Mayumi Ojima

Mayumi Ojima is a seasoned Economist at the Bank of Japan, where she has been a vital contributor since joining in 2010. Her extensive expertise in economic forecasting and financial system research has positioned her as a key player in shaping the central bank’s strategic responses to evolving economic conditions. Currently, she serves within the Payment and Settlement System Department, where she manages the Bank’s pioneering experiments related to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in the digital currency group. Her role involves overseeing the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative digital payment solutions, ensuring they align with the Bank’s broader financial stability and monetary policy objectives.

Ojima’s work in CBDC experiments underscores her proficiency in financial and payment system research, as well as her ability to integrate emerging technologies into Japan’s monetary infrastructure. Her skills in economic research, business strategy, and data analysis—particularly with tools like Matlab—enable her to develop robust models and forecasts that inform policy decisions. She also applies her expertise in financial regulation and strategic planning to navigate the complexities of digital currency deployment, balancing innovation with risk management.

Her academic background, with a master’s degree in applied economics from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s in economics from Hitotsubashi University, complements her practical experience. Ojima’s strategic insights and technical skills contribute significantly to the Bank’s efforts to modernize Japan’s payment and settlement systems, positioning her as a forward-thinking leader in the evolving landscape of digital finance and monetary policy.