Politics & World • Finance

Christine Lagarde

Christine Lagarde is a French lawyer, politician, and central banker who has served as President of the European Central Bank since November 2019.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Christine Lagarde is a French lawyer, politician, and central banker who has served as President of the European Central Bank since November 2019. She previously led the International Monetary Fund from 2011 to 2019 and held senior ministerial posts in the French government, including Minister of Economy and Finance. She was the first woman to hold each of those top positions.

Early life and education

Lagarde was born in Paris on 1 January 1956. She studied law, economics, and finance at French institutions including Sciences Po Aix-en-Provence and Paris X Nanterre.

Career in law and government

Before entering top public office, Lagarde worked as a lawyer. She later served in several French government roles, culminating in her appointment as Minister of Economy and Finance in 2007. She was the first woman to hold the finance minister role in a G7 country.

International Monetary Fund

In 2011, Lagarde was elected Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, becoming the first woman to lead the institution. She served in the role until 2019.

European Central Bank

Lagarde became President of the European Central Bank on 1 November 2019. She also chairs the European Systemic Risk Board, according to the ECB.

Key facts

Lagarde has been President of the European Central Bank since 1 November 2019.
She was Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund from 2011 to 2019, the first woman to lead the IMF.
She served as France’s Minister of Economy and Finance from 2007 to 2011, the first woman to hold the finance minister role in a G7 country.
She was born in Paris and studied law, economics, and finance in France.
Her roles at the IMF and ECB have affected global financial stability and economic conditions that can influence Canada’s economy.

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Canadian context

Lagarde’s roles at the IMF and ECB have affected global financial stability, exchange rates, and economic policy conditions that can influence Canada’s economy, trade, and financial markets.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Christine Lagarde?

She is a French lawyer, politician, and central banker who has been President of the European Central Bank since 2019.

What did Christine Lagarde do before the ECB?

She served as Managing Director of the IMF from 2011 to 2019 and as France’s Minister of Economy and Finance from 2007 to 2011.

Was Christine Lagarde the first woman to lead the IMF?

Yes. The IMF and other sources identify her as the first woman to serve as Managing Director of the IMF.

When was Christine Lagarde born?

She was born on 1 January 1956 in Paris, France.

What is Christine Lagarde known for?

She is known for leading major global financial institutions and for being the first woman to hold several senior economic leadership posts.

References

European Central Bank — https://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/decisions/html/cvlagarde.en.html
Supports: Birth date and place; education; ECB presidency; IMF and French government career timeline.
International Monetary Fund — https://www.imf.org/fr/about/senior-officials/archive/christine-lagarde
Supports: IMF term dates; first woman to head the IMF; resignation to take ECB role; birth in Paris and education notes.
CNN — https://www.cnn.com/world/christine-lagarde-fast-facts
Supports: Biographical basics; current ECB presidency; first female finance minister of a G7 country; background and languages.
World Economic Forum — https://www.weforum.org/stories/authors/christinelagarde/
Supports: Legal background; Baker McKenzie career; first woman to be finance minister of a G7 country; IMF and ECB roles.