Africa
Quarter of central banks have government reps on MPC
Only one such committee publishes policy-makers’ votes
Half of central banks offer no forward guidance
MPCs that meet at above-average frequency less likely to observe blackout period
MPCs with more frequent meetings tend to be more transparent
Just under three-tenths of central banks publish current level of r-star
Geopolitics and supply shocks top monetary policy risks outlook
Risk factors vary by nominal anchors and geographical regions
Committees of exchange rate targeting central banks meet most often
Inflation targeters have the average highest number of committee members
Targeted liquidity facilities decline year on year
Lending to small businesses and other goals are top criteria for access
‘Ghana is back’, says central bank governor
Johnson Asiama speaks on gold programme, sterilisation and tight monetary policy
Central banks’ asset purchase programmes thin out further
One in five inflation targeters still use scheme, but most plan to taper purchases
Most monetary policy units sufficiently resourced
Macroeconomic analysis and research duties are officials’ top functions
Monetary policy staff annual pay rises year on year
Divisional budget averages less than $10 million a year
Kenya passes law establishing crypto supervisory regime
Bill, awaiting president’s signature, will grant central bank authority to license virtual asset issuers
Middle income monetary policy teams comprise more junior staff
Monetary policy FTE employees average nearly 40 individuals across central banks
Chief risk officers: a critical function or a distraction for central banks?
Institutions are divided on whether the role is needed, but it is becoming more common
EMs can adopt higher inflation targets – BoE Bulletin
Authors say more elevated goals reflect economies’ faster growth and susceptibility to supply shocks
Bank of Mauritius appoints its first female governor
Bank hopes to put turmoil behind it with appointment of IMF economist Priscilla Muthoora Thakoor
Nigeria lowers rates after three-year hiking cycle
Central bank says disinflation gives it room for cuts to support economic recovery
World Bank Ramp membership stronger among smaller teams
Share of central banks participating in network rises year on year
People: Head of Bank of Mauritius to step down
Plus: Ethiopia appoints governor and EBA chair announces departure
Central banks on average intervened in FX markets 21 times in past year
Minority of respondents expanded access to swap lines
Sarb pauses easing cycle as inflation ticks up
Bank cautiously optimistic about growth, but wary of expectations becoming unanchored
Majority of reserve management strategies unchanged by US tariffs
Some central banks have changed duration or currencies, but for most, business remains as usual
Bank of Ghana makes higher-than-expected rate cut
Central bank strikes bullish tone over prospects for economic growth and reduction in inflation
Securities lending banks engage external managers for new assets
Allocation to third parties rises year on year to 15.6% on average
Investment remains largest tranche of most FX reserves
Asset-screening central banks more likely to operate other tranches