Manfred Knof
Biography
Dr. Manfred Knof is a distinguished German banking executive who served as Chief Executive Officer of Commerzbank AG from January 2021 until September 2024. Born in Cologne in 1965, Dr. Knof brought Commerzbank back to profitability during one of the most challenging periods in European banking. Under his leadership, the bank underwent a comprehensive transformation, focusing on digital innovation, cost optimization, and sustainable growth strategies that repositioned Commerzbank among Europe's leading financial institutions. Dr. Knof's strategic vision emphasized customer-centricity and operational excellence, successfully steering the bank through economic uncertainties while maintaining strong capital ratios. His leadership style, characterized by decisive action and stakeholder engagement, earned recognition from industry peers and investors alike. Prior to Commerzbank, Dr. Knof accumulated over 25 years of experience across Germany's financial services sector, including senior roles at Deutsche Bank, Allianz Group, and Dresdner Bank. At Deutsche Bank, he led the Private Bank Germany division, while at Allianz, he served as CEO of Allianz Deutschland AG and drove comprehensive digitalization initiatives. His expertise in cost management, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance made him a sought-after executive during his tenure. Dr. Knof holds a doctorate in law and an MBA from New York University, combining legal expertise with business acumen. Following his departure from Commerzbank, he joined DeFi Technologies as Strategic Advisor and Chairman of Valour Inc., demonstrating his continued commitment to financial innovation and digital asset development.