Mark Carney is a key figure in global finance, known for his leadership at two of the world’s most influential central banks and his more recent work in climate finance. Born in 1965 in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada, Carney has held a series of prominent roles that span both economic policy and climate action. With citizenship in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, he has brought a unique international perspective to his work.
Carney began his academic journey studying economics at Harvard University, followed by a master’s and doctorate from the University of Oxford. His professional career started in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, but he soon transitioned to public service. His first major public role came in 2008 when he was appointed Governor of the Bank of Canada. At the time, the world was facing a global financial crisis. Carney’s leadership helped Canada emerge with relatively limited damage, thanks to prudent regulations and timely interventions.
In 2013, Carney made history by becoming the first non-British Governor of the Bank of England. During his seven-year term, he guided the UK through numerous challenges, including the aftermath of the financial crisis, political uncertainty surrounding Brexit, and the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. His calm and forward-looking approach earned him widespread respect in both political and financial circles. During this time, he began voicing the importance of sustainable finance and the need for central banks to factor climate risks into their strategies.
After stepping down from the Bank of England in 2020, Carney was appointed the United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance. In this role, he has worked to shift global finance towards more sustainable investments. He helped lead key initiatives during the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow in 2021, promoting tools for the private sector to align with global climate goals.
He also serves as Vice Chair at Brookfield Asset Management, where he focuses on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. In addition, he chairs the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), a coalition of over 450 financial institutions committed to decarbonizing the economy. His work with GFANZ aims to mobilize trillions of dollars in investment toward clean energy, infrastructure, and other green sectors.
Carney is the author of the book “Value(s): Building a Better World for All,” in which he argues for reshaping capitalism to support long-term value over short-term profit. The book reflects his belief that societies must redefine what they value and how they measure progress. One of his well-known quotes, “What we value is measured, and what we measure gets managed,” underscores this philosophy.
In 2025, Carney returned to the spotlight in a new role as the Prime Minister of Canada, hosting the G7 summit at a mountain resort in Kananaskis. Under his leadership, the summit included not only the traditional G7 members but also leaders from countries like India, South Korea, South Africa, and Brazil. The expanded format aimed to reflect the changing global order and give voice to emerging powers in shaping international policies.
At the summit, Carney focused discussions on climate change, artificial intelligence, rare minerals, and global migration. While the event was marked by divisions among leaders, particularly after the early departure of US President Donald Trump, Carney’s role in setting the agenda and promoting multilateralism was widely acknowledged.
Throughout his career, Mark Carney has consistently pushed for policies that balance economic growth with long-term sustainability. Whether managing interest rates, guiding a country through financial turmoil, or advocating for a green economy, Carney’s influence continues to shape the global conversation on what responsible leadership looks like in the 21st century.
