Christine Lagarde
People: April to June 2023
A round-up of central bankers in the news and on the move during the past three months
Fractures in the monetary system
Seizure of Bank of Russia assets likely to have long-term implications for international system
Emerging-market central banks lead on women’s empowerment
EME central banks have more women at staff level and in senior positions, but there are deep disparities worldwide, with childcare availability appearing to be a major cause
Ulrich Bindseil on the launch of the digital euro
The ECB’s director-general for market infrastructure and payments speaks about the functionality, tiering approaches, privacy policies, ledger technology and ecosystem impact of the eurozone's planned CBDC
The Belt and Road Initiative 2020 Survey – A more sustainable road to growth?
The third annual Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) survey reveals that central banks view BRI investment as sustainable compared with other forms of external debt, particularly given it is often proportionally less significant. Despite growing global trade…
How could the coronavirus affect the world economy?
Central banks may lack firepower, while public health readiness differs sharply between countries
Facing up to the tech challenge
Central banks get a wake-up call from libra
The IFF China Report 2019
Insight and perspectives from the world's leaders, premier policy-makers and financiers
The IFF China Report 2019: The Belt and Road Initiative
Over the past five years, China has invested more than $70 billion in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, of which there are now in excess of 100. Leading Chinese and international policy-makers explain how BRI efforts are progressing. This section…
Lifetime achievement: Zhou Xiaochuan
The former People’s Bank of China governor stands out for his high levels of integrity, intellectual rigour and bold reforms that have served the public interest in China and elsewhere
Argentina falters at ‘historic’ moment for BCRA
Replacing Federico Sturzenegger with a finance minister with close ties to the president sends a confused signal about central bank independence
IMF Paris explosion leaves one injured
Letter bomb explodes at the IMF headquarters in Paris, less than a day after an explosive device was sent to the German finance minister; Lagarde condemns the “cowardly act”
Bank of Uganda cuts rate as inflation outlook improves
The near-term inflation outlook worsens, but latest forecasts shows recovery within the target band; the IMF’s Lagarde praises the central bank for its “prudent” approach
African regulators want regional regulatory structure – Basant Roi
“Political will” to support financial regulatory reform in Africa is “missing”, says Mauritius governor; IMF chief says resolution frameworks are “insufficient”
Ukraine acts to cover ‘major shortfall’ in nationalised bank
NBU also tightens bond auction anonymity and announces restriction on use of cash to settle payments
IMF board backs Lagarde after negligence verdict
Executive board affirms “full confidence” in managing director after French court hands down negligence verdict, but chooses not to impose punishment
Lagarde guilty of negligence, court rules
IMF chief found guilty of negligence but is not punished; verdict may call into question her future at the fund
Egypt announces $2 billion deal to bolster reserves as Lagarde set to recommend IMF aid
IMF chief asks the board for $12 billion loan over three years to support “ambitious” reforms
Lagarde welcomes ‘major policy shift’ in Saudi Arabia
IMF managing director says efforts to reduce reliance on oil are “very welcome”, although Gulf countries more generally need to continue their fiscal adjustment
Ukrainian central bank cuts rates and promises further banking reform
Personnel director becomes acting deputy governor in charge of banking supervision; Lagarde praises conduct of monetary policy but says reform must continue
Co-ordinated effort needed to raise growth – Lagarde
IMF chief says all policy levers must be used to halt low growth; G20 also promised reforms to provide “growth impulse”