The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced the appointment of Thomas Vlassopoulos as the new Director General of Market Infrastructure and Payments. He will succeed Ulrich Bindseil, who is departing from the ECB.
Vlassopoulos currently serves as Deputy Director General of Market Operations, a role he has held since May 2021. His previous positions include leading the Monetary Analysis Division and serving as Deputy Head of the Financial Stability Surveillance Division. Vlassopoulos joined the ECB’s Directorate General Economics in 2008 after working at the Bank of Greece. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
The Directorate General Market Infrastructure and Payments (DG-MIP) oversees Eurosystem market infrastructures, such as TARGET Services, and conducts oversight of payment, clearing, and settlement systems. It also plays a key role in innovation within retail payments and explores new technologies for wholesale central bank money settlement, including leading the digital euro project.
In his new position, Vlassopoulos will guide DG-MIP’s strategic direction and management. His responsibilities will include steering innovation, managing project workstreams, and overseeing operational activities related to TARGET Services, the digital euro project, as well as retail and wholesale payments. Additionally, he will chair various committees and high-level forums while maintaining relationships with market participants and other stakeholders.
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