Burton G. Malkiel Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Burton G. Malkiel is a distinguished economist, author, and educator renowned for his pioneering work in investment theory. Born in Boston in 1932, he graduated from Harvard College in 1953 and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1955. After serving as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Finance Corps, Malkiel began his career in investment banking at Smith Barney & Co. He later completed his Ph.D. in economics at Princeton University in 1964, where he has been a faculty member ever since. Malkiel's most influential contribution is his 1973 book, A Random Walk Down Wall Street, which introduced the concept of the efficient-market hypothesis to a broad audience. He argued that asset prices reflect all available information, making it impossible to consistently outperform the market through expert stock selection. This groundbreaking idea led to the widespread adoption of passive investing strategies, particularly index funds. The book has sold over 2 million copies and remains a cornerstone in investment literature. Throughout his career, Malkiel has held significant academic and public service roles. He served as the chairman of Princeton's economics department and was the dean of the Yale School of Management from 1981 to 1988. He also contributed to national economic policy as a member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers under President Gerald Ford. In addition, Malkiel has been a director of The Vanguard Group for 28 years and currently serves as the chairman of the index committee at AlphaShares, LLC. Beyond his academic and advisory roles, Malkiel has authored 12 books and more than 150 scholarly articles. His work spans various topics, including financial markets, monetary policy, and emerging economies. He continues to be an active voice in the investment community, advocating for low-cost, diversified investment strategies accessible to all investors. At 91, Malkiel remains a respected figure in economics and finance, known for his enduring influence on investment practices and his commitment to financial education.