Skip to main content

Venetian lessons for today’s central bankers

Loose money and lost credibility in 17th century city state provide a cautionary tale about the importance of international investor confidence, argues Biagio Bossone

Colorful Venetian mask hanging by the waterfront during a sunny day

When one thinks of Venice in the 17th century, images of a prosperous trading republic often come to mind: a city of merchants, bankers and flourishing commerce. Yet, as a forthcoming study by Donato Masciandaro and colleagues tells us, Venice also offers a cautionary tale in monetary history.

Between 1619 and 1666, the Republic experimented with loose monetary policy and tolerated a weakening currency as a way of managing its rising debt burden. At first, its long-standing reputation for fiscal

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@centralbanking.com or view our subscription options here: subscriptions.centralbanking.com/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@centralbanking.com to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Central Banking? View our subscription options

Register for Central Banking

All fields are mandatory unless otherwise highlighted

Show password
Hide password

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Central Banking account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account

.