FMI
Riksbank unveils winner of new banknote design competition
Winner chosen in Riksbank's design competition for new Swedish banknotes; reverse of notes will feature images of geographic landmarks, including the bridge between Sweden and Denmark
ECB calls for comments on payments system security recommendations
Public consultation opens on payments system recommendations from European Forum on the Security of Retail Payments; changes relate to areas of concern regarding internet payments
Bank of Finland research examines link between retail payments and economic growth
Bank of Finland discussion paper highlights the link between increased use of electronic payments systems and economic growth
Kansas Fed Economic Review discusses barriers to mobile payments in US
Kansas Fed’s latest economic review discusses supply- and demand-side issues limiting the use of mobile payments in the US
Bank of Lithuania warns of stained banknotes after ATM theft
Bank of Lithuania advises against accepting banknotes stained with ink; fears raised that such notes could be result of ATM theft in the country
Central Bank of Iran reacts to major debit card security breach
Central Bank of Iran urges debit card users to change personal identification codes after hacker publishes security details of millions of accounts on internet
PBoC decision to widen trading band welcomed
Chinese central bank announces “enlarged” floating band of renminbi trading prices against the US dollar; analysts and IMF welcome decision
Sarb investigation finds low-quality proof Krugerrand coins
Investigation into SA Mint Company uncovers low-quality proof Krugerrand coins may have been casted between April 2011 and May 2011; dealers offered chance to return coins
Reserve Bank of India writes to banks about electronic payments
Indian central bank asks banks to accept electronic transfers for credit to loan accounts, following complaints from customers
Currency floor breach raises questions over SNB policy
The Swiss National Bank should consider enlisting the help of top-tier banks to keep EUR/CHF above 1.20, forex traders suggest
Norges Bank withdraws coin from circulation
Norwegian central bank issues reminder that 50-øre coin will no longer be legal tender after May 1; urges public to spend or exchange the coins ahead of that date
Malaysia announces circulation date for new banknotes
Bank Negara Malaysia reveals new banknotes will enter into circulation in July this year; work being carried out to ensure “smooth transition” in the country
Bank of Lithuania says 90% of population has bank accounts
Banking survey shows high level of participation in the banking sector; central bank to continue “financial education” lessons
RBA's Edey says central banks should take lead on payment systems
Innovation hampered by lack of incentives for individual participants; natural role for central banks in driving innovation in the sector
Central Bank of Myanmar confirms currency float
Central bank announces managed currency float will commence next month; first public statement on exchange rate reform since military government left power last year
Fed director cautious of ‘not fully known’ impacts of mobile banking
Sandra Braunstein testifies to US Senate on 'not fully known' ways the use of mobile devices can affect financial services
Zambia plans to start printing new currency by May
Bank of Zambia announces printing, minting and distribution of new banknotes and coins will be under way by May 2012
Bank of Canada celebrates new $50 note entering circulation
New note is second in series of polymer banknotes for Canada; first to be made available via automated banking machines
Bank of Portugal paper explores optimal capital structure for businesses
Structure of optimal level of debt a key decision for business, says Bank of Portugal working paper
Namibia issues first new banknotes in 19 years
Bank of Namibia releases second issue of banknotes since country attained independence in 1990; new notes incorporate improved security features
China and Australia sign A$30bn currency swap
Australia joins the ranks of central banks with a bilateral currency swap line with China; reflects increased use of renminbi and closer trading ties between the countries
Euro banknotes with Draghi’s signature enter circulation
Mario Draghi's signature appears on circulating euro banknotes as the ECB president expresses faith that situation in Europe is stabilising
National Bank of Ukraine appoints new head of payments systems
Natalia Syniavska takes on role overseeing all payments operations at the Ukrainian central bank
China and Mongolia double currency swap arrangement
Chinese and Mongolian central banks agree supplementary currency swap arrangement that doubles the amount of currency at stake under the deal