Susan Thomas is an Indian researcher in the fields of finance, markets, and the economy. Having deep interests in these, she has explored the cross-structure of financial markets, including institutions, laws and the users of markets, household finance, finance and firms, government contracting, and understanding the workings of courts.
She worked on the design of the NSE-50 (Nifty) index and the risk management systems of the Indian equity derivatives markets. Her policy engagements with the Ministry of Finance included being a member of the Standing Council of the Competitiveness of the Indian Financial Sector, and the Bankruptcy Legislative Reforms Committee. She led the research team that designed and drafted the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and worked with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on the organizational structure of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India and the National Companies Law Tribunal.
She has always been an academic. After completing her graduation at IIT Bombay, a keen passion for economics got her to complete her Ph.D. at the University of South California. She later joined as a professor and researcher at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research.
Currently researching a blend of policy and quantitative research, she started with only technical and academic research. As an academic, she explored her field and got it tested against other academic ends, experts from financial organizations, and policy makers who engage more into new developments and reforms in India.
Spending a childhood that did not give her much freedom as a kid, scientist Newton was her inspiration to pursue a research career. She constantly and continuously inspires women in society to learn, grow, educate, and empower themselves. Her prominent advice is to read literature, history, and philosophy for better application of learning tools.
