News
People’s Bank of China makes growth top priority
Latest quarterly report on monetary policy puts growth of the economy at the heart of the central bank’s efforts; recent statistics show continuing slowdown in world’s second largest economy
Serbian governor quits as government faces pressure over new law
Dejan Šoškić resigns as governor of the National Bank of Serbia; IMF and European Commission blast government plans to amend central bank law
Fischer calls for Israeli government action on deficit
Bank of Israel governor says government’s decision to increase its fiscal deficit instead of raising taxes will hurt future generations; impact will be most acute should eurozone fragment
IMF urges US policy-makers to take action against fiscal cliff
Conclusions of IMF Article IV consultation with US highlight risks from fiscal cliff and debt ceiling; calls on policy-makers to strike deal at ‘delicate juncture’ for world economy
Draghi says ECB ready to make further bond purchases
ECB president says central bank is prepared to intervene in sovereign bond markets to prop up ailing eurozone economies; ECB holds rates, as does Bank of England
Reserve Bank of Fiji grapples with credit card surcharge decision
Fijian central bank looks to Australian experience of updating rules regarding credit card surcharges; weighs up benefits of allowing additional charges ahead of final decision this month
Bank of Korea reveals July gold purchase
Korea adds hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of gold to reserves in July; FX reserves swell by $1.97 billion to $314.35 billion
PBoC, BoJ and Bank of Korea governors meet in China
Central bank governors meet to discuss economic and financial issues in the three countries; yearly meeting held as part of efforts to strengthen co-operation and communication
Ghana central bank governor nominated as vice-president
Kwesi Amissah-Arthur is put forward by current president of Ghana to become vice-president; choice of current central bank head could call institution’s independence into question
UK Funding for Lending Scheme opens
Bank of England and UK Treasury’s Funding for Lending Scheme window opens to UK banks and building societies; institutions have 18 months to borrow cheaply under the arrangement
Brazil updates 10 and 20 real banknotes
Central Bank of Brazil releases latest new notes into circulation; total overhaul of currency underway to incorporate advanced security features
Central Bank of Barbados launches charity coin collection
Public encouraged to hand in one cent coin collections; all proceeds will be donated to the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association to go towards building a day care centre
Swiss National Bank posts profit in first half of year
Latest figures show central bank made a profit in first half of the year; majority of gains come from holdings of foreign currency purchased to maintain minimum exchange rate against euro
Thailand reports improved economic conditions
Senior director of macroeconomic and monetary policy department notes overall better conditions in second quarter of 2012; European debt crisis has caused problems for export market nonetheless
India holds rates as growth expectation falls
Reserve Bank of India releases First Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2012–13; holds rates, lowers growth prediction and raises inflation projection
FMI resolution report published for consultation
CPSS and Iosco seek comments on new standards for recovery and resolution of financial market infrastructures; discuss how FSB’s work on resolution regimes will be taken into account
Ex-UK MPC members discuss future of eurozone
Panellists at event in London say euro will survive but with a smaller group of countries; argue UK is in dangerous position to respond to eurozone collapse
Fed reveals final rules for fraud prevention adjustments
Rules released permitting debit card issuers to receive an adjustment for fraud prevention; maintains cap of one cent a transaction but simplifies requirements
Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina reports drop in counterfeits
Figures show 76% drop in counterfeits recovered in Bosnia and Herzegovina; new banknotes with improved security features hailed for large reduction in fake currency seized compared to last year
Asia CCPs unlikely to fully comply with Iosco before end-of-2012 deadline
New levels of complexity and ongoing regulatory framework discussions mean full compliance with Iosco’s new principles is unlikely before the January 1, 2013 deadline
Bank of Namibia ‘inundated’ with scam complaints
Central bank worried by reports of a number of suspicious business offers; cautions members of the public to avoid any schemes that appear to be in contravention of the Banking Institutions Act
Ukrainians encouraged to hold savings in national currency
Director of National Bank of Ukraine’s Monetary Policy Department promotes hryvnia for savings purposes; tells public currency is sound and highlights uncertainty surrounding other currencies
IMF calls for further action to repair Spanish economy
Article IV report praises ‘major policy actions’ by Spanish government, but says further efforts must be made; Fund also encourages progression of European measures
Kosovan central bank launches sting operation on unlicensed financial institutions
Two locations investigated for conducting unlicensed financial activity; materials and equipment seized after fast-moving process