Tyler Winklevoss Reacts as Lagarde Leaves ECB Early

• Tyler Winklevoss criticized Christine Lagarde following her early ECB resignation announcement.

• Lagarde will leave the European Central Bank on February 7, 2027, before her term expires.

• The ECB president has repeatedly questioned Bitcoin’s value and called for tighter cryptocurrency regulation.

• Lagarde described Bitcoin as highly speculative during a Reuters conference in January 2021.

• In May 2022, Lagarde warned that cryptocurrencies lacked underlying assets and could expose investors to losses.

Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss criticized European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde on Thursday after she announced her departure, renewing disagreement over Bitcoin and cryptocurrency regulation.

Lagarde said she will step down on February 7, 2027, nearly nine months before her eight-year term expires. She became ECB president in November 2019 after leading the International Monetary Fund.

I have just informed my colleagues that I will step down as @ECB President on 7 February 2027.

It has been a source of great pride to serve this institution.

I thank all of those who have supported me on this journey over the past seven years. pic.twitter.com/eSLLTaDAej

— Christine Lagarde (@Lagarde) October 29, 2026

Tyler Winklevoss Responds to Lagarde’s Departure

Replying to Lagarde’s announcement on X, Winklevoss wrote, “Your legacy will be remembered as fighting crypto and losing. Better luck on your next adventure!” His comment referred to her criticism of crypto.

That post came days after Switzerland approved a spot Bitcoin ETF for retail investors. Regulators warned Bitcoin remains volatile. Switzerland sits outside the European Union and sets its own financial rules.

Lagarde’s Record on Bitcoin and Regulation

In January 2021, Lagarde described Bitcoin as highly speculative at the Reuters Next conference. She raised concerns about money laundering and called for governments to coordinate rules for cryptocurrency businesses across borders.

During a Dutch television interview in May 2022, Lagarde said crypto assets were worth nothing because they lacked underlying assets. She also warned that inexperienced investors could lose their savings.

Regulatory discussions have continued across Europe. This week, Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority proposed additional checks on personal crypto wallets. Its draft guidance is not binding, and the regulator has invited public feedback until December 24.

Lagarde discussed cryptocurrency within her family. In November 2023, she said one of her sons had lost much of his investment after ignoring her warnings about the risks.

In January 2025, she opposed adding Bitcoin to European central bank reserves. Responding to a proposal from Czech central bank governor Aleš Michl, she said reserve assets must be liquid, secure and safe.

ECB Succession and Digital Euro Plans

European Council President António Costa said the process of selecting Lagarde’s successor would begin immediately. Under EU rules, the European Council appoints the ECB president after consultations with other institutions.

The change comes as the ECB continues work on digital payments. Board member Piero Cipollone recently said a digital euro pilot will begin in 2027. A full launch would depend on the passage of European legislation.

At Thursday’s press conference, Lagarde said she wanted freedom to speak about subjects beyond monetary policy. She said the ECB would continue making policy decisions during the leadership transition.