Ben studied development economics in London at the School of Oriental and African Studies until he realised that modern economic theories work in ivory towers and government departments but crumble if you hold them up to reality. Afterwards he worked with a team that launched a business in the London financial sector and spent his free time studying the monetary system and the problems it causes.
He now spends his time working on the Positive Money campaign, working with MPs, think tanks, charities, academics and unions to promote a better understanding of the real issue with debt-based money and fractional reserve banking. Watch a video and another here.
The Positive Money Student Conference
In November 2010 the Positive Money Student Conference was held. It was a ‘sellout’. Josh Ryan-Collins described it as the ‘Beginnings of a New Monetary Revolution’ on the new economics foundation’s blog.
The One Good Cut campaign
Further proposals are outlined in the One Good Cut campaign video. Basically: instead of cutting schools, hospitals and police on the streets, why not cut benefits for bankers? There are other campaigns against the cuts, but this is the only one presenting a real alternative – one that isn’t simply ‘cut later’ or ‘cut something else’. It is pitted against the British Bankers Association, which spends £49,000 a week, every week, to protect the interests of the big banks.
A presentation to the Independent Banking Commission
Positive Money, nef (the new economics foundation) and Professor Richard Werner (Director of Banking, Finance and Sustainable Development at Southampton University) were invited to make a presentation to the Independent Banking Commission in early March. This followed Positive Money’s joint submission to the Independent Banking Commission: Towards a Twenty-First Century Banking and Monetary System.
Research findings were presented to the Independent Banking Commission on Thursday 3rd March. The meeting went on for an hour longer than the scheduled times and, as a result, Positive Money has been asked to do a cost appraisal for the full reserve banking reform, going into detail about the financial impact of the proposals for the banks.
Roundtable discussion at Oxford
On 4th March Ben was on the speakers’ panel at the Positive Money at Oxford University Roundtable Discussion, which included Angela Knight of the British Bankers’ Association and Professor David Miles - a member of the Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England.
The discussion was held under Chatham House Rules, so what was said cannot be passed on, but there was sparring between Ben Dyson and those likeliest to oppose the reform. He is having an ongoing email discussion with David Miles regarding the current system and how our reform would work – a major step forward.
An office in East London
Following a very generous contribution from the Finance Lab an office in East London which will be a base for the campaign, with room for six people to work, Ben Dyson, Ben Curtis, andextra space for another four volunteers. The Finance Innovation Lab is an open environment in which people can come together to explore, innovate and evolve the financial system, so that it sustains people and planet. It is co-convened by WWF-UK and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Local groups
The financial contribution will enable the Positive Money Group to put more time into the support and development of local groups.
A very active and enterprising local group has recently been formed: Positive Money Hereford. The Finance Lab funding will help such groups to have professionally made DVDs, printable flyers and posters, and speaking tours.
Ben and his colleagues are challenging the most powerful corporations in the public interest – worthy members of the Generation Next.
