Banque de France governor unexpectedly steps down early

- By Levente Koroes
- 09 Feb 2026

François Villeroy de Galhau is to step down in June as governor of France’s central bank a year before his second six-year term had been due to expire.

Villeroy de Galhau announced today (February 9) that he would become president of the Apprentices Foundation of Auteuil, a French non-profit organisation that works with young people and families facing social difficulties.

In a letter to Banque de France (BdF) staff, the outgoing governor said the decision had been his alone and that he had only

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