The European Central Bank (ECB) just made a bold move that could reshape the future of banking supervision—and it’s not just about shuffling titles. Three key leaders have been appointed to oversee critical areas of banking oversight, signaling a strategic shift in how the ECB tackles systemic risks, international banking, and diversified institutions. But here’s where it gets controversial: these appointments aren’t just about filling roles—they’re part of a larger push for internal mobility and collaboration, which some argue could either streamline operations or create bureaucratic bottlenecks. Let’s dive in.
PRESS RELEASE
19 November 2025
The ECB’s Executive Board has named Patrick Amis, Korbinian Ibel, and Thijs van Woerden as Directors General for Horizontal Line Supervision, Systemic and International Banks, and Universal and Diversified Institutions, respectively. Their tenure begins on 1 March 2026, marking a new chapter in the ECB’s supervisory framework.
Currently, Amis, Ibel, and van Woerden hold leadership positions in Specialised Institutions and Less Significant Institutions, Universal and Diversified Institutions, and Horizontal Line Supervision, respectively. Notably, Korbinian Ibel will succeed Ramón Quintana, who has been a cornerstone of European banking supervision since its inception in 2014. Quintana’s retirement in February 2026 to join Banco de España leaves big shoes to fill—and this transition is being watched closely by industry insiders.
But here’s the part most people miss: The ECB’s supervisory structure is divided into three directorates based on bank business models—systemic and international banks, universal and diversified institutions, and specialised or less significant institutions. This bank-by-bank approach is backed by thematic teams in the Horizontal Line Supervision directorate, which conduct industry-wide assessments, develop policies, and refine methodologies. It’s a complex system, but it’s designed to ensure no bank slips through the cracks.
These appointments aren’t just administrative—they reflect the ECB’s commitment to internal mobility, even at the highest levels. By encouraging leaders to move between thematic and bank-specific roles, the ECB aims to foster collaboration and tackle emerging issues more effectively. But is this approach foolproof? Critics argue that frequent leadership shifts could disrupt continuity, while supporters see it as a way to inject fresh perspectives. What do you think?
The ECB has also kicked off the recruitment process for a new Director General for Specialised Institutions and Less Significant Institutions, further underscoring its focus on strategic leadership.
Meet the Leaders:
- Patrick Amis has been at the helm of Specialised Institutions and Less Significant Institutions since 2020, with a track record of overseeing less significant institutions since 2018. He joined the ECB in 2014 as Deputy Director General, bringing experience from the French banking and insurance supervisory authority (ACPR) and the Committee of European Banking Supervisors (CEBS).
- Korbinian Ibel has led Universal and Diversified Institutions since 2020. His journey with the ECB began in 2014, overseeing horizontal functions. Prior to that, he held management roles at Commerzbank, Boston Consulting Group, and Accenture.
- Thijs van Woerden took charge of Horizontal Line Supervision in early 2024. Previously, he managed Joint Supervisory Teams at De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and held key roles in DNB’s Insurance Supervision and Supervision Policy Divisions, with earlier experience at Accenture.
And this is where it gets thought-provoking: As the ECB reshapes its leadership, it’s betting on internal mobility to drive innovation and efficiency. But in a sector as critical as banking, is this a risk worth taking? Or could it lead to unintended consequences? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation the financial world needs to have.
For media inquiries, contact François Peyratout at +49 172 8632 119. For more details on ECB leadership, visit https://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/pdf/orga/ecb.ECB_managers.en.pdf.
European Central Bank