From March next year Andrew Bailey will become the Bank of England’s new Governor, according to the Chancellor Sajid Javid, with the appointment approved by the Queen.
Long-serving Governor Mark Carney will continue in the role until then to ensure the transition moves forward smoothly.
“When we launched this process, we said we were looking for a leader of international standing with expertise across monetary, economic and regulatory matters. In Andrew Bailey that is who we have appointed,” said the Chancellor.
“Andrew was the stand-out candidate in a competitive field. He is the right person to lead the Bank as we forge a new future outside the EU and level-up opportunity across the country.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Mark Carney for his service as Governor. The intellect, rigour and leadership he brought to the role during a critical time was a significant contribution to the UK economy moving to recovery and growth.”
Bailey comes from serving as the CEO of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and after decades working across policy-informing roles within the banking sector, and will be the 121st Governor of the Bank. He will serve the full eight-year term.
In his statement accepting the role, he said it was an honour to be appointed at such a critical moment in the UK.
“It is a tremendous honour to be chosen as Governor of the Bank of England,” Bailey said, “and to have the opportunity to serve the people of the United Kingdom, particularly at such a critical time for the nation as we leave the European Union.
“The Bank has a very important job and, as Governor, I will continue the work that Mark Carney has done to ensure that it has the public interest at the heart of everything it does. It is important to me that the Bank continues to work for the public by maintaining monetary and financial stability and ensuring that financial institutions are safe and sound.
I am committed to the Bank being an accessible and approachable institution, as well as an open and diverse place to work.
I would like to pay tribute to my colleagues at the Financial Conduct Authority for their support during my time as Chief Executive and the excellent work they do.”
Current Governor Carney welcomed the appointment, releasing a statement congratulating Bailey and highlighting his experience.
“I am delighted to welcome Andrew Bailey back to the Bank as its next Governor,” he said.
“An extraordinary public servant, Andrew brings unparalleled experience, built over three decades of dedicated service across all policy areas of the Bank, and most recently as CEO of the FCA.
Andrew is widely and deeply respected for his leadership managing the financial crisis, developing the new regulatory frameworks, and supporting financial innovation to better serve UK households and businesses.
Over the years, I benefited greatly from his support and wise counsel. I wish Andrew and the Bank continued success in their work to serve the people of the United Kingdom by maintaining monetary and financial stability.”
Bailey’s appointment comes at a challenging time for the Bank, with slow global economic growth, Brexit uncertainties and significant watchdog investigations under way.
