10.03.2026 08:01
Former Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (TCMB) President Hafize Gaye Erkan has started her role as "Head of Banking and Insurance Technology" at Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, a Canada-based company. It is stated that the reference of Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, was influential in Erkan's appointment. Erkan had become the TCMB President in June 2023 and handed over her position to Fatih Karahan in February 2024.
Former Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) President Hafize Gaye Erkan has taken on a new role in the international finance sector. Erkan has been appointed as the "Head of Banking and Insurance Technology" at Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, a Canada-based finance and insurance giant.
TOM BARRACK WAS A REFERENCE
According to the information obtained, it was stated that the reference of Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and also the Special Representative for Syria, was influential in Erkan's appointment to this position. Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is among the significant companies operating globally in finance, insurance, and investment sectors.
HER TERM AS CBRT PRESIDENT WAS SHORT
Hafize Gaye Erkan was appointed as the President of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey in June 2023, becoming the first female CBRT president in the history of the Republic. Her arrival in office was seen as the beginning of a new era in economic management.
However, Erkan's term at the Central Bank was not long. She left her position in February 2024, handing over her seat to the current CBRT President Fatih Karahan. Erkan's departure had a significant impact in economic circles and the public.
SHE RETURNED TO THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE SECTOR
After her role at the Central Bank, Erkan, who had been away from the public eye for a while, has drawn attention by taking on an active role again in the international finance sector. In her new position at Fairfax, it is reported that Erkan will manage technology-focused financial transformation projects in the banking and insurance fields.
HER CAREER IN THE FINANCE WORLD
Having worked in the finance sector in the U.S. for many years, Hafize Gaye Erkan previously held senior positions at institutions such as Goldman Sachs and First Republic Bank. Recognized for her work in banking, risk management, and financial technologies, Erkan is considered one of the prominent Turkish executives in international finance circles.
WHO IS HAFİZE GAYE ERKAN?
Hafize Gaye Erkan is a Turkish banker and finance executive. Born in 1982 in Istanbul, Erkan began her education at Istanbul Erkek Lisesi. She then went to the U.S. and graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Erkan also conducted her master's and doctoral studies at Princeton, engaging in academic work in finance, risk management, and operations research.
Hafize Gaye Erkan started her career in investment banking in the U.S. and worked at Goldman Sachs for many years. There, she worked in financial institutions and risk management, and later was appointed to a senior executive position at First Republic Bank, based in the U.S. Serving in critical roles such as co-CEO and president at the bank, Erkan became one of the internationally recognized names in the finance sector.
Hafize Gaye Erkan was appointed as the President of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey in June 2023, becoming the first female Central Bank President in the history of the Republic. During her term, she was in the spotlight for decisions made regarding monetary policy and combating inflation in Turkey. Erkan left her position in February 2024, handing over the presidency of the Central Bank to Fatih Karahan.
After her role at the Central Bank, Hafize Gaye Erkan returned to the international finance sector and began serving as a senior executive in banking and insurance technologies at Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, a Canada-based company. With her experience in finance, banking, and risk management, she is recognized as one of the prominent Turkish executives in global finance circles.