South African Reserve Bank (Sarb)
End of ‘hiking cycle’ has been reached – Sarb’s Kganyago
South African Reserve Bank publishes improved inflation forecast as the MPC votes to leave interest rates at 7%; uncertainty around the exchange rate is still a concern
London financial sector likely to ‘lose prominence’ following Brexit, says Sarb bulletin
South Africa to watch developments in London closely following Brexit vote, as domestic banks decrease exposures to the UK
Sarb shares back on sale after long legal battle
Central bank’s lawyers have been grappling with activist investors since before the global crisis; court victory allows Sarb to put shares on sale
Sarb’s Mminele concerned about ‘geopolitical risks’
Anti-globalisation and protectionist rhetoric are at the top of the deputy’s list when it comes to risks to the South African economy this year; Brexit negotiations also a concern
Technology provider of the year (risk management): Calypso Technology
Calypso scored several prestigious client wins in Denmark, France, South Africa and Spain by tailoring its platform to the needs of central banks
Some G20 initiatives have harmed EMs, says Mminele
Reforms have led to G-Sibs reassessing their business models, leading to a rise in de-risking, says Sarb deputy; Africa is seeing a “pronounced decline” in correspondent banking
Sarb deputy says G20 is ‘running the risk’ of being seen as inactive
Mminele says international leaders should intensify their “communication”, to foster inclusive globalisation; protectionist policies will not work in the current landscape, he says
Protectionist ‘threats’ from US could harm emerging markets – Kganyago
International concerns high on Sarb’s list at latest MPC discussion; uncertainty surrounding US economic policy leads to revision of headline inflation forecast
Sarb fines two major commercial banks for AML breaches
“Administrative sanctions” placed on Societe Generale Johannesburg branch and Absa Bank after staff found “weaknesses” in AML and terrorist-financing control measures
Kganyago warns of ‘importing structural instability’
Sarb governor highlights impact of global banking regulation on South African economy, as Barclays prepares to pull out of the continent
Kganyago says low point for growth has ‘passed’
The Sarb governor says inflation is “uncomfortably close” to the upper end of the target range; the monetary policy committee unanimously votes to keep rates on hold
Sarb offers insight into its macro-prudential toolkit
Central bank begins to outline macro-prudential tools needed to enforce financial stability mandate, seeking comment on appropriate instruments
People: Sarb reappoints deputy for second term; Central Bank of Kenya looking to replace board
South African Reserve Bank appoints Francois Groepe to serve another term; parliament has approved five new members to the Central Bank of Kenya board, but formal process not yet complete; and more
Sarb governor underlines bank’s operational independence
The government cannot ‘dictate’ interest rate policy, governor Kganyago says, emphasising the South African Reserve Bank can implement ‘appropriate policy’ without political interference
Sarb establishes anonymous whistleblowing hotline
New external hotline provides facility for the public to report misconduct to the central bank
Emerging markets primed for Fed rate hike, central bank panel says
Emerging market central bankers say improved communication from the Fed has helped them to prepare for future normalisation; central banks have adopted a range of policies to absorb forex shocks
Fall in inflation only ‘temporary’ – Sarb governor
Positive factors underlying inflation decrease may not be here to stay, says Kganyago, emphasising a continued rise in inflation could threaten long-run growth
Don’t underestimate East Africa’s potential, says Sarb deputy
Eastern region of the continent benefitting from slower inflation and improved regulatory regime, Mminele says; “strict” fiscal discipline must be applied throughout the region
Factors behind weak growth in advanced economies do not apply to South Africa – Sarb deputy
Mminele says 2008 recession did not create savings glut in South Africa, suggesting other factors such as a shortage of skills are responsible
Sarb governor fends off political criticism
Central bank would co-operate should inquiry into supervision powers be launched; monetary policy committee leaves rate on hold with the prospect of an end to the hiking cycle nearing
Kganyago justifies Sarb’s response to ‘troubling mix’ of issues
Sarb governor says the public should be “satisfied” but not “happy” with the current economic outlook, given that monetary policy has only offset some of the problems causing high inflation
Bundesbank places first representative in Africa
South Africa is “fertile ground” for investment, says Andreas Dombret; Jenny Kilp to be placed in Pretoria to help foster projects between Sarb and Bundesbank
Tightening policy during slowdown is not ideal, but necessary – Sarb governor
More fiscal or monetary stimulus will not generate growth in South Africa, says Kganyago, who instead stresses inflation outcomes need to be lowered
Sarb governor stresses need for cooperative approach against cyber risk
New legislation will give central bank power over financial stability; now is the time for financial industry to become “proactive” in fostering “healthier” cyber culture, says Kganyago