George Bolton

Sir George Lewis French Bolton (16 October 19002 September 1982) was a British banker who was noted for his expertise in the foreign exchange market and as a leading influence on the rebirth of London after the Second World War. He served as director of the Bank of England, chairman for the Bank of London and South America and executive director of the International Monetary Fund. He twice served as High Sheriff of the County of London.

Early life Bolton was born in Lower Clapton, Hackney, London in 1900, the son of William Bolton, a shipping clerk, and Beatrice (née French). He went to school at Leyton County High school in Waltham Forest.

Banking career At age 16, he joined the London branch of the Société Générale de Paris to be trained as an exchange dealer.

From 1946 to 1952, Bolton was the UK's executive director of the International Monetary Fund and Alternate Governor from 1952 to 1957. He also served as director of the Bank for International Settlements.

In 1957, he became chairman of the Bank of London and South America (BOLSA), staying in that role until he retired in 1970.

In 1962 Bolton played a key role in the envisioning and establishment of the London eurobond market, a major subsequent source of income for the City of London.

After his retirement, he remained a director of BOLSA, and subsequently of Lloyds Bank International, after their merger in 1974.

Honours

Bolton was knighted as a Commander of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George in the 1950 New Year Honours.

In 1960, he was appointed a Gran Oficial of the Order of May by the Argentine government, and in 1965 was awarded the Order of Merit from Chile.

Personal life In 1928, Bolton married May Howcroft. They had one son, Nicholas George, and two daughters, Sheila and Gillian. He died in London in 1981. Nicholas married the Hon. Lavinia Valerie Woodhouse, daughter of David Woodhouse, 4th Baron Terrington, and their daughter Carina married Alexander Burton Conyngham, Earl of Mount Charles, heir to the Marquessate of Conyngham.