Financial Stability
HKMA re-appoints Standard Chartered as euro settlement institution
Standard Chartered Bank given a third five-year contract to run the euro real-time gross settlement system in Hong Kong; commended for operating the system “smoothly and effectively” since 2003
Australian payments systems board debates multi-network cards
Introduction of contactless payments reignites discussion surrounding cards issued by banks with debit functionality from more than one payments network; consultation launched
Boston Fed paper investigates uncertainty in interbank markets
Research examines role of uncertainty in causing the collapse of interbank lending markets; finds government intervention to provide information may help to restart lending
Central Bank of Chile paper tests evidence of asset price booms
Researcher finds evidence that capital flows drive asset price booms; identifies factors that mitigate this effect but says capital controls are not effective
Oman and Bahrain central banks outline plans for Eid
Preparations underway for banking sector shutdown and cash demand surge during religious celebrations; both Central Bank of Bahrain and Central Bank of Oman will shut
Central Bank of Brazil celebrates Olympics handover with new coins
Two commemorative coins released this month in honour of the arrival of the Olympic flag in Brazil; images symbolising London and Rio de Janeiro feature in the designs
Bank of Israel paper says Europe is sub-optimal currency area
Research examines political problems with economic and monetary union in Europe; says Europe is a “dubious candidate” for an optimal currency area
Central Bank of Barbados notes strong but static banking sector
Financial stability update shows domestic banking system has sufficient capital to withstand significant losses; says overall credit to private sector remained flat in past year
ECB paper investigates policy effect on bank risk-taking
Working paper finds both positive and negative impact of monetary policy on bank risk-taking; suggests this makes it impossible for regulators to design optimal capital requirements
FSB launches peer review of resolution regimes
Questionnaire sent out by Financial Stability Board aims to provide comparative analysis of members’ resolution regimes to identify gaps and evaluate progress
National Bank of Hungary paper highlights cash supply efficiency methods
Occasional paper from Hungarian central bank recommends ways of improving cash supply system; looks to exploit public and private business networks
Ireland releases coins in memory of former finance minister
Central Bank of Ireland issues two coins commemorating 90th anniversary of Michael Collins’ death; chief operations officer speaks of 'overwhelming' interest in the collector items
RBI deputy governor warns of moral hazard in debt restructuring
Kamalesh Chandra Chakrabarty says number of bank accounts being restructured has grown at a disproportionate rate since 2009; suggests actions to address problem
Central Bank of Tunisia report explores impact of revolution
Annual report for 2011 reveals a sharp drop in production and exports post-revolution; economic growth fell to -1.8%, says central bank
Bank of Thailand statistics show ‘resilient’ banking system
Figures for second-quarter 2012 indicate strong growth of lending and profits in Thai banking sector; results boosted by continued decline in non-performing loans
Central Bank of Ecuador receives loan to promote financial inclusion
Inter-American Development Bank lends Ecuador $10 million to further access to financial services in remote parts of the country; central bank to administer the project
Asian Development Bank opens office in Myanmar
Asian Development Bank furthers "re-engagement" with Myanmar by opening an office; alternate executive director from the country also joins ADB board of directors
RBA payments manager discusses challenge of Basel III deadline
Reserve Bank of Australia’s Mark Chambers says countries are struggling to implement Basel III framework in time; highlights obstacles facing Australian policy-makers in introducing regulations
Estonian growth recovery 'relies' on eurozone governments' action
Estimates for Estonian growth rely on eurozone governments acting to ease the ongoing uncertainty, says central bank economist Kaspar Oja; domestic demand stays strong nevertheless
Central Bank of Chile paper identifies causes of sudden capital flows
Working paper assesses factors leading to sudden surges of capital in and out of economies; finds the majority of cases are driven primarily by changes in debt flows
IMF paper finds evidence in favour of ‘Chicago Plan’
Researchers analyse benefits of requiring 100% reserve backing of bank deposits and lending financed by retained earnings; argue evidence supports four major advantages of plan
ECB paper warns of capital control externalities
Working paper examines spillover from tax on capital inflows into Brazil; identifies significant direct impact amplified by signalling effects
Bank of Botswana issues warning over counterfeit notes
Photocopies of 200 pula banknotes discovered; central bank urges public to report suspicious currency to the police
Portfolio theory vindicated by crisis, says Markowitz
Nobel prize-winner defends his work on portfolio theory, which critics claim has been discredited by the crisis