World Bank
The Belt and Road Initiative 2021 Survey – The impact of Covid‑19 on the BRI
The fourth annual Belt and Road Initiative survey reveals that the Covid‑19 pandemic has disrupted many projects despite China remaining committed to financing the initiative, which is expected to support future economic growth and environmental…
Myanmar suffering slow-motion bank run, reports say
Central bank struggles to supply cash and defend currency amid post-coup turmoil
Zhang Tao on the IMF’s fintech agenda, CBDCs and big tech oversight
IMF deputy managing director speaks about the fund’s perspectives on CBDC operating frameworks, regulating big tech and macrofinancial oversight in a digital world
Emerging-market central banks lead on women’s empowerment
EME central banks have more women at staff level and in senior positions, but there are deep disparities worldwide, with childcare availability appearing to be a major cause
IMF climate dashboard reveals pattern of vulnerabilities
Data ranges from frequency of natural disasters to carbon intensity of lending
People: Erdoğan fires deputy governor
IMF hires new finance director; new deputy governors at Nepal central bank; and more
Central Banking Awards 2021: winners in full
Winners in 2021 include the Federal Reserve, Alejandro Díaz de León and Charles Goodhart
Central Banking Awards 2021: first winners unveiled
First tranche of awards announced for governor, reserves management, green finance and more
Innovation in reserve management: World Bank Treasury/ANZ Bank
The pair developed a Swift-based messaging app to manage faster and safer cash operations for central bank members of Ramp at the height of the pandemic
Corporate Services Benchmarks 2021 report – trends in financial reporting and administration
Insights on staffing and salaries, technological automation, data security, rule compliance, gender equality and green office spaces in accounting, audit, HR and administration
People: Former Bank of Tanzania governor dies
Fed appoints chief innovation officer; World Bank names new head of International Finance Corporation; and more
Book notes: Asset management at central banks and monetary authorities, edited by Jacob Bjorheim
This excellent book fills a critical gap existing since IMF guidelines on asset management were revised
Is the integrity of Afghanistan’s central bank under threat?
Acting governor fires key staff and is accused of undoing reforms, while World Bank appears ready to suspend funds; administration and other donors show few signs of learning from Kabul Bank scandal
Monetary unions in the making in Africa
EAC, Ecowas and SADC can adopt practical steps learned from EMU to prepare for their own currency unions
Jim Wolfensohn, 1933–2020
David Malpass leads tributes, saying former World Bank chief “transformed” the way it did business
G20 agrees ‘common framework’ on debt relief
Leaders welcome decision, but criticise private sector for failure to act
How can central banks secure the future of money?
Central banks should start tackling the accounting, legal and policy challenges related to CBDC. This work will shape the future of money, as could be witnessed in Albania
Zambia prepares for debt default
Talks on payment freeze fail as G20 prepares to debate further debt relief
IMF postpones 2021 annual meeting in Morocco
Meeting will go ahead in Washington, DC, instead, with new Marrakesh date scheduled for 2022
Georgia’s Gvenetadze on implementing an aggressive reform agenda
The National Bank of Georgia governor speaks about efforts to improve monetary policy, financial infrastructure, financial literacy, transparency and ESG
G20 delays decision on poor countries’ debt relief
International efforts have been “unambitious, unco-ordinated and uneven” – prominent economists
Marshall Islands readies to make waves in digital currency
Island nation ready to issue blockchain-based national currency if its new government gives the go-ahead, chairman of foundation says
IMF staff warn ‘exceptional’ demand for funds likely to continue
Executive directors agree to extend debt relief and higher borrowing limits, but further support relies on political backing
Reserve Benchmarks 2020 report – charting new data frontiers
Perspectives on staffing and salaries, reserve coverage, portfolio construction, benchmarking, use of external parties and risk management