Dr. Kent Smetters

Biography

Kent Smetters is the Boettner Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Faculty Research Fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research and has served in various capacities, including Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model. His academic work includes a focus on applied theory, optimal fiscal policy, personal finance, and asset pricing. Smetters has held notable positions including Deputy Assistant Secretary at the United States Treasury and a member of the U.S. Congress’ bipartisan Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Dynamic Scoring. In addition, he co-founded one of the nation’s first hybrid robo-advisory firms, Veritat Advisors, which was later sold to the largest independent broker-dealer in the U.S. His research work often emphasizes the importance of annuity markets and social insurance programs, along with tax reform. Dr. Smetters received his PhD in Economics from Harvard University and is frequently cited in major media outlets for his insights.

Research Interests