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Mikko Mäkinen

Who?

I began working at TELA as the chief economist in March 2023. I joined Tela from the Bank of Finland, where I had worked in the Monetary Policy and Research Department. Before that, I had worked at Aalto University, Helsinki School of Business, ETLA Economic Research and VATT Institute for Economic Research. My well-rounded career as an economist, teacher and researcher is my strength. I hold a PhD in economics from Helsinki Business School and an MA in political science from Helsinki University.

Responsibilities

  • Pension system funding and sustainability
  • Pension system as part of public finances
  • Statistics and analyses of pension investments
  • Statistical database maintenance

Working groups

  • Advisory Committee for Investment Affairs

Ask me

  • Funding and sustainability of the earnings-related pension system
  • Pension assets and how they are invested

The pension system is like the national Finnish basketball teams: every player has their own role, but regardless of age, success is built on openness, trust and a playing together.

Mikko Mäkinen, Chief Economist

In my spare time:

I do lots of different types of exercise year-round. Golf is particularly close to my heart. In the summer, I enjoy spending time with my family at our cottage in the Lohja area. I like cooking and wine. Reading is another hobby of mine.

Comments by workmates:

“Mikko is a calm coworker. He’s an expert, analytical economist who doesn’t get unnecessarily stressed. Everyone stops to listen to Mikko’s cool, calm analyses. He takes a precise, deliberate approach to lobbying. Mikko is a whizz at the macro-economics and keeps others at work grounded with his calmness. When Mikko speaks, it’s worth listening. Mikko is always friendly and nice to chat to, even if he understands nothing about coffee (Mikko drinks instant!).”