Mr. Hilbers succeeds Hans Hoogervorst, who was appointed in October 2025 as chairman of the Financial Supervision Board of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Cft), the Aruba Financial Supervision Board (Caft), and the Financial Supervision Board of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (Cft BES). Both Paul Hilbers and Hans Hoogervorst will start their new positions on February 1, 2026.
After completing his studies in mathematics at Utrecht University and econometrics and international economics at the Free University Amsterdam, Paul Hilbers pursued a career in the financial sector. During this period, he was long affiliated with De Nederlandsche Bank, including roles as Director of Supervision Policy and Director of Financial Stability.
Hilbers has also held various positions at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, including as a member of the Executive Board, a position he held until the end of 2024. He is an emeritus professor at Nyenrode Business University and has numerous international and national publications on macroeconomic policy, public finances, financial sector supervision, and international economic relations.
The Financial Supervision Boards are independent and oversee the soundness of public finances of the countries Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and Aruba, as well as the public bodies Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. The boards have a signaling and advisory role.