FMA Executive Director Helmut Ettl Designated IMF Executive Director

Austrian FMA News

Published November 1st, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Austria's Financial Market Authority (FMA) announced that its Executive Director, Helmut Ettl, has been designated as an Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His two-year term begins on November 1, 2026, and he will step down from his FMA role on October 31, 2026.

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What changed

The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has announced that its Executive Director, Helmut Ettl, has been appointed as an Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This appointment is for a two-year term, commencing on November 1, 2026. Ettl will conclude his tenure as FMA Executive Director on October 31, 2026, to assume his new international role. The FMA has indicated that the process for selecting a successor will be initiated by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance.

This designation is primarily an announcement of a personnel change at an international financial institution, with implications for the leadership of the FMA. While Ettl's extensive experience in financial market supervision is highlighted, there are no immediate compliance obligations or deadlines for regulated entities. The FMA has stated that its Executive Board will continue its work with undiminished commitment during the transition period.

Source document (simplified)

FMA Executive Director Helmut Ettl designated as Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund

March 2026

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- Press Release
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.