Financial Stability
SPB to stimulate debit card use in Brazil
BRAZIL - Brazil's inter-bank settlement program (SPB) is expected to cause a rise in debit card use and a corresponding decrease in check use due to high pre-funding fees, Bradesco technology director Osmar Roncolato Pinho told participants of a…
Reserve Bank of Australia Media Release
MEDIA RELEASE - Reform of credit card schemes in Australia, 18 March.
Cash transfers to be possible by Visa card
UK - European consumers will be able to transfer money directly between each other's Visa credit and debit cards by the autumn under plans by the card-processing network.
Korea to export currency for world cup period
SOUTH KOREA - The Bank of Korea (BOK) today said that domestic lenders will export 50 billion won (US$37.82 million) worth of the country's money abroad to facilitate currency exchange for foreigners who will visit Korea during the FIFA World Cup period.
China's c bank in battle over payment settlement
CHINA - Credit-card companies are fighting for a slice of multi-billion-dollar revenues which could be earned by providing their international networks to settle transactions made on the mainland.
Czech Senate pass amended Banks Act, Payments Act
CZECH REPUBLIC - The Senate on Wednesday passed the amended Banks Act abolishing the possibility of anonymous deposits, among other things.
10 won coins to become less visible
SOUTH KOREA - The Bank of Korea (BOK) said on Tuesday that fewer 10 won coins will be available in the Korean market this year.
Credit card advantages overlooked, RBA told
AUSTRALIA - Two leading banking industry consultants have criticised planned reforms of Australia's credit card industry.
Bulgarian c bank launch redesigned website 15 Mar
BULGARIA - Bulgarian Central Bank (BNB) will launch its redesigned website on 15 March.
Colombia central bank launches new COP1,000 bill
COLOMBIA - Colombia's central bank on Tuesday launched a new 1,000 peso bill ($1=2271.50) to complement the coins of that denomination in circulation already.
Banks shun online sales pitch
UK - Britain's banks and building societies are turning away from the web in their search for new customers.
Federal Reserve Board Currency and Coin
REPORT - Payment Systems, 2001 data for currency and coin, 28 February.
HKMA Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) Systems in Hong Kong and Reuters Dealing 3000.
Fake note scam hits 50 shops
IRELAND - Forged euro notes were handed in to 50 Irish businesses last week, it emerged yesterday.
CBA hits Reserve, playing "social policy" on cards
AUSTRALIA - On Thursday Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) attacked the Reserve Bank over its proposed credit card reforms.
Russia finishes real-time payment system
RUSSIA - According to Tatyana Paramonova, first deputy chairwoman of the Central Bank of Russia, the real-time payment system is 80% complete in Russia.
BOK to introduce cyber credit card in October
SOUTH KOREA - The Bank of Korea (BOK) is moving to introduce an online cyber credit card which will be available in October this year.
France bids tearless farewell to franc
FEATURE - After 650 years of history, the franc disappears this weekend with about as much ceremony as the muttered address at the funeral of a forgotten relative.
Crucial factors for online banking
MALAYSIA - In order to provide Internet or online banking, banks operating in Malaysia are required by Bank Negara (BNM) to employ the services of a well mandated or a trusted security system.
Speech by Jurgen Stark of the Bundesbank, 13 Feb
SPEECH - The speech was given on the presentation of the report "IT innovations and financing patterns: Implications for the financial system". The report was prepared by a Working Group of the Committee on the Global Financial System (CGFS) composed of…
Vietnam c bank governor has no bank account-media
VIETNAM - Vietnam's central bank Governor Le Duc Thuy, who is leading a campaign to reduce the country's reliance on cash transactions, has admitted he does not have a credit card, or a personal bank account.
Australian Reserve Bank's credit-card plan slated
AUSTRALIA - MasterCard said it will consider scaling back its Australian operations if the central bank proceeds with its plan to cut credit-card fees and open the credit-card system to new participants.
Gay online bank shuts down
US - The first online bank aimed at the gay and lesbian community in the US is to close after admitting it could not make a profit in the current economic climate.
Speech by Villy Bergstrom of the Sveriges Riksbank
SPEECH - In the speech given 11 February Bergstrom said capital market regulation and the idea of a levy on speculative foreign exchange transactions, a "Tobin tax", may gain favour among politicians after a decade of currency crises.