Public Sector Debt Statistics Fundamentals

Tobias (Murto) Wickens is an Extraordinary Senior Lecturer and former Senior Economist in the Government Finance Division of the IMF's Statistics Department, bringing over three decades of expertise in public finance and government statistics. His career includes 22 years at the IMF and 10 years at the South African Ministry of Finance, where he managed budget numbers, estimates, and fiscal analysis. Wickens has made significant contributions to international financial statistics as the primary drafter and editor of the Public Sector Debt Statistics: Guide for Compilers and Users, while also authoring several chapters of the Government Finance Statistics Manual 2014. His expertise extends to improving government finance statistics globally through developing compilation methodologies, conducting training programs, and collaborating with desk economists on fiscal files. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led webinars helping countries understand proper recording of government interventions in fiscal statistics. His work focuses on public sector debt statistics, government finance statistics, and public finance, establishing him as a leading authority in fiscal and public sector statistical methodology.