Central Banking
Financial crises raise transmission of US spillovers to Latin America – paper
Central Bank of Colombia paper shows Brazil is a “net transmitter” of volatility; transmission of spillovers increases in times of political and financial uncertainty
Belize governor worried about threat posed by ‘de-risking’
Regulators not fully taking note of uncertainty around regulation implementation; Caribbean region growth and financial stability “threatened” by pullback of global banks, governor says
People: Butler to stay on permanently at UK bank regulator; Poloz gets new adviser
Megan Butler extends contract at Financial Conduct Authority, taking up a permanent role as head of supervision; Sheryl King appointed new adviser to the governor at the Bank of Canada; and more
Somalian central bank gains support from IMF and World Bank
Central Bank of Somalia is backed by international financial institutions in its efforts to upgrade its technical capacities, and improve supervision of its banks and money-transfer businesses
Structural funding ratios could have helped detect failing banks – BoE working paper
Bank of England working paper reveals structural funding ratios could have helped detect which banks were likely to fail in the 2008 crisis; wholesale funding structures most prone to failure
Bank of Italy puts archive of annual reports online
Central bank includes all annual reports dating back to 1895, giving insights into many periods of instability over the last century
Cyber security tops agenda as Bangladesh heist report completed
Asian FSB members focus on improved cyber security, as committee investigating Bangladesh Bank heist submits its final report, with hints insiders at the central bank could be implicated
IMF approves larger credit line to Mexico
Fund expands flexible credit line arrangement to $88 billion; confident Mexico's policies "will remain strong"
Eurobonds could be double-edged sword, researchers say
Banque de France researchers propose a new model of banks’ holdings of own-country sovereign debt; high holdings deter moral hazard but may exacerbate crises, they say
Afghanistan needs to use mobile money better, governor says
Mobile payments cut costs and risk, but take-up is hampered by lack of awareness, confidence and an “all-inclusive ecosystem”, says Sediq
Turkish central bank staff numbers plateau
Annual report shows many years of growth in staff numbers came to an end in 2015, though many roles are vacant
Swift details plan to toughen cyber defences
Five “strategic initiatives” designed to help global financial community better prepare for future attacks, as Swift says it is "clear" the global community will be targeted again
Ukraine closes three further banks, offers reassurances on another
Ukrainian central bank closes down three medium and small commercial banks, while attempting to calm fears over the country's largest bank
Central Bank of Argentina raises reserve requirements
Argentina raises reserve requirements as it continues to fight high inflation; bank will introduce inflation-targeting regime in September
Kohn encourages Chinese efforts on financial stability
Don Kohn, an external member of the Bank of England's FPC, welcomes Chinese work on a framework for macro-prudential regulation, and offers his insight on counterparts in the UK and US
Pursuing stable rates may create instability, Norges Bank paper finds
Preference among central bankers to keep rates at “normal” levels may prove time-inconsistent, researchers warn
Bank of Jamaica lowers inflation target
Jamaica's central bank continues move towards inflation-targeting regime; bank forecasts inflation to fall within new target band by the end of the fiscal year
Olsen wins second term at Norges Bank
Øystein Olsen reappointed for second and final term as Norges Bank governor, seeing off competition from six other applicants, including a former governor of the Central Bank of Iceland
EBA reveals guidelines for first stress tests on deposit guarantee schemes
European deposit guarantee schemes must carry out stress tests including checks on member banks’ customer data, response to stressed conditions and cross-border co-operation
Iran’s Seif details banking sector clean-up operation
Iranian central bank is working to improve the transmission of its monetary policy, stabilise the banking system and bring itself in line with international standards, governor says
Bank of Thailand eases loan restrictions for investment in GMS
Bank of Thailand aims to liberalise banking activities by broadening cross-border banking networks, governor says; central bank relaxing regulations as part of effort
Central bankers hail first phase of global forex code
Central banks say they will adhere to new global code and hold their counterparties to a similar standard, as BIS working group unveils first part of project
Further key decisions loom in Greek negotiations
Major decisions remain in negotiations over bail-out; IMF staff insist on cuts to primary surplus target that have met with opposition; ECB may restore eligibility of Greek bonds as collateral
Philippines central bank reveals counterfeiting arrests
Central bank says it was behind four successful anti-counterfeiting operations in Q1; has the legal authority to make arrests and seize property