Central Banks
Paul Volcker on inflation, QE exit and monetary system flaws
Paul Volcker speaks with Robert Pringle about his experiences in defeating inflation, responses to the current financial crisis, QE exit and flawed discipline in the international monetary system.
A new wave for polymer banknotes
Does the Bank of England’s move to introduce substrate banknotes represent a ‘tipping point’ for polymer currency? By Tristan Carlyle.
Finance and the Holy See: creating a central bank
The Vatican is setting up a ‘central bank’ as part of an overhaul of its finances. Isabella Bufacchi and Carlo Marroni examine the options available to the the Holy See.
ECB's Mario Draghi faces ongoing German ‘angst’
ECB president to face further German resistance on interest rates, banking union and OMTs – with Germany’s constitutional court ruling likely more problematic than some observers believe.
Central bank support for CCPs and TRs
The wider use of central counterparties and trade repositories may pose challenges for central banks. Carlos León, Clara Machado and Ricardo Mariño explain the tactics central banks are adopting.
The case for hedging reserves portfolios with futures contracts
Central banks may still be able to hedge their bond and money market portfolios against rises in interest rates. Elisa Vilorio makes a case for using interest rate futures.
FSB issues peer review on ‘uneven' progress to end credit ratings reliance
Basel-based Financial Stability Board says its members must not replace mechanistic reliance on credit rating agencies with an equally narrow substitute
Kohn compares UK and US macro-prudential experience
The former Fed vice-chair and member of the BoE's financial policy committee says any arrangement needs central bank in 'major role'
Constâncio calls for centralised deposit insurance scheme
European Central Bank’s Vítor Constâncio welcomes legislators deal on deposit guarantees but insists they are ‘only a little part’ of what is necessary
BoE's new international head among senior appointments expected this month
The Bank of England has three weeks to fill seven senior positions as part of a structural overhaul that goes live on June 1
New Zealand securities settlement system could go private
Reserve Bank of New Zealand issues public consultation on future of two major settlement systems; NZClear could be separated from Esas and moved into private sector
New York Fed launches ‘more engaging’ website
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York leads a host of central banks overhauling their websites; redesign features new emphasis on social media
Turkey’s pursuit of output-based models
The Central Bank of Turkey has shifted from using input-based approaches to output-oriented models for budgeting purposes in a bid to optimise its use of public resources. By Eyup Kahveci.
Book notes: The Map and the Territory: Risk, Human Nature and the Future of Forecasting
The Map and the Territory is an enigmatic title for a book written by a former chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan.
Book notes: Reflections on Global Finance: Selected Essays from SSgA’s Official Institutions Group 2002–2013
Articles and essays addressed to official sector clients of State Street Global Advisors’ official institutions group (SSgA OIG).
Book notes: Fragile by Design: The Political Origins of Banking Crises and Scarce Credit
Markets for goods and labour depend vitally on the institutions that underpin them, say Charles Calomiris and Stephen Haber
Book notes: Saving the City: The Great Financial Crisis of 1914
A fascinating, brilliant and superbly researched analysis of these events and the lessons they have for us.
FOMC's Lockhart expects rate hike in second half of 2015
Atlanta Fed president believes QE will be 'completely phased out' by the end of 2014, but cautions it may take months to determine whether the US is on a 'sustained growth path'
RBA says low rates appropriate for 'some time yet'
The Reserve Bank of Australia sees evidence of the effects of 'substantial' monetary stimulus, but also says economy continues to face 'significant headwinds'
Cyprus finance ministry to publish SWF framework this year
Cypriot finance minister Harris Georgiades says he will finalise plans for a sovereign wealth fund this year, but monetising the country’s gas deposits remains a distant prospect