Middle East
The allure of private markets
SWFs have piled into the asset class while reserve managers remain wary
Currency round-up: Ukraine issues war anniversary note
Caymans redesigning banknotes; Travelex expands wholesale business; and more
Rates round-up: Zimbabwe cuts policy rate to 150%
Azerbaijan raises rates 25bp; Qatar bucks Gulf trend; and more
Sanctions fear drives surge in central bank gold purchases
China, Turkey and India are largest declared buyers, while Russia probably bought big quantities
Morocco’s Jouahri on inflation, forex reform, digitalisation and sustainability
BAM governor speaks about Covid-19, Fed tightening, BIS membership, regional co-operation and inclusion
Gulf central banks increase rates in line with Fed
Five banks raise rates 75bp, while Kuwait orders 25bp increase due to different currency peg
Communications Benchmarks 2022 – executive summary
Key findings of the 2022 report, including the ongoing shift to social media and the impact of Covid-19
Global markets: HSBC
Bank’s long-term commitment to clients and wide range of expertise shone in aftermath of pandemic
Saudi Arabia gives $3 billion to Egyptian central bank
Donation is pandemic aid, and follows similar deposit with Pakistan central bank
People: Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund gets new managing director
Korean president nominates head of financial supervisor and EBRD gets new corporate strategy chief
Governance Benchmarks 2021 report – the frameworks that rule central banks
Benchmarking data offers insights on appointments, legal structures, powers, independence and more
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…
Bahrain accuses Iranian central bank of money laundering
Prosecutors allege Iranian officials were involved in laundering around $1.3 billion to dodge sanctions
Iran governor registers for presidential run
Hemmati one of nearly 600 candidates for June vote who now face screening from Guardian Council
Bahrain launches new cross-border payment pilot
Central banks plans to scale up system to handle CBDC transactions
UAE’s central bank connects RTGS system to Swift tool
New initiative allows participants to monitor progress of transactions in real time
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
Large economy central banks more likely to employ CTO
Slight majority of central banks employ CTO, but differences are clearer when sorted by GDP
Initiative of the year: Saudi Central Bank’s business continuity programme
Advanced planning allowed Sama employees and systems to continue operating critical functions despite Covid-19 lockdowns
Saudi Arabia to launch instant payment system in days
New system will go live following successful pilot with Saudi banks – Sama
Few central banks forecast policy rates
Economics Benchmarks 2020 highlights wide variation in variables forecast by central banks
Saudis and UAE say shared CBDC is technically possible
“Project Aber” shows DLT can be used to upgrade cross-border payments, central banks say
Lower public spending holding back Middle East and Central Asia
Efficient and targeted investments require comprehensive data, says IMF paper
Oman launches first denomination in new banknote series
New series incorporates improved security features and elements for the visually impaired