📖 Overview
Richard Werner is a German-born economist, academic, and banking expert known for his research on monetary economics and development economics. He coined the term "quantitative easing" in 1995 while working in Japan and has published influential works on central banking, financial markets, and banking theory.
Werner served as Chief Economist at Jardine Fleming Securities Asia and has held academic positions at several institutions including the University of Southampton and Goethe University. His research focuses on the relationship between banking, credit creation, and economic growth, with particular emphasis on the role of credit in macroeconomics.
Werner's book "Princes of the Yen" analyzed the Japanese banking crisis and became a bestseller in Japan, leading to a documentary film adaptation. His subsequent work "New Paradigm in Macroeconomics" further developed his theories on credit creation and monetary policy.
As founding director of the Centre for Banking, Finance and Sustainable Development at the University of Southampton, Werner has contributed to debates on financial reform and banking regulation. His research challenges conventional theories about money creation and advocates for reforms in banking and monetary policy.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Werner's detailed research and insider perspective on banking, particularly in his books "Princes of the Yen" and "New Paradigm in Macroeconomics." Many cite his firsthand experience in Japan's banking sector and clear explanations of complex monetary concepts.
Positive reviews focus on:
- Exposing central bank practices and policies
- Providing evidence for credit creation theories
- Breaking down banking mechanics in accessible terms
Common criticisms include:
- Dense academic writing style
- Too much focus on Japanese banking specifics
- Some readers find his conclusions about central bank motivations speculative
Ratings:
Goodreads:
"Princes of the Yen" - 4.27/5 (486 ratings)
"New Paradigm in Macroeconomics" - 4.31/5 (127 ratings)
Amazon:
"Princes of the Yen" - 4.7/5 (284 reviews)
"Where Does Money Come From?" - 4.6/5 (89 reviews)
Multiple readers describe the books as "eye-opening" regarding banking practices, though some note the material requires careful study to fully grasp.
📚 Books by Richard Werner
Princes of the Yen: Japan's Central Bankers and the Transformation of the Economy (2003)
Analyzes how the Bank of Japan's monetary policies influenced Japan's economic history and the 1990s banking crisis through documented evidence and insider accounts.
New Paradigm in Macroeconomics: Solving the Riddle of Japanese Macroeconomic Performance (2005) Presents empirical research on credit creation, banking operations, and monetary policy while examining Japan's economic performance from 1980-2000.
Where Does Money Come From? A Guide to the UK Monetary System (2012) Explains the mechanics of money creation in the UK banking system through detailed analysis of banking operations and monetary flows.
New Paradigm in Macroeconomics: Solving the Riddle of Japanese Macroeconomic Performance (2005) Presents empirical research on credit creation, banking operations, and monetary policy while examining Japan's economic performance from 1980-2000.
Where Does Money Come From? A Guide to the UK Monetary System (2012) Explains the mechanics of money creation in the UK banking system through detailed analysis of banking operations and monetary flows.
👥 Similar authors
Michael Hudson - Economics professor who analyzes the relationship between finance and economic power structures through a historical lens. His work on debt and financial systems parallels Werner's focus on banking's role in the economy.
Steve Keen - Economist who develops models showing how private debt and financial instability drive economic cycles. His critique of mainstream economics and focus on credit creation aligns with Werner's research on banking theory.
James Galbraith - Economist focusing on monetary systems and inequality in modern economies. His analysis of financial sector dynamics and economic power structures complements Werner's work on banking and credit creation.
Victoria Chick - Post-Keynesian economist who examines monetary theory and banking system operations. Her research on money creation and financial markets shares theoretical foundations with Werner's banking analyses.
Hyman Minsky - Economist known for theories on financial instability and credit cycles in capitalist economies. His work on banking system dynamics and financial crises connects directly to Werner's research on credit creation and economic stability.
Steve Keen - Economist who develops models showing how private debt and financial instability drive economic cycles. His critique of mainstream economics and focus on credit creation aligns with Werner's research on banking theory.
James Galbraith - Economist focusing on monetary systems and inequality in modern economies. His analysis of financial sector dynamics and economic power structures complements Werner's work on banking and credit creation.
Victoria Chick - Post-Keynesian economist who examines monetary theory and banking system operations. Her research on money creation and financial markets shares theoretical foundations with Werner's banking analyses.
Hyman Minsky - Economist known for theories on financial instability and credit cycles in capitalist economies. His work on banking system dynamics and financial crises connects directly to Werner's research on credit creation and economic stability.