Irfan A. Qureshi

Economist, Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, ADB

Irfan Qureshi contributes to macroeconomic surveillance, monitoring, and research while working for ADB’s flagship publication, Asian Development Outlook (ADO). His research interests include financial market development, macroeconomic policy, and nowcasting. His research has been published in academic journals on topics relating to monetary policy and debt dynamics in emerging markets. Irfan joined ADB as a Young Professional, first in ADB’s Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, then in the Public Management, Financial Sector, and Trade Division in the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD). He obtained his PhD in Economics from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.

Throughout Asia, and around the world, a holistic view of wellness is gaining in popularity. Photo: Farsai Chaikulngamdee

Wellness in Worrying Times

Policies that promote wellness can help Asians navigate the uncertain, stressful COVID-19 world and achieve a better post-pandemic lifestyle.

Irfan A. Qureshi, Donghyun Park, Pilipinas F. Quising, Shu Tian

Many consumers in Asia are shifting to phone-based, contactless payment apps. Photo: Jonah Pettrich

Plugging Into Contactless Payment in Post-COVID Asia

Asian economies must strengthen their regulatory frameworks, and invest in digital networks and infrastructure, to support contactless payment systems.

Irfan A. Qureshi, Donghyun Park

Strong government policies are needed to protect the remittances that families across Asia and the Pacific rely upon. Photo: ADB

Protecting the Remittance Lifeline from COVID-19’s Economic Fallout

Families throughout Asia and the Pacific rely on money sent by relatives overseas. These remittances are threatened by the pandemic but policy actions can help.

Matteo Lanzafame, Irfan A. Qureshi

Innovative practices are key to expanding development impact in Asia and the Pacific. Photo: ADB

Five Steps for Countries to Become Innovation Leaders

The right policies can bring a new golden age of innovation for developing countries in Asia.

Elisabetta Gentile, Donghyun Park, Irfan A. Qureshi

Dollar denominated, and other foreign currency, debt is a major challenge for developing economies in Asia that are trying to maintain growth. Photo: Sharon McCutcheon

The Right Policies Can Help Manage Foreign Debt in Asia

A high level of external debt is linked with decreased economic growth but there are policy options that can help economies keep growing.

Irfan A. Qureshi

Money is a relevant macroeconomic indicator in United States’ monetary policy. Photo: Pepi Stojanovski

Money Rules

A rules-based approach to monetary policy needs to be part of any discussion involving central bank policy.

Irfan A. Qureshi

Innovative financial instruments, including online currencies, are becoming increasingly common in Asia. Photo: ADB

The Impact of Financial Innovation on Monetary Policy

Central banks have powerful tools to affect national economies but they are being challenged by innovative financial practices

Irfan A. Qureshi

Policy uncertainty is at an all-time high and that has trade and investment looking down. Photo: ADB

Trade Policy Uncertainty is at All-Time Highs—And That’s Bad News

After 500 days of trade conflict, policy uncertainty is growing worldwide and the negative effects are being felt.

Abdul Abiad, Irfan A. Qureshi

Asian currencies are sensitive to global headlines. ADB photo.

Read All About It: How Big News Events Can Roil Asian Currencies

Major news events, as well as monetary policy uncertainties in the United States, have a significant impact on Asian currencies, but not in the way that some might expect.

Donghyun Park, Irfan A. Qureshi, Shu Tian, Mai Lin C. Villaruel