People

Spain enters race for ECB seat

Spain has entered the frame proposing a candidate for a place on the governing council of the European Central Bank against both Ireland and Belgium, who have already thrown their hats into the ring.

Gerashchenko lashes Russian central bank

Former Russian Central Bank Chairman Viktor Gerashchenko has said he would sack the current management of the bank if he could. Appearing on Russian breakfast TV he said they did many things wrong because they are non-professionals.

Bill McDonough to get FPA gong

William McDonough, chairman of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and former president of the New York Fed will be awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal next week.

RBI staff strike over strike ban

Around a million workers of state-run Indian banks including the Reserve Bank of India went on strike Tuesday 24 February to protest against a Supreme Court decision prohibiting government employees from going on strikes.

'Toshihiko Goldilocks' world's top central banker

According to The Economist this week, Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui is the world's best central banker. Fukui was prised for steering monetary policy in the right direction while his counterparts at the ECB and Fed came in for criticism.

Udovicki's future at NBS still in balance

The Serbian Parliament began a debate on proposed changes to legislation on presidential elections on Thursday (19 Feb). Parliament completed debate on the appointment of the National Bank governor but has yet to put it to a vote.

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.

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.

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.

Brash fires Maori MP who criticised his speech

Last week we reported New Zealand National Party Maori MP Georgina te Heuheu's criticism of "Maori bashing" in a speech made by the party's leader, and former governor of the RBNZ, Don Brash. But Brash defended his speech and this week fired the MP.