Dimitar Radev is a Bulgarian economist who since July 14, 2015 has been governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, and member of the Governing council of the European Central Bank since 2026.
Early life and education Radev was born in Plovdiv and on 12 July 1956. He graduated in Finance and Credit at the University of National and World Economy, and later specialized in Georgetown University's Institute of Foreign Relations, Washington (1994).
Career In the 1990s, Radev served as a deputy finance minister in charge of budget.Tsvetelia Tsolova (June 18, 2015), Four candidates to compete for Bulgaria central bank head Reuters.
Before his appointment, Radev worked at the International Monetary Fund’s fiscal affairs department.Tony Barber (January 11, 2018), Bulgaria’s central bank governor aims to prevent return of crisis Financial Times.
In a parliamentary selection process including public nominations and hearings, Radev was named one of the candidates to succeed Bulgaria’s central bank governor Ivan Iskrov in 2015, alongside Biser Manolov, Grigorii Vazov and Victor Yotzov.Tsvetelia Tsolova (June 18, 2015), Four candidates to compete for Bulgaria central bank head Reuters. He was nominated by Bulgaria’s ruling GERB party.Tsvetelia Tsolova (May 26, 2015), Bulgaria ruling party nominates IMF expert for central bank head Reuters. He was also backed by GERB’s junior partner, the Reformist Bloc. In July 2015, he was appointed for a six-year term.Tsvetelia Tsolova (July 14, 2015), Bulgaria appoints Dimitar Radev as central bank head Reuters.Tony Barber (January 11, 2018), Bulgaria’s central bank governor aims to prevent return of crisis Financial Times.
In 2026 Bulgaria adopted the Euro, and since then Radev has been a member of the Governing Council of the ECB.
Other activities European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), Ex-Officio Member of the General BoardPermanent members of the ESRB General Board European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB). International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ex-Officio Member of the Board of GovernorsMembers International Monetary Fund (IMF). European Central Bank. Governing Council member (2026-)
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