Central Banking
Pakistan’s Muktadir lauds mobile payments transition
State Bank of Pakistan deputy governor says uptake of mobile phone and smart card banking is changing the finance landscape in Pakistan
Angolan governor praises inflation targeting
José de Lima Massano says the National Bank of Angola’s inflation targeting policy has brought inflation down to ‘single digit’; says policy helps prick speculative bubbles and encourages investment
Volcker warns of ‘permeable’ Vickers ring fence
Paul Volcker tells a UK parliamentary committee the Vickers ring fence has loopholes that will be widened over time by banks; says bad culture in trading arms ‘infected’ retail banks
Euroclear’s Wicks named as new BBA chairman
Esma and PRA heads endorse appointment of European Securities Regulation ‘wise man’ Nigel Wicks as chairman of the British Bankers’ Association
Policy-makers debate how to restore trust in the financial system
Andrew Tyrie among speakers at BBA conference discussing how to develop greater trust in the financial system, ideas range from greater competition to code of conduct for bankers
Peruvian paper questions role of money in New-Keynesian models
Central Bank of Peru research considers the shortcomings of New-Keynesian models, saying the exclusion of real-money balances is counterintuitive
Japan should encourage female labour participation, says IMF paper
Working paper says higher female labour market participation could deflect demographic pressures in Japan; challenges remain, but good policy can go some way to addressing them
Bank of Israel optimistic on economic activity
A report on economic developments in Israel shows growth has continued at a moderate pace, increasing in the second quarter of the year, as other indicators paint a positive picture for future economic activity
Macao annual report sees ‘opportunity in crisis’
Monetary Authority of Macao annual report reveals drop in growth and climb in inflation; central bank chairman praises bank supervision developments
BoE’s Tucker says FCA may have to intervene to correct accounting failures
Paul Tucker says difference in market and banks’ asset valuations may require intervention by the Financial Conduct Authority; praises bail-ins as method of imposing discipline
BoE behind UK move to cut bank capital requirements
Bank of England’s interim Financial Policy Committee ordered a temporary easing of Pillar II bank capital buffers for British banks last month
Seychelles switches to new funds transfer system
Central Bank of Seychelles plans to introduce a new domestic electronic funds transfer system and will 'phase out' the existing Swift communication protocol; core banking system explained
Fed’s Dudley says FOMC policy actions were justified
New York Fed president William Dudley defends asset purchases from critics. But market response to QE remains muted
Ireland’s Muldoon demands leadership from banks
Central Bank of Ireland director Fiona Muldoon says the country’s banks must show greater leadership, courage and hard work
UK’s Wheatley outlines steps toward new regulator
Chief executive-designate of the UK’s new Financial Conduct Authority outlines regulatory vision; new body to be created in 2013 as one half of ‘twin peaks’ approach
Indian government appoints new director to RBI board
Engineering professor at the Indian Institute of Technology nominated to Reserve Bank of India’s board of directors; replaces Shashi Rajagopalan, who died in August 2011
Chile paper investigates CDS and sovereign bond transmission channel
Central Bank of Chile research studies the impact of widening CDS spreads on the sovereign bond market; finds different reactions among ‘normal' and ‘safe-haven' countries
Finland paper reviews major currency blocs
Bank of Finland study appraising the euro and the US dollar currency blocs says, in equilibrium, the euro bloc would be larger than at present
Canada’s Carney wants an end to ‘global angst’
Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney says quick and bold action needed to end uncertainty restraining economic growth
Robert Pringle’s Viewpoint: Fixing banks and regulation
Central bank balance sheets are ballooning due to the failure of banking systems and new rules are unlikely to address the issue. Only a full legal separation of banking activities will do.
Shirakawa proposes tackling financial stability as a ‘public good problem’
Bank of Japan governor, Masaaki Shirakawa, says an optimal solution to create the conditions needed for financial stability could be achieved by reviewing the challenge as a ‘public good problem’
Bernanke plays down emerging market impact of QE
Fed chairman says negative impact of quantitative easing on emerging markets is offset by a stronger US economy. But countries such as Brazil have had to take action to protect their currencies
Bank of Canada grandees pay tribute to James Coyne
Incumbent and retired Bank of Canada governors pay tribute to James Coyne, an early crusader for price stability and central bank operational independence, who died on October 12
Lacker explains dissenting votes
Jeffrey Lacker, president of the Richmond Fed, explains his dissenting votes during past six FOMC meetings; warns of misinterpretation