Product Strategy Committee, and senior leadership team. Preceding his role at Citigroup, he was the director of Merrill Lynch’s Investment Policy Group and head of the Investment Committee for International Private Clients. Chris also held investment positions including director of the Global Portfolio Strategy group for Private Wealth Advisory and senior international equity strategist for Merrill Lynch’s Private Client and Middle Markets Group.

Chris received his B.A. in business from Villanova University and earned an M.B.A. in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business. He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Villanova University and serves on the Finance and Investment Committee for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.

Moderator

Raj Sharma

Managing Director - Wealth Management, Head of The Sharma Group, Merrill Lynch Private Banking and Investment Group

Raj is Managing Director – Wealth Management and Head of The Sharma Group, a high end boutique within Merrill Lynch’s Private Banking and Investment Group and has over three decades of experience in customized investment and wealth management for entrepreneurs, corporate executives, families and institutions. Raj runs a national wealth management practice based in Boston.

Raj was recently recognized by Forbes and Barron’s Magazine as the number one Financial Advisor in Massachusetts and in the top 100 in the country. In addition, Raj has also been recognized by Barron’s Magazine as one of America “All Stars” Hall of Fame list– one of a small group of advisors who have appeared in Barron’s ranking of America’s Top 100 Advisors for ten consecutive years. He was also recognized by the Financial Times of London ranking of top Global Advisors as well as the top advisor ranking in Forbes Magazine for the past five years. He was featured on the inside cover of the September 2019 issue of Forbes Magazine. Raj is also a regular contributor to local and national media on investment strategy, private wealth management and financial planning.

Raj is an ardent believer in philanthropy and is involved with several domestic and global organizations including The Boston Harbor Island Alliance, Emerson College, the American India Foundation (AIF) and Youth LEAD.