Austria has designated Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) Executive Director Helmut Ettl as Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The two year term of office starts on 01 November 2026. With the consent of the FMA’s Supervisory Board, Ettl will stand down as Executive Director of the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) on 31 October 2026.
“Serving as part of the International Monetary Fund’s highest governing body and sharing responsibility for its work is one of the most fascinating and demanding roles I can imagine,” Helmut Ettl commented. “Representing Austria in such a capacity is both a great honour and a massive responsibility.”
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my fellow Executive Director, Helmut Ettl, on his appointment, which also recognises his work as one of Europe’s most experienced financial market supervisors,” remarked FMA Executive Director Mariana Kühnel. “In the coming months, the Executive Board will continue to work together with an undiminished commitment to ensure a strong and stable Austrian financial market, and in preparation for a seamless transition of office.”
Ettl will continue to serve in his current role until 31 October 2026. Under the Financial Market Authority Act (FMABG; Finanzmarktaufsichtsbehördengesetz), the call for applications for the position of FMA Executive Director is required to be initiated by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF).
Helmut Ettl has served as FMA Executive Director since 2008, and therefore is one of the longest serving financial market supervisors in Europe. Ettl has served as a Member of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank since the European banking union was founded in 2014. Since 2011, he has been a Member of the Board of Supervisors of the European Banking Authority (EBA), and its Vice-Chairperson since 2023. Prior to his appointment as FMA Executive Director, Ettl was the Head of the OeNB’s Banking Supervision Department and its Banking Analysis and Inspections Division.
Journalists may address further enquiries to
Boris Gröndahl (FMA Media Spokesperson)
Telephone: +43/(1)249/59-6010
Mobile: +43 676 8824 9995
E-Mail: [email protected]