​The EBA appoints Kristīne Černaja-Mežmale as its new Vice-Chair

​The Board of Supervisors of the European Banking Authority (EBA) has elected Kristīne Černaja-Mežmale as its Vice-Chair for a duration of two and a half years. Ms Černaja-Mežmale will take up her new role on 1 November 2026 when the current EBA Vice-Chair, Helmut Ettl starts his new role as Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

​Ms Černaja-Mežmale is a Member of the Council of Latvijas Banka and has been a voting member of the EBA Board of Supervisors since 2023, representing Latvia. She has also been serving on the EBA’s Management Board since July 2023. 

​The EBA Chair, François-Louis Michaud, expressed his warmest thanks to Helmut Ettl for his dedication and contribution to the EBA and welcomed Kristīne Černaja-Mežmale as the Authority's new Vice-Chair. He said: 

​“I would like to thank Helmut Ettl for his outstanding contribution to the EBA over the years and most recently during his tenure as Vice-Chair. I wish him all the best in his next responsibilities. His experience, commitment and support have been invaluable to the Authority. I am also delighted to welcome Kristīne Černaja-Mežmale as our new Vice-Chair and grateful for her willingness to take on this important role. Her extensive supervisory experience will be a great asset as we continue to foster supervisory convergence, stability and resilience in the EU-27 financial sector.” 

​Commenting on her appointment, Ms Černaja-Mežmale said: 

​“At a time of rapid change for the financial sector, I look forward to working closely with the Chair, the Management Board and national competent authorities to promote a strong, risk-based and proportionate supervisory framework that safeguards financial stability while supporting innovation and competitiveness across the European Union.” 

​As he concludes his term as EBA Vice-Chair, Mr Ettl reflected on his time at the Authority and welcomed his successor: 

​“It has been a privilege to serve as EBA Vice-Chair. I would like to thank colleagues across the EBA for their cooperation and commitment over the years, and I wish Kristīne every success as she takes on this important role.” 

​Note to editors 

​Prior to joining Latvijas Banka as Member of the Council, Ms Černaja-Mežmale served on the Board of Latvia’s Financial and Capital Market Commission (FCMC) from 2019 to 2022, having previously held senior supervisory roles within the authority. Before entering public service, she worked in the banking industry.