Independence
Are central banks the ‘Figaro’ of the financial markets?
Central banks continue to play a vital position in the functioning of markets. While this raises significant concerns about moral hazard it is not an unfamiliar role from an historical perspective
FSB: Bank of Russia's financial stability mandate unclear
Peer review calls for 'adequate' legal basis to impose macro-prudential measures; warns mandate of separate advisory body 'seems to duplicate' that of central bank
Former Sri Lankan governor's passport seized by anti-bribery commission
Ajith Nivard Cabraal, who stepped down on January 9, is ‘prevented from leaving the country' as government cracks down on ‘corruption' under former administration
Sri Lanka governor tenders resignation after new president sworn in
Ajith Nivard Cabraal announces wish to step down midway through term following ‘shock' elections; deputy says reason is to avoid 'conflicts' with finance ministry
Central Bank of Brazil hikes rates following knife-edge election
Split MPC raises Selic rate to 11.25% in surprise decision amid ‘less favourable' inflation outlook; ‘sign inflation may be given greater priority' by re-elected government, analyst says
Riksbank gets new general council
Sweden's parliament names a new general council - the body is composed of MPs and tasked with overseeing the governance of the central bank
BoE lifts lid on Scottish independence contingency plan
Plan warned of ‘potential instability’ from use of pound north of the border; central bank prepared emergency liquidity and clear communication strategy in run up to vote
Central bank independence key focus of Brazilian elections
With the central bank’s autonomy a hot topic in the build-up to this weekend’s presidential elections, specialists are divided on the benefits of greater independence
BoE's Fisher underlines need for co-ordination between top committees
PRA deputy head says choices of one committee ‘will affect the choices of the others' and a common understanding of the economy is vital
Prosecutors drop investigation into controversial comments by National Bank of Poland governor
Marek Belka did not break the law when calling for finance minister's removal in leaked recording
Central Bank of Libya governor reportedly deposed
Saddek Elkaber is replaced in 94–8 parliamentary 'vote' amid ‘controversy over financial transfers', reports state news agency; deputy Ali Elhebri assumes governorship on temporary basis
Carney: shortfall in reserves likely for independent Scotland
Division of UK reserves on GDP basis would leave Scots with 10% buffer, less than half what is generally considered sufficient ‘to ensure credit flows freely and effectively', according to BoE governor
Bank of Israel urges government to keep its fiscal discipline
Central bank, which cut interest rates to lowest level ever on Monday, warns exceeding deficit target could hurt country's fiscal credibility
Bulgarian governor offers to step down
Ivan Iskrov says he will resign ‘immediately’ if parliament sets a date for picking his successor; attacks politicians for using the central bank as a ‘plaything’ in their election campaigns
Yellen tells Congress Fed is ‘most transparent in the world'
Fed chair Janet Yellen faces Congressman who wants to enforce rules-based monetary policy, telling him it would compromise central bank independence
Trinidad governor threatens senator with legal action over ‘defamatory' comments
Jwala Rambarran takes action over claims he is ‘playing dolly house' with foreign reserves; says he will seek ‘substantial damages' unless public apology is issued
Central Bank of Turkey cuts main rate as MPC sees inflation in decline
Bank lowers one-week repo rate by 75bp to 8.75%, its second consecutive rate cut, but says it is maintaining a ‘tight policy stance'
Nigeria's ousted governor makes transition to Muslim 'spiritual leader'
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was appointed emir of Kano, a northern Nigerian state, on Sunday; influential post could make Sanusi a source of ‘frustration' for president, says analyst
Solomon Islands ‘still adjusting’ to new central bank legislation
Board aiming to achieve one of the lowest inflation rates in region under new price stability mandate; central bank turns to government for recapitalisation after forex losses
IMF says Irish government should bolster central bank independence
International Monetary Fund report encourages the government to cede power over the central bank; authorities ‘disappointed’ by findings
Nigerian court ruling deepens concerns over central bank independence
Former governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi's appeal against presidential decision to suspend him is dismissed by judge; investors ‘nervous' about bank's autonomy
Central Bank of Hungary adopts new constitution
The ‘internal constitution' reinforces central bank's ‘extremely broad range of competencies' and stresses cooperation with government to promote growth
Central banks must grasp opportunity to shrink balance sheets safely
Central bank purchases of government bonds have turned traditional dogma on its head - but dangers lurk in the unwinding, warns Philip Turner
Top central bankers meet at IMF to discuss way forward in the 'new normal'
IMF's Christine Lagarde hosts day-long conference taking on the challenges set to face the world's central bankers in the medium term