Bank of England Governor Joins Finance Leaders in Protest Walkout at IMF Summit
Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, walked out of an IMF meeting in Bangkok during a session where Russian finance minister Anton Siluanov addressed the group.

In Brief
- •Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, walked out of an IMF meeting in Bangkok during a session where Russian finance minister Anton Siluanov addressed the group.
- •Nearly half of the delegates at the IMF meeting participated in the joint departure when Siluanov started speaking in Russian.
- •The walkout was acknowledged by the chair of the IMF's steering committee, Saudi finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan, who noted that all members agreed to the statement.
Why It Matters
The walkout by finance leaders, including Andrew Bailey, highlights the growing tensions between Western nations and Russia over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The protest underscores the international community's unified stance against Russia's involvement in global financial forums. This event could have significant implications for global economic stability and the perception of Russia's role in international financial institutions.
Key Details
- Location
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Date
- October 17, 2026
- Delegates
- Nearly half of all delegates
Context & Background
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting in Bangkok was part of a series of global economic discussions amid ongoing conflicts and trade tensions. The global economy has shown resilience, but there are concerns about eroded buffers and the potential for further disruptions.
Original Reporting & Sources
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