The Central Bank has appointed Karen O'Leary as its new Director of Enforcement. The appointment will take effect from January 2026.
Karen O'Leary replaces Colm Kincaid, who was appointed Deputy Governor, Consumer & Investor Protection.
She was most recently Director of Currency, Workplace & Regulatory Services at the Central Bank and before that she headed up the bank's Payments & Securities Settlements (PSS) Division. She also led the bank's Organisation Development Division.
Ms O'Leary was a Commission Member in the Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) from 2014-2017 and oversaw Criminal Enforcement and Legal Services as well as being co-decision maker on all civil enforcement functions of the CCPC.
She also served as CEO of the National Consumer Agency from 2013 until its amalgamation with the Competition Authority to form the CCPC.
Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf said that Ms O'Leary brings a wealth of financial services, consumer protection and Central Bank experience to this important role.
"The Central Bank's enforcement strategy is aimed at promoting principled and ethical behaviour in regulated entities. The Central Bank takes appropriate action where regulated entities and individuals fall short of expected standards," the Governor said.
"Karen's leadership will be critical in continuing the delivery of our enforcement strategy in a rapidly changing financial system," he added.
