Ben Chu is an experienced journalist, speaker and broadcaster who specialises in economics and current affairs. He is Policy and Analysis Correspondent at BBC Verify. Previously, he was Economics Editor of Newsnight, the BBC’s flagship current affairs nightly TV show. Prior to that, he was with The Independent as Economics... Read more
Little Britain? What might happen if globalisation goes into reverse
UKICE Lunch Hour: Spring economics panel 2025
Ben Chu BBC News at 10 report 05/12/24
Ben Chu, Global default risk explainer, 12 January 2023
Ben Chu is an experienced journalist, speaker and broadcaster who specialises in economics and current affairs. He is Policy and Analysis Correspondent at BBC Verify.
Previously, he was Economics Editor of Newsnight, the BBC’s flagship current affairs nightly TV show. Prior to that, he was with The Independent as Economics Editor and also chief leader writer.
Ben was nominated for Business Journalist of the Year at the 2015 British Journalism Awards and for Business Commentator of the Year at the 2018 Comment Awards. He has reported from the US, China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Germany, France, Switzerland and Ireland, covering the global financial crisis, the eurozone emergency, the Brexit fallout and Donald Trump’s trade wars.
He sits on the advisory council of the Bennett School of Public Policy at Cambridge University and is also a member of the Society of Professional Economists.
Ben’s first book, Chinese Whispers: Why Everything You’ve Heard About China Is Wrong, was published in 2013 by Weidenfeld & Nicolson and was nominated for International Affairs Book of the Year at the Paddy Power Political Book Awards in 2014.
His second book, Exile Economics: What Happens If Globalisation Fails, was published by John Murray in 2025 and was described as “powerful” by the Financial Times. The book explores the growing international push towards economic self-sufficiency and the consequences of turning away from global interdependence.
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You can book Ben Chu through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Ben's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Ben Chu's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Ben tailored to your event.
Ben Chu speaks on Asia, Authors, Brexit, Economics, Economics & Finance. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Ben to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Ben Chu for events worldwide, subject to Ben's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Ben Chu is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Ben can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Ben Chu on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Ben can offer.
Ben Chu delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Ben Chu's areas of expertise include Asia, Authors, Brexit, Economics, Economics & Finance. To get a clear sense of Ben's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Ben Chu can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Asia, Authors, Brexit, Economics, Economics & Finance is relevant. Details of Ben's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Ben Chu is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Ben Chu, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Ben's current availability for your dates.