By Micah Jonah
January 17, 2026
Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey has called on financial policymakers to resist attempts by populist politicians to undermine their credibility.
Bailey said populism complicates the work of global agencies, including the International Monetary Fund, which must sometimes deliver unwelcome economic warnings. He stressed that while these agencies must be accountable, attacks on the messenger should not deter their guidance.
The governor highlighted efforts to erode trust in domestic and international institutions, portraying them as distant or serving powerful interests. He cautioned that such tactics threaten the acceptance of rules that make the global financial system safe and impede the benefits of international trade.
Bailey’s remarks, delivered at a closed-door meeting of the Bellagio Group of economists, central bankers, and finance officials, emphasized the importance of upholding transparent and independent assessments of economic risks amid growing political pressure.
The Bank of England governor also underscored support for international cooperation and warned against narrowing the world economy during times of global uncertainty.
