Bank of Israel Governor Professor Amir Yaron today announced his decision to appoint Mr. Ofer Golan as the Director of the Payment and Settlement Systems Department and a member of the Bank of Israel management. The Governor made this decision after interviewing a select group of candidates recommended by the search committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Andrew Abir, and including Director General Shulamit Geri and Maxine Fassberg. Mr. Golan will assume his position on June 1, 2025.
Ofer Golan has extensive experience in risk management, regulation, and payments in both local and international financial institutions. Among his various roles, he has served as a partner at KPMG in Israel, where he led the payments, risk management, and compliance divisions, managing projects in these areas for international banks and fintech companies. Prior to this, he was the Risk Manager at Wix and held several positions at CAL in the fields of fraud, compliance, regulation, and risk management.
Ofer Golan holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Shenkar, a Master's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Information and Technology from Netanya College, and an additional Master's degree in Law from Bar-Ilan University. He resides in Netanya with his partner and has three children.
Bank of Israel Governor Professor Amir Yaron stated: "The payments and settlement field in Israel has undergone significant changes in recent years, similar to global developments. The Bank of Israel will continue to lead the advancement of payment systems that are advanced, convenient, efficient, and secure, to enhance innovation and competition in this field, thereby influencing all citizens and businesses operating in Israel. I am confident that Ofer Golan's extensive experience in leading business development in competitive environments in an effective and focused manner, as well as in driving organizational change and development, will help the Bank of Israel continue to make significant progress in the areas of payments and settlements in the coming years. I wish him great success in managing and leading the Department. Additionally, I would like to once again thank Oded Salomy for leading the Department in recent years."
Ofer Golan, the incoming Director of the Payment and Settlement Systems Department, commented: "I feel a sense of mission in facing the responsibility and commitment to lead the Payment and Settlement Systems Department at the Bank of Israel, and I thank the Governor for the trust he has placed in me by selecting me for this role. I intend to contribute my skills and experience for the benefit of the Israeli public and the continued development of the payments field, aiming to contribute to the Israeli economy, particularly for consumers and businesses."
Ofer Golan, credit KPMG