Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie recently met with Ms. Sarah Lloyd, the newly appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS), at State House. During the meeting, President Herminie emphasized that maintaining monetary and financial stability remains a key priority for Seychelles. He formally presented Ms. Lloyd with her letter of appointment, ahead of her assuming office on November 1, 2026.
The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable financial environment and the Central Bank's role in safeguarding the country's economy. The institution's responsibility to preserve price stability and sustain confidence in the financial system was also emphasized. Ms. Lloyd expressed confidence in the institution's capabilities after undertaking a preliminary visit and holding discussions with the Central Bank team.
President Herminie underscored the importance of continuity in the Central Bank's work as Ms. Lloyd prepares to assume leadership of the institution. He wished her success in carrying out her responsibilities. Ms. Lloyd outlined her priorities, placing particular emphasis on further developing the financial services sector while preserving financial and price stability.
Ms. Lloyd's priorities include deepening the financial services sector while ensuring the stability of the financial system and maintaining price stability. She stressed the importance of protecting the Central Bank's autonomy and maintaining its longstanding reputation for integrity. Ms. Lloyd acknowledged that differences in policy direction could arise but noted that constructive engagement and mutual understanding would be essential in navigating such situations.
The Central Bank of Seychelles has a history of being a strong institution that has always delivered with integrity and independence. Ms. Lloyd stated that continuing to maintain that reputation will be paramount in fulfilling her duties. She further explained that stakeholder engagement would play an important role in fostering a shared understanding of policy decisions, even where differences exist between the Central Bank and government.
Ms. Lloyd's immediate priorities upon assuming office include engaging with staff across the institution to better understand their needs and how they could continue working together to deliver the Central Bank's services effectively. She described her return to the Central Bank as a particularly meaningful moment in her professional career, having begun her career at the institution in 2007 and spent approximately 12 years serving in various capacities before moving into commercial banking.
Ms. Lloyd brings extensive experience in banking, financial risk management, and economic research. Prior to her appointment, she served as Chief Risk Officer of Absa Bank Zambia PLC, a position she had held since March 2022. She holds a Master of Science in Financial Economics from City University London and a Bachelor of Science in Banking and International Finance from Cass Business School.
Key points
- The new Central Bank Governor, Ms. Sarah Lloyd, has emphasized her priorities, including further developing the financial services sector while preserving financial and price stability.
- Ms. Lloyd has stressed the importance of protecting the Central Bank's autonomy and maintaining its longstanding reputation for integrity.
- The Central Bank of Seychelles has a history of being a strong institution that has always delivered with integrity and independence.
