His seven-year stint as Ireland’s financial regulator (having been the top official in New Zealand’s treasury department before moving here) has been book-ended by two mammoth crises: the pandemic and Donald Trump’s second term in the White House. At 66, the State’s retirement age, Makhlouf’s chance of securing a second term would appear slim. While central bank governors are, under the law, eligible to be reappointed for a second seven-year term, the last couple – Honohan and Lane – only served one. The Central Bank’s three deputy governors: Mary-Elizabeth McMunn; Vasileios Madouros or Colm Kincaid may also be eyeing the top job. It will ultimately fall to Minister for Finance Simon Harris to decide if Makhlouf gets an extension or if someone new is appointed to the role.

Source: The Irish Times February 14, 2026 13:32 UTC