China
China’s shadow banking market dominated by banks
BIS researchers map the Chinese shadow banking system and its evolution over time, finding it contrasts with the market-based shadow banking of the US
Renminbi struggles to gain prominence on global stage – Swift
Chinese currency usage only accounted for 1.61% of domestic and cross-border payments in December 2017; digitisation may be the key to currency’s success
Risks to China’s financial sector are growing, ECB paper says
Banks are exposed to rapidly growing shadow banking sector, researchers say
Finnish paper examines 19th century Chinese lending
Loans to officials show how banks can enforce repayment despite hostile legal environment
China tightens scrutiny of outbound investments
Regulators are looking to restrict and control outbound investments
People: US Senate confirms Powell as new Fed chair
PBoC’s Zhou Xiaochuan not included in key advisory body; Buhari set to appoint new deputy governor at CBN
Davos experts weigh risks of future crisis
High debt levels, a rise in real interest rates and China are on the agenda for the panellists, who believe another financial crisis is inevitable
People: PBoC deputy appointed vice-mayor of Beijing
First woman nominated as deputy governor at the Bank of Mexico; Kganyago bags IMF job; Sarb gets new MPC member
Lifetime achievement award: Perng Fai-nan
Pre-emptive financial reforms combined with flexible monetary and forex policies have enabled Taiwan’s veteran governor to provide economic stability, even during turbulent times
Asian central banks crack down on cryptocurrency
Central banks in China, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore all taking action as cryptocurrency prices slump
PBoC releases liquidity ahead of new year celebrations
RRR cut is expected to release liquidity to counter the seasonal tightening around Chinese new year
Bundesbank to begin investing in renminbi
Executive board member says the bank is considering investing in other foreign currencies
PBoC tightens bond trading rules, relaxes renminbi controls
China’s financial regulators continue their efforts to deleverage the economy and promote renminbi internationalisation
‘Decisive’ action needed to deflate China’s credit boom – IMF paper
Lack of reliance on foreign financing, low government debt, and state control help to mitigate effects of credit boom, but buffers should not be relied upon in the long run
Macao turns to facial recognition to fight money laundering
Chinese tourists now have to verify their identities in order to withdraw cash at most ATMs in the casino hub
PBoC ramps up regulations for QR code payments
Transactions made by QR code capped and reserve requirements increased, as PBoC seeks to crack down on payment risks
Credit no longer supporting Chinese growth – research
China’s economy has become “saturated with credit”, argues IMF research paper, with fiscal stimulus primarily boosting manufacturing
IMF warns Chinese banks are undercapitalised
The IMF report highlights the insufficient capital of Chinese banks, conflicting tensions of growth and stability, and the financial system’s complexity
China takes fresh steps to rein in financial sector risk
Five regulators jointly release standardised rules on asset management products
Productivity puzzles and the neutral rate of interest
Monetary policy frameworks should be subjected to internal and external reviews to ensure they remain fit for purpose
Hong Kong seeks mobile wallet capabilities in China
Authorities in drive to ensure Hong Kong mobile phone e-payments work in China; faster payments roll-out due next year but no urgent rush to go cashless, says HKMA official
ECB article warns of possible effects of a Chinese slowdown
Looser Chinese monetary policy in response to problems could have significant effect
PBoC’s Zhou warns of ‘sudden’ contagion risks
Governor continues with tough line on financial imbalances as he prepares to hand the reins to an as-yet-unnamed successor
Xi faces macroeconomic dilemma after China’s party congress
The Chinese premier will have to work hard to avoid a 'Minsky moment', says Hui Feng