Central Banking
Bhutan to launch automated teller machines
The Bhutan National Bank, a commercial bank, will start operating an ATM facility from March this year. Software problems had delayed the introduction of the machines but these have now been solved.
EU considers changes to ECB board rules
European Union finance ministers are pondering establishing rules for the selection of ECB board members to avoid lobbying between countries, an EU diplomat said on Sunday 15 February.
Trichet's testimony before the European Parliament
In testimony before the European Parliament given on 16 February Jean-Claude Trichet of the ECB said recent data have strengthened the ECB's expectation of an economic recovery in the eurozone and made us "more confident" that the recovery began in the…
Forex volatility in EU accession countries
This IMF Working Paper analyses foreign exchange market volatility in four Central European EU accession countries in 2001-2003. It shows that periods of high volatility seem to be cross-correlated for Hungary, Poland and Czech, Slovak Republics. It…
Bundesbank says eurozone not hurt by weak dollar
The Bundesbank said on Monday 16 February that economic recovery in the eurozone has not been harmed by the weak dollar, with increasing global demand more than compensating for it.
Six EU PMs call for respect of Pact
Six European prime ministers including those from Italy, Spain and the Netherlands have called for the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact to be applied "without discrimination".
Central banks share anti-counterfeiting technology
This article looks at the use of anti-counterfeiting technology in software, saying that a group of central banks, including the Bank of Canada, are quietly giving secret anti-counterfeiting technology to computer and software manufacturers in an attempt…
Central bank to cut 300 staff in Ecuador
The Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE) is to reduce its staff numbers by 28% to 777 as part of a cost cutting plan. The move brings the BCE into line with IMF recommendations and follows criticism of its high wage bill.
Bank of Canada mourns former Governor Bouey
Gerald Bouey, Governor of the Bank of Canada from 1973 to 1987, died on 6 February. In a statement David Dodge expressed sadness at the passing of a great friend.
New York Fed names Christine Cumming First VP
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York named Christine Cumming, a 24 year veteran of the Bank, as its new first vice president on Monday (9 Feb). Timothy Geithner said that her fine judgement and intellectual contribution to the bank is impressive.
Former Riksbank governor founds EU-sceptic party
Former governor of the Sveriges Riksbank Lars Wohlin has become a co-founder of a new EU-sceptical party, which plans to contest European Parliament elections in June.
Sweden's central bank gets a chief press officer
The Sveriges Riskbank has created a new job at the world's oldest central bank. Jorgen Eklund will become the chief press officer as the Bank's external communications "have increased in scope" the Riksbank said.
Speculation on Barker's replacement at BoE
Kate Barker's term on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is due to end in May. While she could be reappointed, a few names have been aired as potential successors.
Music fit for a King
We hear that Mervyn King prepared himself for the cut and thrust of the Bank of England's recent MPC meeting with an evening in London's Royal Festival Hall, listening to Shostakovich's fifth symphony.
A plot to discredit Zimbabwe's Gono?
A plot to discredit Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono has been unearthed and there are behind-the-scenes plans to cause his downfall, according to reports.
Serbia's Udovicki 'ready to resign'
The governor of the National Bank of Serbia, Kori Udovicki, has repeated that she is ready to quit if it will help facilitate a change of management at the bank.
Fed says central banks keep buying US debt
Holdings of US government debt held by foreign central banks hit a new record high, the Federal Reserve said on Thursday 12 February. The Fed said it was partly due to the Bank of Japan's heavy intervention in the markets.
US and China plan currency talks
Officials from the US Treasury will visit China in the next couple of weeks to discuss the renminbi and how China could increase flexibility in its exchange rate system.
RBI's Reddy sees better than expected growth
Reserve Bank of India Governor YV Reddy said on Thursday 12 February that he expects Asia's third-largest economy to grow strongly this year and next.
Russia, Belarus interbank currency board meets
The Interbank currency board of Russia and Belarus was due to meet in Vladimir on Friday 13 February to discuss relations between the two countries regarding the introduction of the single currency and common monetary policy.
Sri Lanka's settlement systems implemented
LogicaCMG has announced that it has successfully implemented the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System and the Scripless Securities Settlement (SSS) System for the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).
Changes in Swedish banknote and coin series 2005
In order to reduce the risk of counterfeiting and to facilitate the recognition of genuine banknotes, the Sveriges Riksbank has decided to increase the security details in 50-kronor and 1000-kronor banknotes.
Riksbank reports loss in 2003 Annual Report
Sweden's central bank published its 2003 annual report on 12 February. This reported a loss of SEK 9.3 billion for the year with the krona appreciation in 2003 leading to a loss of SEK 12.5 billion.
Auditors Report on ECB's operational efficiency
The European Central Bank on 12 February published the report by the European Court of Auditors on the operational efficiency of the management of the ECB for 2002, together with the ECB's reply to it.