BPFI is the principal voice of the banking, payments and fintech sectors in Ireland, and in his role as CEO, Hayes will be the spokesperson for the industry, representing domestic and international member institutions at both national and international level. Through his extensive knowledge and experience, he will also help shape BPFI policy and provide input on how legislative initiatives impact upon the operations of the industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Jonathon Lowey, President of BPFI said, “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Brian Hayes as the new CEO of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland.

“His numerous posts over the past decade, including Deputy Finance Minister in 2011, Vice President of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, and the EPP Vice Coordinator on the ECON Committee, make him the ideal candidate for the position. A natural leader, Brian has a track record of delivering on his commitments and overseeing the delivery of complex legislation and developing long-term relationships with key stakeholders, both at home and abroad.

“I would like to thank Maurice Crowley sincerely for taking on the interim CEO position and also thank his predecessor, Noel Brett, for his excellent work. This is a critical time for our organisation. BPFI has been instrumental in setting up the Irish Banking Culture Board, working with its Establishment Office, the Department of Finance and the Central Bank of Ireland. We have also been liaising with government on the IFS 2025 strategy and engaging with the EU Parliament and EU Commission on Brexit, with support from our affiliate, the Federation of International Banks in Ireland.”

Brian Hayes commented: “I am very pleased to confirm I will be taking up the position as CEO of BPFI at the end of my current tenure in the European Parliament. Given my work over the past 10 years, I understand the important role and responsibility of the banking and payments industry to Ireland. There are clearly great opportunities and challenges facing us at present, especially around the questions of trust and confidence in Irish banks. Central to Ireland’s continued economic come back must be a healthy, sustainable and customer focused banking industry.

“I look forward to working with the talented BPFI team and partners, to help reposition the sector as a crucial driver for real investment and growth in Ireland’s future.

“Having worked in Irish and European politics for the last 25 years, I believe this is the right decision, and the right time to make this transition. I remain hugely grateful to the trust placed in me by the public in each of the eight elections I have contested.”

Brian Hayes will be taking over the role from interim CEO Maurice Crowley, who was appointed by the BPFI’s Council Executive Advisory Group (CEAG) in June of this year (2018) following the departure of Noel Brett.