Chris Wales
About Chris Wales
Chris Wales is a Senior Research Associate who leads financial sector reviews in Uganda for the Ministry of Finance, focusing on tax barriers to development. He has extensive experience in tax policy and governance, having held senior positions at various consulting firms and government institutions.
Current Role at ODI
Chris Wales serves as a Senior Research Associate at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) since 2018. In this role, he focuses on research related to tax policies and their impact on development. His work involves collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance understanding of tax systems and their implications for economic growth.
Education and Expertise
Chris Wales studied at Selwyn College, Cambridge University, where he earned a Master of Arts (MA), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), and a PhD from 1971 to 1979. He also attended Skegness Grammar School. His academic background supports his extensive expertise in tax policy and governance.
Professional Background
Chris Wales has held various significant positions throughout his career. He worked at Arthur Andersen & Co. as a Partner for 18 years, followed by roles at Goldman Sachs and Lucida plc as Managing Director. He also served as a Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting and was a member of the Council of Economic Advisers at HM Treasury. His experience spans over four decades in finance and tax consultancy.
Contributions to Tax Policy
Chris Wales has made notable contributions to tax policy development. He led the review of Uganda’s Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Strategy in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance in 2019. He is also involved in the DIGITAX programme funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on tax systems in developing countries.
Advisory Roles and Publications
Chris Wales is a member of the Advisory Board of the Oxford University Centre for Business Taxation. He writes regular columns for International Tax Review and Accountancy, sharing insights on tax policy and governance. His involvement in various advisory roles highlights his commitment to improving tax systems and financial inclusion.