Africa
Average RTGS system processes millions of payments yearly
Benchmarking data shows wide range of transaction volumes
Less than 10% of RTGS systems meet ISO 20022
Most non-compliant central banks plan to implement messaging protocol by 2025
People: Skingsley to head BIS Innovation Hub
New deputy governor in Philippines; BIS names new Asia-Pacific rep; and more
Central banks use many third parties for payments projects
Respondents mention various providers, with Montran the most frequently cited
Three-quarters of central banks exploring CBDCs for retail payments
Though research is common, only a few have moved to pilot or roll out the technology
Many central banks plan RTGS upgrades in coming year
Over 80% expect to renovate systems within five years
Communications Benchmarks 2022 – executive summary
Key findings of the 2022 report, including the ongoing shift to social media and the impact of Covid-19
Central bank websites vary greatly in popularity
Some get hundreds of page views per month, while others get millions
Many central banks ‘layer’ news for different audiences
Techniques include use of differing language, visual and video presentation, and data release
African central banks face serious challenges, says IMF
Report suggests short-term measures, but says central banks also need structural reforms
Lifetime achievement: Stanley Fischer
Fischer has had a profound impact on monetary economics and central banking during his prolific career
Website: Central Bank of Eswatini
The southern African central bank has made significant improvements to its website service
Problem of recruiting and retaining fintech talent persists
Salaries a key issue alongside skill set attainment
2021: The year in review
The year has seen central banks switch from recovery mode to battling inflation. Central Banking looks back at the stories that made the biggest impact in 2021
Inflation to end year at 60%, Zimbabwe’s central bank says
Unofficial figures have annual inflation above 100%, but governor says monetary policy will keep prices in check
Currency Benchmarks 2021 report – executive summary
Perspectives on staffing, circulation, forecasting, note security and composition, outsourcing and more
Kenya’s central bank highlights growth rebound in 2021
Inflation has fallen to 6.5% following government stabilisation efforts to stem fuel prices
Bank of Tanzania ‘working on CBDC’, governor says
Luoga says “cryptocurrencies are not safe” and president has urged work on CBDC
Zambia raises rates for the first time since 2019
Year-on-year inflation falls but remains well above central bank’s target level
Zimbabwe’s central bank hikes rates to 60%
Resurgent inflation pressures force inflation to 54% while exchange rate weakens
Uganda’s central bank cuts banknote printing costs
Improved processing and new reissuance guidelines streamline banknote management, report says
Kenya’s banks told to prepare climate risk plans by 2022
Central bank publishes guidance urging banks to integrate climate risk into broader risk management
Zambia reinstates Kalyalya as central bank governor
Former World Bank official takes over following resignation of previous president’s central bank pick
Monetary Policy Benchmarks 2021 report – executive summary
Insights into the staff that work on monetary policy, decision-making, tools, transparency and market operations