News
Russia and Belarus agree on currency policy
The National Bank of Belarus and the Central Bank of Russia have approved a draft agreement between the governments and central banks of the two countries on common principles of currency regulation and control.
Hungary to delay Euro adoption to 2010
Hungary's new Finance Minister Tibor Draskovics was quoted as saying that the country will probably postpone the adoption of the Euro to 2010 from 2008 because of high inflation and budget deficits.
Finland versus the ECB (continued)
Despite a climb down by the Finnish finance ministry on a move to seize almost €750m of Suomen Pankki's capital, the ECB is still far from happy with the ministry's final proposal for a new Bank of Finland act. It argues that the proposal still…
Padoa-Schioppa: Lower rates would not boost growth
ECB executive board member Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa was quoted in an interview as saying that the central bank's current monetary policy can't be blamed for slow growth in the eurozone and lower interest rates are not the answer.
NBS to oppose review of Udovicki's election
The National Bank of Serbia (NBS) said in a statement on Saturday 14 February that it opposes a planned parliamentary review of NBS governor Kori Udovicki's election.
Prizewinning designs for the ECB's new premises
An international jury chaired by the ECB's Vice-President Lucas Papademos on 13 February chose the three winning designs in the architectural design competition for the new ECB premises in Frankfurt.
Bhutan to launch automated teller machines
The Bhutan National Bank, a commercial bank, will start operating an ATM facility from March this year. Software problems had delayed the introduction of the machines but these have now been solved.
EU considers changes to ECB board rules
European Union finance ministers are pondering establishing rules for the selection of ECB board members to avoid lobbying between countries, an EU diplomat said on Sunday 15 February.
Bundesbank says eurozone not hurt by weak dollar
The Bundesbank said on Monday 16 February that economic recovery in the eurozone has not been harmed by the weak dollar, with increasing global demand more than compensating for it.
Six EU PMs call for respect of Pact
Six European prime ministers including those from Italy, Spain and the Netherlands have called for the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact to be applied "without discrimination".
Central bank to cut 300 staff in Ecuador
The Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE) is to reduce its staff numbers by 28% to 777 as part of a cost cutting plan. The move brings the BCE into line with IMF recommendations and follows criticism of its high wage bill.
Bank of Canada mourns former Governor Bouey
Gerald Bouey, Governor of the Bank of Canada from 1973 to 1987, died on 6 February. In a statement David Dodge expressed sadness at the passing of a great friend.
New York Fed names Christine Cumming First VP
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York named Christine Cumming, a 24 year veteran of the Bank, as its new first vice president on Monday (9 Feb). Timothy Geithner said that her fine judgement and intellectual contribution to the bank is impressive.
Former Riksbank governor founds EU-sceptic party
Former governor of the Sveriges Riksbank Lars Wohlin has become a co-founder of a new EU-sceptical party, which plans to contest European Parliament elections in June.
Sweden's central bank gets a chief press officer
The Sveriges Riskbank has created a new job at the world's oldest central bank. Jorgen Eklund will become the chief press officer as the Bank's external communications "have increased in scope" the Riksbank said.
Speculation on Barker's replacement at BoE
Kate Barker's term on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is due to end in May. While she could be reappointed, a few names have been aired as potential successors.
Music fit for a King
We hear that Mervyn King prepared himself for the cut and thrust of the Bank of England's recent MPC meeting with an evening in London's Royal Festival Hall, listening to Shostakovich's fifth symphony.
A plot to discredit Zimbabwe's Gono?
A plot to discredit Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono has been unearthed and there are behind-the-scenes plans to cause his downfall, according to reports.
Serbia's Udovicki 'ready to resign'
The governor of the National Bank of Serbia, Kori Udovicki, has repeated that she is ready to quit if it will help facilitate a change of management at the bank.
Fed says central banks keep buying US debt
Holdings of US government debt held by foreign central banks hit a new record high, the Federal Reserve said on Thursday 12 February. The Fed said it was partly due to the Bank of Japan's heavy intervention in the markets.
US and China plan currency talks
Officials from the US Treasury will visit China in the next couple of weeks to discuss the renminbi and how China could increase flexibility in its exchange rate system.
RBI's Reddy sees better than expected growth
Reserve Bank of India Governor YV Reddy said on Thursday 12 February that he expects Asia's third-largest economy to grow strongly this year and next.
Russia, Belarus interbank currency board meets
The Interbank currency board of Russia and Belarus was due to meet in Vladimir on Friday 13 February to discuss relations between the two countries regarding the introduction of the single currency and common monetary policy.
Sri Lanka's settlement systems implemented
LogicaCMG has announced that it has successfully implemented the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System and the Scripless Securities Settlement (SSS) System for the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).